Catholic school communities across Queensland are celebrating the recipients of the 2025 Spirit of Catholic Education (SOCE) Awards, recognising outstanding individuals and teams who exemplify the values of faith, service and community in their everyday work.
Since 2006, the SOCE Awards have honoured staff, parents, carers and volunteers who make a profound impact in Catholic schools across Queensland. Each year, one award is presented in each of the five dioceses, along with an award for a recipient from a RI/MPJP school.
The 2025 SOCE Award recipients are:
Daniel McShea, Principal, Notre Dame College, Bells Creek – Brisbane Catholic Education
Ian Davis, Deputy Executive Director, Catholic Education Services – Diocese of Cairns
Shaye Gaviglio, Assistant Principal: Religious Education, St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School, Mackay – Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton
Trish Parker, Assistant Principal: Mission and Identity, St John’s School, Roma – Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Schools
Deborah Siandri, School Office Manager, Burdekin Catholic High School, Ayr – Townsville Catholic Education
Dr Michael Carroll, Principal, St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace, Spring Hill – RI/MPJP Schools
To learn more about each recipient’s achievements, visit the SOCE Awards recipients page.
All recipients have been invited to receive their awards at the official launch of Catholic Education Week, being hosted by the Diocese of Rockhampton on Wednesday 30 July.
Last week, we also announced the recipients of the 2025 Aunty Joan Hendriks Reconciliation Award, which forms part of the broader SOCE Awards program. This award recognises those who champion reconciliation, support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff, and foster cultural understanding within Catholic education communities.
This year’s Aunty Joan Hendriks Award honours both an inspiring individual and an outstanding team:
Natalie Semple, First Nations Education Consultant, Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton
First Nations Education Team, Ryan Catholic College, Kirwan – Townsville Catholic Education
A summary of their work is also available on the SOCE Awards recipients page.