Shining our light in Catholic Education Week
Catholic Education Week was celebrated across Queensland from 26 July to 1 August. Under this year’s theme, Share Your Light – Inspire Others, we were invited to celebrate the many ways the light of Christ is made visible each day through the life and mission of Catholic education in Cairns and Far North Queensland. From classrooms and playgrounds to school offices, parish partnerships and diocesan teams, our shared work offers countless tangible examples of people shining their light for others through encouragement, service, faithfulness, compassion and hope.
Executive Director of Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns, Durm O’Riordan highlighted for school communities the Gospel message that no-one lights a lamp and places it under a bushel, but rather sets it on a lampstand so that it gives light to all in the house.
“This scriptural image speaks powerfully to our calling in Catholic education. We are not called to hide the gifts God has entrusted to us, nor to keep the light of faith, learning and care contained,” Durm said.
“We are called to let that light shine: in the way we welcome each student, support each family, accompany each colleague, and build communities where hope, love and compassion are not only spoken about, but lived.”
Outstanding individuals and educators were celebrated this Catholic Education Week through recognition at the state-wide Spirit of Catholic Education Awards and the locally hosted Docemus Awards, which were a joyful and fitting culmination to the week.
Through the dedication, generosity and faithful service of our award recipients, and through the extraordinary contributions of all nominees, we saw the light of Christ shining brightly across CEDC.
Carole Smith, Administration Officer St Teresa’s School Ravenshoe was honoured with a prestigious Spirit of Catholic Education (SOCE) Award at a ceremony in Brisbane.
The state-wide SOCE awards are presented annually to recognise individuals or teams making an exceptional contribution to Catholic education in Queensland.
The Docemus Awards, meaning “to teach”, were presented at a ceremony on the Friday night of Catholic Education Week as a meaningful culmination to the week’s celebrations.
“Every day, I see so many examples of our teaching and non-teaching staff inspiring our students – in the classroom, on the sports field, in a rehearsal room, in the broader community or around the school campus at break times. Our staff truly are making a difference in the lives of the young people entrusted to us, whether that is by delivering the curriculum with enthusiasm and wisdom, or simply by acting as role models,” Durm said.
“The SOCE and Docemus Awards are a way of recognising and celebrating these individuals and teams, and the impact they make on our students every day.”
The winners of the 2026 Docemus Awards are:
Primary Teacher: Maryjane Masina, St Rita’s School, Babinda
Secondary Teacher: Michelle Brammer, St Stephen’s Catholic College, Mareeba
Early Career Teacher: Anneliese Powell, St Mary’s Catholic College, Woree
Volunteer: Santina Keenan, Good Counsel College, Innisfail
Leadership: Leah McBryde, St Mary’s Catholic College, Woree
School Officer: Linda Bale, of St Stephen’s College, Mareeba.
Lifelong Contribution: Mary Lennon, St Francis Xavier School, Manunda
To find out more about Catholic Education Week and the SOCE Awards, including the award citations, go to the Catholic Education Week website.