Catholic school and system leaders from across WA gathered at Optus Stadium on Monday 16 October to celebrate the winners of the 2023 Quality Catholic Education (QCE) Awards.

The QCE Awards celebrate the values and ethos of Catholic schools by recognising the contribution of staff and students in projects carried out throughout the year. Awards are held for primary and secondary school initiatives in four categories: Catholic Identity, Education, Community and Stewardship.

In 2023, 98 nominations were received.

Winners for the primary category were:
Catholic Identity – Our Charism Journey: Notre Dame Catholic Primary School.
Education – Language and Culture Programme: Ngalangangpum School.
Community – Family STEM Challenge: Our Lady of Lourdes, Dardanup.
Stewardship – Early Career Teacher mentoring and Induction Program: Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School.

Winners for the secondary category were:
Catholic Identity – The Chapel and Stations of the Cross: Emmanuel Catholic College.
Education – Catch-and-Cook on Country Film: St Mary’s College, Broome.
Community – SES Bears: Mater Dei College.
Stewardship – Hikari and Shio Staff Leadership Programs: Kolbe Catholic College.

There was also awards for ‘Student-Led’ initiatives, with St Joseph’s Pinjarra taking out the Primary award for their ‘Soup’er Community Kitchen’ and Clontarf Aboriginal College taking out the Secondary award for their ‘Aboriginal ANZAC Memorial’.

The public also had a chance to vote for a ‘People’s Choice Award’ which was presented to Mater Dei College’s ‘SES Bears’ initiative.

CEWA Executive Director Dr Debra Sayce said:

“I am encouraged to see diverse projects underway in our schools that reflect how Gospel values and educational excellence can come together to support students as they become informed, responsible, and compassionate young people of faith.

“The Awards continue to be an important platform to recognise and promote the work being done by students, staff, and school communities and I am encouraged that this year we have seen such outstanding support for the Awards.”

Annette Morey, Mater Dei College Principal said:

“It is an honour for Mater Dei College to receive both the Secondary Community Award and the People’s Choice Award at the QCE Awards.

“This recognition is a testament to the dedication, boundless creativity and heartfelt compassion our students and staff poured into the SES Bears project.

“This project exemplifies our commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need and demonstrates the power of unity within our community.

“I am immensely proud of the remarkable work of our students, staff and valued partners at Northshore State Emergency Services. This award demonstrates their exceptional teamwork and unwavering commitment to kindness.”

Find out more about our winners and nominees by visiting  https://awards.cewa.edu.au/2023-winners/.