Thursday 20 November 2025
The red carpet was rolled out at the All Seasons Bendigo for the inaugural Sandhurst Awards, the first time the Catholic Education Sandhurst community has come together to formally celebrate excellence across its 51 schools and six early learning centres.
Almost 300 educators, students and parents gathered to recognise the individuals and teams who embody our mission and the values expressed in our Guiding Lights.
“This is a day of celebration - not only for the remarkable individuals we honour, but for the collective journey we have taken as a Catholic education community,” said Kate Fogarty, Executive Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst.
It was also a moment to reflect on a defining theme of the year. That shared identity has been sharpened this year by Magnify Sandhurst, the system-wide teaching and learning initiative focused on faith, evidence-based practice and the flourishing of every learner.
“When we look back on this year, one word comes to mind: Magnify. The launch and implementation of Magnify Sandhurst has been nothing short of transformative. It is more than a program - it was a bold vision to reimagine how we serve, teach and lead. And together, we have brought that vision to life," said Ms Fogarty.
“Change is never easy but our staff and students have shown courage; embracing new ways of working, collaborating across schools, and committing to professional growth.
“And the results speak for themselves. Our schools are stronger, more connected, and better equipped to meet the needs of every learner. We have built cultures where excellence is not an aspiration but a lived reality – where every child is known, valued, and supported to thrive. And this has happened because of you – our teachers, our leaders, our support staff, our parents and carers, and most importantly of all, our students. Each of you has played a part in making this year extraordinary. You have shown that when we work together, guided by our mission and values, we can achieve remarkable things.”
Behind every student story is a network of dedicated educators — teachers who inspire; support staff who enable; leaders who create environments where every child can flourish.
“As we honour these recipients, let us also honour the communities that have nurtured them, the families who have supported them, and the colleagues who have walked alongside them.”
Looking ahead, Ms Fogarty said the work continues to make Catholic Education Sandhurst a place where every person can flourish.
“As we look to the future, Magnify will continue to shape our path. There is more to do, more to learn, and more to celebrate. But if this year has taught us anything, it is that we are capable of greatness when we magnify what matters most – faith, learning, and community.”
Below you’ll find the full list of 2025 winners. Each name represents dedication, collaboration and hope for the future of Catholic education in Sandhurst.
Awards Categories
Catholic Mission and Formation Awards
Recognises individuals who embody the Gospel mission through spiritual leadership and formation.
Leadership Award
Winner ~ Michaela Brooks, St Mary's of the Angels, Nathalia
Highly Commendable ~ Miggy Podosky, St Kilian's School, Bendigo
Highly Commendable ~ Denise Nihill, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School, Elmore
Highly Commendable ~ Brendan Lindsay Notre Dame College, Shepparton
Teaching Excellence Award
Winner ~ Lyndel Annett, Notre Dame College Shepparton
Highly Commendable ~ Fiona McKiernan, St Patrick's School, Tongala
Highly Commendable ~ Liam Booth, St Joseph's School, Numurkah
Highly Commendable ~ Kylie McIlroy, Galen Catholic College, Wangaratta
Curriculum Awards
Honours those who ensure consistent, high-quality curriculum delivery across learning environments.
Leadership Award
Winner ~ Cameron Woodcock, Notre Dame College, Shepparton
Highly Commendable ~ Lisa Harrison, St Francis of Assisi School, Wodonga
Highly Commendable ~ Stephanie Arundel St Joseph's Cobram
Teaching Excellence Award
Winner ~ Angela Fiske-Kealy ~ St Mary's School, Rushworth
Highly Commendable ~ Kate Wardle, St Brendan's School, Shepparton
Highly Commendable ~ Sarah Kilborn, St Mary's School, Echuca
Leading Literacy Awards
Celebrates excellence in literacy leadership and impact on student outcomes.
Leadership Award
Winner ~ Tess Macrae, Sacred Heart College, Yarrawonga
Highly Commendable ~ Heather Woodman, St Brendan's Primary, Shepparton
Highly Commendable ~ Amy Wickham, St Mary's School, Echuca
Highly Commendable ~ Berndette Tedesco, Notre Dame College, Shepparton
Teaching Excellence Award
Winner ~ Sarah Wollington, Sacred Heart Primary School, Yarrawonga
Highly Commendable ~ Rikki Busch, St Augustines College, Kyabram
Professional Practice Awards
Recognises those who empower others through coaching and professional development.
