Catholic Education Week Award Recipients

Congratulations

Congratulations to those staff members recognised for their 20+ Years Service to Catholic Education as part of this weeks celebrations and our 2020 Year 12 Graduate, Ashley Beley, on being awarded an Elizabeth Hunt Bursary which supports her ongoing studies into teaching and Year 12 student, Milly Cortese on receiving a Father James Wall Bursary.

Ashley Beley, Year 12 Graduate, Elizabeth Hunt Bursary Recipient 2020

Miss Elizabeth Hunt was a teacher at St Patrick’s School Pakenham from 1905 until 1934 when the Presentation Sisters established a convent. She was a legend among teachers in the Pakenham area, being much loved and respected. In her life and work, she reminds us of all those teachers who have given great stability to our Catholic schools by the quality of their service and their faithful commitment to a particular community.

The Scholarship provides financial support to students who are undertaking a Bachelor of Education or a Bachelor of Teaching at ACU, Melbourne or Ballarat. Scholarship recipients receive $1,500 per year for the four years of their course. Only two scholarships are offered each year.

“I have always been exposed to Catholicism as I grew up in a very religious home. Ever since I was little I have always had the idea of teaching in my head. I would come up with classroom layout ideas, different activities for my imaginary students as well as draw on walls as if they were my whiteboards. I could never imagine myself at a regular 9-5 desk job and have always known that I had a fondness of not only kids but being able to teach and help people. Taking part in religion and society this year, I have realised how much I enjoy the study of Catholicism; where it began, issues it faced etc. It is this year that I came to the full realisation that religion is something that deeply fascinates me. I wish to be able to share my knowledge and faith to my future students even in small bits of their day. I do not believe in imposing a religion upon people, my goal is to simply remind them that there is someone or something out there that is always there to listen and support them in times of struggles.

Outside of school I am a part of a youth organisation called Youth for Christ. Youth for Christ is an organisation that falls under Couples for Christ which my parents are also a part of. YFC has been able to evangelise through entry camps, activities as well as programs that enable us to give back by entertaining people that may no longer get regular visits in aged care. I am also blessed to be able to lead as a Chapter Head of YFC (South-East Chapter) and work with others in delivering the best possible talks and activities for the growth of the members”.

Milly Cortese, Student – Recipient of Fr James Wall Bursary 2020

Each year the Bursary is awarded to Catholic secondary school students who demonstrate leadership potential in a range of areas including academia, arts, sporting activities, community service and social justice activities.

Milly was selected as one of six students across Australia to receive the 2019 Father James Wall Bursary ‘Leadership Achievement Award’ Award consisting of a $4,000 Bursary to assist with school fees while undertaking Years 11 and 12.

Milly provided evidence of her leadership across a range of areas at St. Peter’s College and demonstrated significant community participation. She embraces the St. Peter's College motto, "Be Not Afraid" and engages wholeheartedly in the offerings available at the college. Milly is not afraid to step out of her comfort zone to experience new opportunities. She is dedicated to her academic studies but is also able to look beyond herself by engaging in events and programs that are designed to support the needs of others. Outside of school, Milly is involved in a variety of community work. She is a rare student who is able to shape future student leaders while also contributing to the school community in her own right.

In recognition of 25 Years or more service to Catholic Education

Mrs Rahda Nadan, Teacher, Clyde North Campus

"I started my career as a teacher of Maths and Science at Lavalla College, formally known as Catholic Regional College. During this period I taught at the Senior Campus and had the opportunity to teach Maths and Science at the Year 10, 11 and 12. I was very much involved in the schools transition to technological advancement in the area of curriculum development and online reporting.

I gained a wealth of experience and knowledge from teaching at Lavalla College as I had limited experience in many facets of school work coming from Fiji with only 7 years of teaching. I was involved in Examination and SAC marking and also became a Maths Faculty co-ordinator for a short period of time. I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Catholic education and the values they instigated in the young people.

In 2001 my family moved to Melbourne when I joined the teaching fraternity of St. Peter's College. My career in teaching further progressed and I continued to enjoy my time teaching and shaping young minds in Maths and Science. At the end of last year I as awarded St. Peter's College Valedictorian Medal. Currently I am on the verge of retirement".

