STAFF WRITERS

 

OUTSTANDING staff and students from local Catholic schools have been recognised for their commitment to Catholic Education across the Diocese of Sale.

Thanksgiving Masses and awards presentations were held to recognise the achievements.

Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Paul Velten congratulated all award recipients for the wonderful work they do.

“In all, 25 people from Catholic schools across the Diocese of Sale received awards including five from Latrobe Valley schools,” he said.

“We are proud to have such exceptional individuals in our Catholic schools and are grateful for their leadership, service, and excellence. ”

Catholic Education Service Awards recognise individuals who have devoted 25 years or more to Catholic education within Australia.

Three staff in the Latrobe Valley received Service Awards. They were: Alison Phillips – Deputy Principal at St Gabriel’s Primary School, Traralgon, Robert Tarraran – Business Manager at Lavalla Catholic College, Traralgon, and Helen Watson – teacher at St Vincent de Paul Primary School, Morwell.

High honour: Catholic Education Service awardee Alison Phillips of St Gabriel’s Primary School, Traralgon, flanked by Catholic Bishop of Sale – Most Reverend Greg Bennet and DOSCEL Board Director – the Hon. Martin Dixon. Photograph supplied

Mrs Phillips began her teaching journey in 1995 as a part-time Italian teacher at St Mary’s Primary School, Sale.

Over the years, she transitioned to a classroom teacher and took on the role of Religious Education Coordinator. After teaching in Melbourne for 12 years, Mrs Phillips moved to Traralgon to teach at St Gabriel’s Primary School where she has excelled in various roles, including teaching Performing Arts, leading Religious Education, then becoming the Deputy Principal in 2019.

Mrs Watson has been teaching for 48 years and has left her mark across multiple schools.

Starting at St Michael’s Primary School, Traralgon, she continued her journey through St Dominic’s School in Melton, St Patrick’s School in Gordon, and Lumen Christi Primary School, Churchill. Mrs Watson now teaches at St Vincent de Paul Primary School, Morwell, where her love of teaching remains steadfast.

Congratulations: Catholic Education Service awardee Helen Watson of St Vincent de Paul Primary School, Morwell with Catholic Bishop of Sale – Most Reverend Greg Bennet and DOSCEL Board Chair Garry McLean. Photograph supplied

Mr Tarraran has served the community for almost three decades. By the time he retires later this year, he will have contributed significantly to Lavalla under five different Religious and lay Principals.

Elsewhere, Tienna Lyons and Jasmyn Selmes of Immaculate Heart of Mary Primary School, Newborough were among 10 people to receive a Daniel Ahern Bursary.

The Bursary provides financial support to non-teaching staff employed in primary and secondary schools in the Diocese of Sale, who are presently undertaking teacher education studies.

Ms Selmes was recognised for her commitment to supporting and caring for every child she works with. Additionally, she actively contributes to Religious Education within the school, attending ceremonies and Masses to support the children of St Mary’s.

Ms Lyons is described as passionate, supportive and professional. She ensures that every child she works with receives high-quality care. Ms Lyons actively supports Religious Education both within and beyond the school. She is looking forward to completing her study to teach in a Catholic school.

The Diocese of Sale covers 38 Catholic primary schools and seven Catholic secondary schools in a geographic area that spans from Melbourne’s outer south-eastern suburbs from Narre Warren and Cranbourne to Phillip Island, and right throughout Gippsland to Orbost in the east.