Leadership Award
Winner ~ Ebony Maltby, St Liborius School, Eaglehawk
Highly Commendable ~ Andrea Skahill, Galen Catholic College, Wangaratta
Highly Commendable ~ Jack Neil, St Monica's School, Wodonga
Highly Commendable ~ April Nannipieri, St Mary's School, Myrtleford
Teaching Excellence Award
Winner ~ Jaleigha Mclay, St Patrick's School, Tongala
Highly Commendable ~ Grace Dunstan, St Monica's School, Wodonga
Highly Commendable ~ Kass Wall, St Francis of Assisi, Wodonga
Student Engagement Awards
Honours educators who create safe, structured and engaging learning environments.
Leadership Award
Winner ~ Apryl Sim, St Joseph's School, Cobram
Highly Commendable ~ Gary Woodward, St Mary's School, Mooroopna
Highly Commendable ~ Jeremy Campbell, Galen Catholic College, Wangaratta
Teaching Excellence Award
Winner ~ Tim Mansfield, Catholic College Wodonga
Highly Commendable ~ Jack Sampson, St Kilian's School, Bendigo
Highly Commendable ~ Rebecca Hernandez, Galen Catholic College, Wangaratta
Allied Services Awards
Recognises excellence in operational leadership and support of educational mission.
Winner ~ Lars Casperson, St Therese's School, Kennington
Winner ~ James Graco, St Monica's School, Kangaroo Flat
Winner ~ Sharon Powell, Sacred Heart Primary School, Yarrawonga
Winner ~ Vilia Sutherland (posthumous), St Mary's of the Angels School, Nathalia
Sandhurst Catholic Early Childhood Education & Care Limited Early Years Awards
Excellence in Pedagogical Leadership
Winner ~ Miriam Stewart, St Mel's Kindergarten, Shepparton
The Excellence in Pedagogical Leadership Award recognises leaders who demonstrate outstanding leadership in shaping educational practice. These leaders take a collaborative approach, working alongside educators to inspire a culture of continuous improvement.
They focus on a holistic approach to children’s development – ensuring that every decision, every strategy, and every conversation is centred on the wellbeing and growth of the child. They actively engage with teachers and educators to enhance teaching practices, creating environments where innovation and excellence thrive.
This award honours those who lead not only with vision, but with humility and partnership – reminding us that leadership in education is about lifting others up.
Professional Practice Teaching
Winner ~ Karen Sibley, St Mel's Kindergarten, Shepparton
The Professional Practice Teaching Excellence Award honours an educator who demonstrates outstanding commitment to high-quality teaching practices. This is someone who regularly reflects on their approach to improve outcomes, and who introduces creative, research-informed strategies to enhance learning.
They adapt their teaching in response to children’s cues, feedback, and emerging interests, and they plan and deliver learning experiences with intentionality – tailored to each child’s developmental stage, needs and interests.
These educators remind us that excellence in teaching is not static; it is dynamic, responsive and deeply intentional.
Early Childhood Visionary Educator
Winner ~ Karen Craig, Assisi Kindergarten, Strathfieldsaye
The Early Childhood Visionary Educator Award recognises an educator or teacher who exemplifies a deep commitment to early childhood education. This is someone who promotes play-based, inquiry-driven, and inclusive learning environments where every child feels valued and inspired to explore.
These educators demonstrate adaptability and resilience in navigating change, contribute to shaping the future of early childhood education through leadership, and engage with the wider community to enrich learning experiences.
