Filter Content
I hope everyone had a restful holiday break as we look forward to new and exciting challenges throughout Term 3.
No doubt for many impacted by the snap lockdown in south-east Queensland and Townsville during the break it was yet another reminder of the uncertain times that remain.
Most schools have resumed in COVID-normal this week while those in impacted Local Government Areas are looking forward to the easing of current restrictions from 6am Friday, 16 July.
The COVID Roadmap outlining restrictions is regularly updated on the Queensland Government website here.
Term 3 is always a busy term in the school calendar and I hope it will be a productive time for all of us.
I was pleased to attend the Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher (HALT) Summit in Brisbane recently to recognise and facilitate collaboration among certified teachers from all schooling sectors across Australia.
The Summit was designed to provide the opportunity for HALTs to work together to share their expertise and extend their professional skills and networks.
I had the opportunity to join the panel to discuss Queensland experience and perspectives on HALT certification.
Image source: AITSL Facebook page
This year the Queensland College of Teachers is celebrating 50 years since the introduction of teacher registration in Queensland.
More than just a celebration of the passing of time, this anniversary represents a celebration of the growth and development of teaching as a profession.
The registration system has given recognition to teaching as a profession with high standards that must be met.
Through the Queensland College of Teachers and its predecessor organisations, Queensland has been able to develop a cross-sectoral system that recognises the professional integrity of our teachers and also calls out those few who do not meet these high standards.
Celebrations are being held around Queensland and I was pleased to be able to attend the Brisbane celebrations to mark this important occasion.
Photo L to R: QCT Board Chair Emeritus Professor Wendy Patton, Education Minister Grace Grace MP and QCEC Executive Director Dr Lee-Anne Perry AM
I would like to congratulate Tim Stinson who will commence as Principal of St Andrew’s Catholic Primary School, Ferny Grove in Term 1, 2022.
Tim is currently the Principal of St Matthew’s Catholic Primary School, Cornubia, and his past leadership experience includes Principal of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Childers, and Principal of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Beaudesert.
As I congratulate Tim on his appointment, I would also like to acknowledge the contribution of the current Principal John Leyden who will retire at the end of 2021.
Image: Tim Stinson (source: St Mathew's Catholic Primary School, Cornubia)
As we approach Catholic Education Week, I am delighted to announce the recipients of this year’s Spirit of Catholic Education Awards.
The Awards are presented annually to recognise individuals or teams making an outstanding contribution to Catholic education in Queensland.
This year’s recipients are:
Eric Ellis
Groundsperson
Ngutana-Lui Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Studies Centre, INALA
(Archdiocese of Brisbane)
Ann Blakeney
Prep Teacher / Leader of Engagement
St Gerard Majella Primary School, WOREE
(Diocese of Cairns)
Karl McKenzie
Chair, Indigenous Education Advisory Committee
Ryan Catholic College, KIRWAN
(Diocese of Townsville)
Natalie McCosker
Assistant Principal Religious Education
St Patrick's Catholic Primary School, EMERALD
(Diocese of Rockhampton)
Katie Mills
Volunteer
Mater Dei Primary School, TOOWOOMBA
(Diocese of Toowoomba)
Fr John Boyd-Boland ofm
College Chaplain
Padua College, KEDRON
(RI/PJP Schools)
Aunty Joan Hendriks Reconciliation Awards
Eric Ellis
Grounds Person
Ngutana-Lui Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Studies Centre, INALA
More than 150 nominations were received from across the State for this year’s awards which recognise staff members, parents and carers or volunteers making outstanding contributions to the life of a Catholic school community or other Catholic education authority.
A summary of the work for which the recipients are being recognised is available on the Catholic Education Week website here.
The Queensland College of Teachers has extended the nomination period for the 2021 Queensland College of Teachers TEACHX Awards.
The awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of teachers across all Queensland school sectors. Submit your nominations by Friday, 16 July.
To find out more click here.