Mr Jim Constantinou, ICT Coach & Teacher, Cranbourne Campus

“I finished my Diploma of Education in 1992 after completing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Maths & Computing. My first position in a Catholic school was at Emmanuel College in 1995 where I started as a full-time teacher and then, 1 year into doing this, the College was wanting to start adding computers to the school and go to an electronic reporting system, so I was approached to be the first IT Manager of the College. Hence starting my journey into the ICT realm in education. I was then part of introducing the College to connecting to the Internet for the first time and growing the computing access for both staff and students.

Since then to the present day and through my various IT related roles within the Schools I have been part of:

Creating and managing and growing the IT infrastructure at Emmanuel College while also being the Head of Department for IT and also setting up the VET CISCO program for the College
Introducing and managing the 1-1 program at the Academy of Mary Immaculate via their ICT Strategic Plan
Professional development of staff in various ICT tools and Learning Management Systems to help enhance the teaching and learning throughout my time in Schools

I have also maintained being in the classroom teaching Maths and Computing throughout my time in schools. Having a balance between middle leadership roles and classroom teaching has helped me grow, develop and truly understand how technology, in particular, have impacted on our teaching and learning for both staff and students.

My current position is as ICT Coach and Teacher at St. Peter’s College, Cranbourne Campus, where I am continuing my lifelong journey of teaching and learning and helping to contribute to the education of both students and teachers”.

Ms Margaret Anthony, Teacher, Clyde North Campus

“I graduated in 1985 where my first appointment was Kangaroo Flat Technical School in Bendigo from 1986/7. Loved the country setting of Bendigo and the country lifestyle.

Moved to Salesian College Chadstone in 1988-89 where I loved the extra-curricular activities-camps and coaching sporting teams.

Moved to Emmaus College Vermont South in 1990. Enjoyed the Year 9 Outdoor Ed Program as Year 9 Level Coordinator and was involved in curriculum development in Religion and Commerce, and the organisation of subject excursions in Commerce and Humanities to Ringwood Magistrate's Court and Parliament House. 18 very happy years at Emmaus College and loved working with both the former Principals Tony Hirst and Tony Frizza.

I started work at Nazareth College Noble Park in 2008, as Year 9 Level Coordinator where I wanted to pursue an interest in working with and supporting African students. Then as Year 10 Level Coordinator, where I again loved the camaraderie of working with a team of teachers. I also was involved with the Year 10 students working at the Missionaries of Charity homeless shelter in Fitzroy. As Humanities Faculty Coordinator my highlights were the implementation of excursions to Haining Farm and the Holocaust Museum, and the City Experience excursions at Year 9.

2016 I was appointed to St. Peter's College, Clyde North Campus, as Learning Enrichment Coach where I loved working with students with special needs (and their families). Helped set up procedures around student learning profiles, PSGs and the NCCD.

Overall my career in teaching has been enriched by holding a range of positions and embracing extra-curricular activities and excursions”.

Mr Chris Black, Principal

“Graduating in 1988 and securing a Health and PE position at Killester College in that same year I have been priviliged to be in Catholic Education for 33 years. It seems like only yesterday that I was running around the oval with whistle in hand! Killester College and more importantly the Brigidine sisters made a lasting impression on who I am as educator and person. To welcome all, particularly the most vulnerable and being of service to others with strength and kindliness are touchstones of the Brigidines and have been a source of inspiration in my teaching and in my role as leader.

One of the greatest highlights for me has been the people I have met along my journey thus far, students, parents educators and educational leaders. They continue to inspire me to be more and do more.

I have been fortunate to be a leader in a school setting for all but my first year of teaching and this has provided me with the opportunity to get the most out of myself and I hope of those that I have met along my professional journey to date.

I am fortunate, after one year as Deputy Principal at St. Peter's College in 2016 to be appointed to the Principalship of St. Peter's College the following year. It is a job that challenges me, (exhausts me) and excites me each and every day. St. Peter's College motto is: 'Be Not Afraid'. It speaks to and encourages all to continue to strive beyond existing capacities and capabilities to reach their full potential. It is the most rewarding of experiences to play a role in facilitating this in our young people today”.