SOCE Awards
SOCE Awards
Nominate Now
Nominations close at 10am on Monday 11 May 2026

Nomination process

Nominations must be submitted via the form linked above and include two referees familiar with the nominee and nomination details. Referees may be contacted by the judging panel.

All nominations must be endorsed by an appropriate authority (e.g. school principal, leadership team member, or Catholic school authority leader). Guidance questions aligned to the award criteria are included in the form.

Nominations will be shortlisted by the relevant CSA before being reviewed by the judging panel.

Nomination guide

Use this guide to prepare everything you need before opening the nomination form, to write a strong response to the criteria, and to complete final checks so your submission is accurate and complete.

Before you start: nomination checklist

  • Name and contact details (email, phone) for two referees
  • Name and contact details (email, phone) for the nominee’s Principal or a member of their CSA leadership team if they work for a Catholic Education Office
  • Your written response to the criteria (prepare this in advance)

Tips for a smooth submission

  • Gather details first: Have all names, emails and phone numbers ready (referees, Principal/CSA leadership contact).
  • Draft in Word first: Write your criteria responses in Word, then copy/paste into the form to make the submission quick and avoid timeouts.
  • Check details: Double-check spelling of the nominee’s name and individual team member’s names—this is what will appear on certificates and in published materials.
  • Keep your proof: Save/retain the nomination confirmation email.
  • Need help? Contact [email protected] with questions.

 

Criteria: Spirit of Catholic Education Award

Write no more than 300 words per response and respond to at least one attribute (you may respond to more than one if relevant).

Tip: Use specific evidence (actions, dates/timeframes, measurable outcomes, and feedback) in your response. Demonstrate how the nominee goes above and beyond their usual area of work.

Attribute A: Showing outstanding integrity in leading a school community or program

  • What leadership characteristics or practices has the nominee shown that has made or is making a significant change to the school community?
  • What positive impacts has the nominee had on the community or program and what are the changes that they have brought about?
  • How has the nominee demonstrated innovation and integrity in their leadership?

Attribute B: Implementing change that improves teaching and learning and supports greater equity in education

  • Describe the change and impact the nominee has made on individuals, the classroom, learning outcomes and/or the school community.
  • How did these outcomes provide a more inclusive environment in the school community?
  • Has the nominee worked in a way that makes learning more accessible?

Attribute C: Building Catholic identity and ethos to support flourishing communities

  • How does the nominee support the community’s Catholic identity and how do they demonstrate this in their own lives?
  • Describe the values the nominee demonstrates in their work that makes them an outstanding contributor to their Catholic education community.
  • What ongoing positive impacts or changes has the nominee made?

Attribute D: Demonstrating outstanding service to others in the school education community and beyond

  • How does the nominee work in partnership with others to create a deep sense of belonging in the community?
  • Describe the values the nominee demonstrates that makes their service outstanding?
  • What lasting impacts has the nominee’s service had on the community?

Attribute E: Demonstrating excellence as a team that supports and builds school communities

  • In what ways does this team collaborate to improve collective learning and engagement?
  • How does this team show exceptional support for school communities?
  • What ongoing demonstrated benefits has this team brought to students and/or communities?

 

Criteria: Aunty Joan Hendriks Reconciliation Award

Provide up to 500 words addressing the following.

Tip: Use specific evidence (actions, dates/timeframes, measurable outcomes, and feedback) in your response.

  • In what ways does the nominee advocate to provide culturally safe spaces to promote a sense of belonging?
  • What does the nominee do that ensures that respectful relationships are maintained and grown with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, students, and families within their school community?
  • What positive changes for reconciliation have occurred that would not have been possible without the work of the nominee?