Around the dioceses
Catholic College joins innovative eSports program
Thomas Carr College, Tarneit is part of a team to deliver Australia’s first dedicated eSports entrepreneurial program.
The aim of the program is to fill a gap in the technology job market through building essential 21st century skills in students, including critical and creative thinking, communication, collaboration and entrepreneurialism.
Most of these skills are crucial to empowering students to become effective contributors to the globalised world after secondary school and many are not directly taught in standard classroom practices.
Thomas Carr College’s head of learning: science, health and physical education, Stephen Manitta, said "eSports is a rapidly growing industry providing a magnitude of career opportunities, including information technology, journalism, business, economics, law, engineering, cybersecurity and many more".
The eSports entrepreneurial collaboration with BIG Esports and Wyndham Tech School has enabled the college to draw meaningful links with STEM education, eSports and information technology in an innovative learning style that ensures maximum student engagement.
The 20 Year 9 students from Thomas Carr College are the first trial group for this program and have designed potential logos for the school’s eSports team and are working towards gaining sponsorships, building PCs, and organising and potentially running an eSports event. Students are creating their own in-depth portfolio of their learning, complete with links to the Victorian Curriculum.
Source: MACS website
Read more via the Australian Financial Review
Above L-R: CESA director Dr Neil McGoran, Minister for Child Protection The Hon Rachel Sanderson MP, Michael Lincoln and Amanda Cescato (CESA), St Francis de Sales College, Mount Barker principal Gavin McGlaughlin and CESA deputy director John Mula.
Catholic Education SA wins Child Protection Award
Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) has been named among the winners at the 2021 South Australian Child Protection Awards.
One of four finalists for the 'Improving education and learning outcomes for children and young people in care' award, CESA has taken out the award for its "generous scholarship program" that provides scholarships to 200 children and young people across the state to attend Catholic primary and secondary schools.
The awards, delivered by the Department for Child Protection in partnership with the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect celebrate the achievements of those who provide vital support to vulnerable children and young people and inspire others to support children and young people in care.
The Catholic Schools Scholarship Program is a collaboration between CESA and the Marshall Liberal Government that aims to remove financial barriers so that young people in care have the opportunity to not only attend school, but to thrive in a positive learning environment.
First announced in June 2020, the program currently has 192 new students enrolled or due to start in Catholic schools next year, with each recipient receiving full tuition, uniforms, textbooks, excursion and extracurricular activities, that will continue each year until the child or young person completes their schooling.
The awards were presented at a breakfast on 8 September during National Child Protection Week (5-11 September).
Source: CESA website
ACEL NSW awards for Parramatta diocese
Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta's (CEDP) Jarara Indigenous Education Unit has won the ACEL NSW Leadership Award and St Agnes Catholic High School, Rooty Hill teacher Olivia Phillips has taken out the Mary Armstrong Award for Early Career Leadership.
As reported in Catholic Outlook, Learning support and information and software technology teacher Olivia Phillips has transformed the learning experience of vulnerable students at St Agnes Catholic High School.
Using her tech-savvy skill set, the young leader created virtual personalised learning spaces that led her to develop a suite of tools that support students in flexible pathways.
Working with fellow teachers, Olivia develops individual lessons that are not only relevant to the subject but make a meaningful connection with the student.
“I am both humbled and grateful to achieve this milestone so early in my career. I believe the lessons life has taught me and the connections I have made with others have led me to this accomplishment,” Olivia said.
Jarara Indigenous Education Unit works across all 80 CEDP schools, providing deep engagement between respected community Elders and Aboriginal students.
Working in partnership with schools and specialist learning staff, the Jarara team helps to provide students with high-quality learning and wellbeing support including the development of tailored personalised learning plans for each student.
Julie Waddell, a proud woman of Kamilaroi descent and Student Services leading teacher Jarara, said the team “values the opportunity to work with our community in empowering our next generations” and was greatly honoured to receive this award".
“We acknowledge the support of our CEDP leadership, and firmly believe that we can continue to close the gap through equitable educational opportunities and outcomes for our students,” Julie said.
Read the full story via Catholic Outlook
Meritorious Service Award to CEWA director Glennda Scully
The WA Council has awarded a Meritorious Service Award to Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA) director of finance, Glennda Scully FCA.
Glennda received the rare award at a lunch on 27 September attended by her family, friends, colleagues and members.
Nominees for Meritorious Service are selected for their outstanding achievements and continued contributions to the profession and their communities.
Glennda, who was also awarded the title of emeritus professor at Curtin University earlier this year, has held the positions of professor, member on the Curtin Council, and head of the School of Accounting at Curtin University.
She currently is director of Finance, Infrastructure and Digital Technology at CEWA, and has been involved with Catholic education for more than nine years as a commissioner and heading the finance committee.
Glennda has also been a member of the finance council for the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth for the past seven years and has also been a board member and valued contributor to MercyCare over the past eight years.
"It has been an honour to be recognised by both CAANZ and Curtin University and I look forward to continuing strong relationships with both organisations," Glennda said.