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Toowoomba Catholic Schools Excellence Awards 2023 – A Passionate and Inspirational Community

Toowoomba Catholic Schools Excellence Awards 2023

The outstanding educators and staff at Toowoomba Catholic Schools have been celebrated at their annual Excellence Awards, held on July 27.

The awards identify and showcase practitioners who model, demonstrate and live excellence in their roles, all day, every day.

This year close to 100 nominations from across the Toowoomba Diocese were received.

Dr Pat Coughlan, Executive Director: Toowoomba Catholic Schools said “We are privileged to have an outstanding staff who believe in and are committed to inspiring young people to learn and reach their full potential.”

“They work alongside volunteers and support staff to create a system of schools that is united, connected and progressive.” 

“This year’s recipients consistently bring the best ideas and innovations to their teaching, leadership and educational support.”

“It is through their efforts and influence, that we continue to provide excellent educational experiences, pastoral care and community connections across our 31 schools. ” 

“We thank all of our finalists and recognise the invaluable contribution they make to both staff and students’ lives,” said Dr Coughlan.

One of the award recipients of the evening was Mark Baker, who was awarded Emerging Leader in the Excellence in Leadership category, and he was delighted to have received the award.

Mr Baker is an expert secondary teacher from Assumption College, Warwick who has achieved improved student learning outcomes and has an unwavering belief in the capacity of every student to gain success in their studies.

This is evidenced by these words of the Year 12 students at Assumption College, “Mr Baker is the teacher who always puts in 100% no matter the situation, he frequently gives up his free time to help with challenging schoolwork, and is highly involved with the school’s culture.”

“He’s had a profound impact on the lives of countless young students, he inspires us all to be better.”

Congratulations go to Mr Baker and all the award finalists and recipients who demonstrate excellence in their workplace every day.

Excellence in education support 

Teaching and learning support 

Nicole Booth - St Saviour’s College, Toowoomba

Administration, finance, and facilities support 

Jodie McLachlan, Julie Robinson and Alex Sleba - St Saviour’s Primary School, Toowoomba

Volunteer support in a school setting 

Karli Ekerick - St Patrick’s School, Allora

Excellence in teaching and learning 

Early career teacher (less than 3 years of teaching experience) 

Tamara Creeley - Our Lady of the Southern Cross College, Dalby

Primary expert teacher 

Georgia Ford - Mater Dei Primary School, Toowoomba

Secondary expert teacher 

Mary Roberts - St Joseph’s School, Stanthorpe

eLearning 

Hybrid learning program team, Schools across the Diocese

Excellence in leadership 

Emerging leader 

Mark Baker - Assumption College, Warwick

Middle leadership 

Catherine Cooper - St John’s School, Roma

School leadership 

Sharon Collins - St Saviour’s College, Toowoomba