The official launch event of Catholic Education Week in Queensland set an inspiring and inclusive tone, celebrating the values and achievements that define Catholic education.
This year’s event started on Sunday 21 July with a Welcome to Country ceremony held on the Bishop’s House lawns in Cairns, followed by a celebratory dinner at the Crystalbrook Riley. The event featured the prestigious Spirit of Catholic Education Awards, highlighting the outstanding contributions of staff, parents, carers and volunteers who support Catholic school students.
Held each year in the third week of term three, the week shines a spotlight on the values that make Catholic education a vibrant and enriching experience for more than 160,000 students statewide.
With 312 schools and 29 kindergartens participating, it features a diverse range of events and activities, highlighting the breadth of Catholic education, from small, remote primary schools to large metropolitan colleges.
Among the guests at the launch were the Most Reverend Mark Coleridge, Archbishop of Brisbane; Diocesan Administrator for Cairns Fr Kerry Crowley; The Honourable Michael Healy MP, Minister for Tourism and Sport; and, Mayor Amy Eden of the Cairns Regional Council.
Amy Stewart and Eliza Wood, school leaders from St Mary’s Catholic College in Cairns, were exceptional MCs for the night.
In officially launching the week, Madeline Brennan KC, Chair of the Queensland Catholic Education Commission underscored the theme of this year’s celebrations: Communities of Hope, Faith and Love, emphasising the importance of community and the remarkable achievements within Catholic education.
The night also honoured outstanding individuals and teams with the Spirit of Catholic Education Awards. The recipients, from across Queensland, who have made significant impacts in their communities, were celebrated for their dedication, leadership, and innovative contributions. You can read more about the award recipients here.