Catholic Education Week 2025
Celebrating Catholic Education Week
Honouring the past, present, and Future of Catholic Education in Tasmania
Catholic Education Week offers us a special moment to reflect on and celebrate the remarkable strengths and achievements of Catholic education in Tasmania. This week serves as a reminder of the deep roots of Catholic education in our state, a tradition that has supported Tasmanian families for nearly 200 years. Through this ongoing commitment, we are proud to be partners in shaping Tasmania’s future, working alongside governments, families, and Church communities to achieve shared educational goals for our young people.
Our 38 Catholic schools across the state are a living testament to this vision, as they nurture the minds and spirits of students,fostering not only academic excellence, but also a life lived in the love of God and in service to others. Together, we strive to inspire purpose and meaning in all our students' lives, embracing the mission of Christ through education.
This year, we celebrate Catholic Education Week under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”, echoing the call of His Holiness Pope Francis for the 2025 Year of Jubilee. Occurring every 25 years, a Jubilee Year is a sacred time of prayer, mercy, and reconciliation. “Pilgrims of Hope” invites us all to embark on a spiritual journey, one of renewal, faith, and shared hope for the future. As Pope Francis reminds us, “Through our witness, may hope spread to all those who anxiously seek it.” In celebrating this theme, we look forward to walking this pilgrimage of hope together, inspired by the enduring light of Catholic education in Tasmania.
Catholic Education: A Legacy of Faith, Service, and Purpose
Catholic education has been a cornerstone of Tasmania's community for almost two centuries. It has provided a safe and enriching environment where students are encouraged to grow academically, spiritually, and personally.
From the moment our first Catholic schools opened their doors, they have been grounded in the values of the Gospel, emphasising a commitment to service and compassion for all.
Today, we continue this tradition by working alongside First Nations communities, seeking a brighter and more equitable future for all. Our schools remain places where faith meets action, where students not only excel in their studies but are also empowered to serve others with love, kindness, and respect.
Honouring Those Who Make Catholic Education Possible
This week, we take time to recognise and honour the many staff members, supporters, and Volunteers whose tireless dedication has contributed to the success of Catholic Education Tasmania. It is through their service, whether in the classroom, administration, or beyond, that the mission of Catholic education continues to thrive.
We also celebrate the incredible contributions made by parents, carers, community members, and the broader Church community who support and enrich the work of our schools. These relationships are vital in creating a nurturing environment for all students.
During Catholic Education Week, we present three special awards to individuals who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to Catholic education in a variety of ways. These individuals embody the values of our schools, and their dedication to service has left a lasting impact on the community.
CECT Recognition Awards
Mr Hon. Michael Polley | Exemplary Contribution to Catholic Education
Mrs Elizabeth McDougall | Exemplary Contribution to Catholic Education
Miss Bobbi-Jo Bailey | Outstanding Service as an Employee within Catholic Education
Mrs Shabana Cumming | Outstanding Service as an Employee within Catholic Education
Mrs Nicole Cochrane | Outstanding Service as an Employee within Catholic Education
Mrs D'Arne Adams | Outstanding Service as an Employee within Catholic Education
Mrs Anita Bowman | Outstanding Service as an Employee within Catholic Education
Mrs Kristin Leeds | Outstanding Service as an Employee within Catholic Education
Ms Donna Brown | Outstanding Service as an Employee within Catholic Education
Mrs Catherine Woodbery | Outstanding Service as an Employee within Catholic Education
Mrs Fiona Mowat | Outstanding Service as an Employee within Catholic Education
Miss Mary Preston | Outstanding Service as an Employee within Catholic Education
Miss Leah Fitzpatrick | Outstanding Contribution as a Friend in Catholic Schools
Mrs Mylinda Fletcher | Outstanding Contribution as a Friend in Catholic Schools
Mrs Alison Stevens | Outstanding Contribution as a Friend in Catholic Schools
CECT 25 Years of Service Awards
Matthew Stolp | Guilford Young College, Glenorchy
Melissa Brown | Guilford Young College, Glenorchy
Rochelle Hoare| Guilford Young College, Glenorchy
Damian Riza | Holy Rosary Catholic School, Claremont
Kelly Collinson | John Paul II Catholic School, Rokeby
Celena Kapene-Laing | Marist Regional College, Burnie
Stephen Ommen | Marist Regional College, Burnie
Thomas Lamb | Marist Regional College, Burnie
Wayne Gale | Marist Regional College, Burnie
Richard Chapman | Star of the Sea Catholic College, George Town
Jo-Anne Aherne | St Brendan-Shaw College, Devonport
Michael Allen | St Brendan-Shaw College, Devonport
Rachelle Littler | St Brendan-Shaw College, Devonport
Steve Ryan | St Brendan-Shaw College, Devonport
Kim Helm | St James Catholic College, Cygnet
Sharlene Duggan | St James Catholic College, Cygnet
Kate Lakos | St Mary's College, Hobart
Scott Weston | St Mary's College, Hobart
Adrian Viney | St Patrick's College, Prospects Vale
Karen Dennis | St Patrick's College, Prospects Vale
Matthew McGee | St Patrick's College, Prospects Vale
Maria Bassett | St Patrick's College, Prospects Vale
Stephen Boag | St Patrick's College, Prospects Vale
Angela Hall | St Peter Chanel Catholic School, Smithton
Deborah Scott | Sacred Heart Catholic School, Launceston
Rosyln Johnson | Sacred Heart Catholic School, Launceston
Katie-Jane Potter | St Cuthbert's Catholic School, Rokeby
Christopher Johnson | St Virgil's College, Austins Ferry
Justin Mahoney | St Virgil's College, Austins Ferry