Outstanding contributors to Catholic education in the Diocese of Ballarat were recognised with Spirit of Catholic Education Awards and 30 Year Service Awards at a Catholic Education Week Mass and dinner in Ballarat on Friday (3 May).

Three outstanding educators received the Spirit of Catholic Education Award, chosen from 17 wonderful nominees from across the diocese. They are:

Tony Haintz – Damascus College, Ballarat for Building Inclusive Catholic Learning Communities.

Cynthia Maiden – St Joseph’s Primary School, Hopetoun for Enhancing Family Engagement, Governance and Stewardship.

Cathy Prunty – Damascus College, Ballarat for Empowering all to Flourish.

Executive Director, Tom Sexton, said the Diocese is blessed to have teachers and leaders of the calibre of Tony, Cynthia, and Cathy, along with the other 14 nominees for the awards, working in its schools.

‘Tony, Cynthia, and Cathy, and the other nominees, exemplify the approach to teaching, and genuine care for their students and communities, that allows our schools to truly live out the values of Catholic education,’ he said.

A remarkable 34 teachers and staff who have committed their gifts and talents over 30 years of service to Catholic education were also recognised at Friday’s celebration.

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