Student Awards
Inspirational Student Learner (Primary and Secondary)
Primary
Shahid Al Salem, Holy Rosary School, Heathcote; Imogen Brownlee, St Liborius School, Eaglehawk; Hayley Chant, St Augustines College, Kyabram; Claye Corcoran, St Mary's School, Myrtleford; Logan Crothers, St Therese's School, Kennington; Devaj Dhungana, St Joseph's School, Quarry Hill; Grace Dicketts, St Mary's School, Echuca; Miley Ellerton, Holy Rosary School, White Hills; Gustav Feldtmann, St Luke's School, Shepparton North; Carl Hervilla, Our Lady's School, Wangaratta; Layla Hill, St Bernard's School, Wangaratta; Theodore Howard, St Mary's School, Mooroopna; Achilles Hywood, St Mary's School, Inglewood; Bray Impey, St Mel's School, Shepparton; Ernie Inchbold, Sacred Heart Primary School, Yarrawonga; Mason Jarrett, St Mary's Rushworth; Olivia Kelly, St John's Euroa; Isabella Lahm, St Anne's Kialla; Sienna McFarlane, St Mary's Rutherglen; Allira McGrath, St Augustines Wodonga; Daisy McIvor, St Mary's Cohuna; Chloe McSwain, St Francis of the Fields Strathfieldsaye; Aniket Mishra, St Monica's Kangararoo Flat; Grayson Monahan, St Joseph's Benalla; Ella Morris, St Patrick's Tongala; Cooper Mullane, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Elmore; Rafael Pardo, St Joseph's Cobram; Monica Pavlic-Briggs, St Francis Nathalia; Dhrhuv Ravikumar, St Monica's Wodonga; Caylee Rawson, St Joseph's Numurkah; David Rocha, St Peter's North Bendigo; Ethan Schoder, St Kilian's Bendigo; Max Seabrook, St Joseph's School, Rochester; Annika Shetty, Sacred Heart School, Tatura; Will Taylor, St Joseph's School, Kerang; Alex Tekesic, St Patrick's School, Wangaratta; Grace Weber, St Brendan's School, Shepparton
Secondary
Dylan Graham, Borinya Wangaratta; Kai Hendy, St Anne's College, Kialla; Brianna Hoang, Catholic College Wodonga; Lily-May Kirby, Doxa School Bendigo; Connor Tarrant, St Mary of The Angels School, Nathalia; Meg Winter, Galen Catholic College, Wangaratta
Inspirational Student Leader (Primary and Secondary)
Primary
Darcie Acocks, St Joseph's School, Rochester; Jenson Birthisel, St Mary's School, Inglewood; Bodhi Bourke, St Francis School, Nathalia; Alexandra Bridgeman-Aitken, Sacred Heart Primary, Yarrawonga; Olive Canning, Our Lady's School, Wangaratta; Jimmy Carter, Holy Rosary School, White Hills; Adele Christopher, Sacred Heart School, Tatura; Sophie Church, St Mary's School, Mooroopna; Samuel Farrant, St Mary's School, Echuca; Ella Fisher, St Mary's School, Rutherglen; Lily Fletcher, St Joseph's School, Kerang; Audrey Gacus, St Mel's School, Shepparton; Sebastian Garrett, St Joseph's School, Nagambie; Colman Hargreaves, St Patrick's School, Tongala; Cooper Harper, St John's School, Euroa; Sophia Jenkins, St Kilian's School, Bendigo; Maddison Jones, St Bernard's School, Wangaratta; Charlotte Kendrick, St Francis of Assisi, Wodonga; James Lenaghan, St Therese's School, Kennington; Maggie McGlone, St Mary's School, Cohuna; Francesca Mee, St Joseph's School, Benalla; Charlotte Merkel, St Anne's College, Kialla; Maisie Moodie, St Luke's School, Shepparton North; Lila Murray, St Mary's School, Myrtleford; Ayla Nihill, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School, Elmore; Matilda Palmer, St Francis of the Fields School, Strathfieldsaye; Camden Ray, St Augustines School, Wodonga; Jack Robertson, St Joseph's School, Numurkah; Matilda Ryan, St Monica's School, Wodonga; Jaron Joseph Saboni, St Brendan's School, Shepparton; Alia Spence, St Mary's School, Rushworth; Leo Stoltz, St Joseph's School, Quarry Hill; Zoe Thompson, St Patrick's School, Wangaratta; Stella Tully, St Monica's School, Kangararoo Flat; Angus Villella, Holy Rosary School, Heathcote; Gracie Winzar, St Peter's School, North Bendigo; Amelie Zobec, St Augustines College, Kyabram
Secondary
Cidra Chkhaydem, Notre Dame College, Shepparton; Ruby Holland, Borinya Wangaratta; Alick Jarvis, St Anne's College, Kialla; Yago Rambla, Catholic College Wodonga; Grace Wells, Doxa School Bendigo; Harrison Wood, Marian College, Myrtleford
VCE Student Growth
Legal Studies Winner ~ Brooke Prust, St Mary of the Angels College, Nathalia
Food Studies Winner ~ Julie-Anne, Shanahan Notre Dame College, Shepparton
English Winner ~ Karen Kaine, Sacred Heart College, Senior Campus, Yarrawonga
Outdoor and Environmental Studies Winner ~ Mark Borthwick, Notre Dame College, Shepparton
History: Revolutions Winner ~ Daniel Armitage, Galen Catholic College, Wangaratta
General Mathematics Winner ~ Mackensie Honey, Galen Catholic College, Wangaratta
Theatre Studies Winner ~ Casey Fogarty, Notre Dame College, Shepparton
Environmental Science Winner ~ Sarah McKinnon, Notre Dame College, Shepparton
Media Winner ~ Matthew Turnbull, Galen Catholic College, Wangaratta
Spirit of Sandhurst Awards
Leadership
Winner ~ Lorraine Willis, Catholic College, Wodonga
This leader embodies the Spirit of Sandhurst through her humble and faith-filled leadership that places people at the heart of every decision. She consistently inspires growth by empowering her staff to pursue excellence, ensuring they feel trusted, supported and valued. Her guidance is rarely from the spotlight, rather she leads quietly and intentionally, enabling others to shine and succeed.
Her deep and lived faith is evident in her actions each day. She brings her school's Mercy values to life through her compassion, generosity, and unwavering commitment to serving the community. She nurtures a culture where students and staff can thrive spiritually, academically and personally, modelling what it means to lead with integrity, hope and love.
Collaboration is a cornerstone of her leadership. She builds strong relationships within the school and across the wider system, seeking collective wisdom and shared solutions. Her responsiveness to staff wellbeing — and her genuine care for each person — creates an environment grounded in respect, dignity and belonging.
Her clarity of vision, coupled with her courage to embrace innovation, ensures that school improvement is aligned with system priorities while being tailored to the unique needs of the community. Her wisdom and calm presence provide stability during challenge and encouragement during growth.
In every way, this leader reflects our Guiding Lights — leading with faith, inspiring excellence, and strengthening community.
School Staff
Winner ~ Jody Tilly, St Joseph's School, Numurkah
This staff member is an exceptional educator who models excellence in pedagogy, inclusion, and student wellbeing. Her deep love of learning is evident in everything she does — from the way she designs engaging, responsive lessons to the way she shares her enthusiasm with colleagues and students alike. Her passion is contagious, and her commitment to continual growth is reflected in her active involvement on the Numurkah Preschool board and her ongoing professional learning.
This teacher knows her students intimately. She has her finger on the pulse when it comes to their wellbeing, responding with care, insight, and consistency. Her classroom is a place where every child feels seen, supported, and empowered to grow. She adapts her teaching to meet individual needs, always with a focus on dignity, equity, and high expectations.
In her everyday interactions, this person is inclusive and respectful. She builds strong relationships across the school community, fostering trust and collaboration. Her presence contributes to a culture of shared responsibility and flourishing, aligned with the Guiding Lights of Solidarity and Subsidiarity.
This person's work reflects courageous innovation, spiritual formation, and a commitment to the Common Good. She brings joy, energy, and integrity to her role, inspiring others through her example. Her leadership in pedagogy, inclusion, and wellbeing makes her a worthy recipient of the School Staff Award
Student
Winner ~ Dylan Graham, Borinya, Wangaratta
This student is considerate of others and goes out of his way to ensure others feel included and heard. Despite his own challenges, he is aware of the needs of others and encourages his peers to be their best self. As a student leader at Borinya, this student is never afraid to 'step-up' and lead morning and afternoon gatherings. When he does so he allows time for others to be ready and focussed for any activities that may take place. He is authentically Sandhurst in the way he respects all who attend the Borinya community, being inclusive of those who need assistance to engage and understands the value our school to those students who have struggled to engage with a mainstream education.
Philomena Billington Social Justice through the Arts Scholarship
Winner ~ St Brendan's School, Shepparton
The Philomena Billington Social Justice through the Arts Scholarship recognises schools that are planning a significant artwork which highlights an aspect of social justice or care for the environment. It celebrates creativity with purpose – using the arts to inspire awareness, dialogue, and action for a more just and sustainable world.
In 2026, St Brendan’s Primary School will embark on a transformative project to create a Sacred Indigenous Gathering Place at the heart of the school, honouring the Yorta Yorta people and culture, while reflecting Catholic values of justice, dignity and care for creation. This space will unite Indigenous spirituality and Catholic tradition as a place for ceremony, storytelling and prayer. Throughout the year, students will collaborate with local Yorta Yorta people to deepen their understanding of culture and Country, informing the design through the selection of culturally significant plants, artistic expressions and sustainable practices. This will be more than a garden; it will be a living symbol of reconciliation, faith and community, a sacred space for learning, healing and unity that embeds Indigenous perspectives and Catholic Social Teaching into the life of the school.
Jubilarians
We honour our Jubilarians – those remarkable individuals who have dedicated 25 years or more to Catholic education. Across one or more schools, they have shaped generations of learners, shared their gifts generously, and lived out our mission with unwavering commitment. Their service is a testament to faith, perseverance, and the enduring power of education.
Fiona Dowling; Julie Humphreys; Glenn McMahon; Kimberley McSweeney; Carolyn Maher; Teresa Bugoss; Brendan Walsh; and Dianne Walton.
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