Catholic schools share their light across Queensland

Catholic schools across Queensland will shine a light on what makes their school communities special, and inspire others to do the same, as they mark Catholic Education Week 2026 from 26 July to 1 August.  

The week will also see Catholic school communities come together to celebrate the recipients of the 2026 Spirit of Catholic Education Awards, recognising staff, parents, carers and volunteers who have gone above and beyond. 

Catholic Education Queensland Limited CEO Allan Blagaich said the week gave Catholic schools an opportunity to showcase what makes each school unique and what they share in common. 

“It’s a wonderful time for Queensland’s 313 Catholic schools and 29 kindergartens to reflect on not just the special nature of their school community but also how they contribute to the wider community,” Mr Blagaich said. 

The theme for this year’s celebration is Share Your Light, Inspire Others. 

“It’s a theme that speaks to the ripple effect at the heart of every school community, the way one person’s example, encouragement or act of service can lift those around them and inspire them to do the same,” Mr Blagaich said. 

“Catholic education strives to make a difference in the lives of young people, nurturing not just academic achievement but character, compassion and a sense of service, so that students leave our schools ready to contribute to their communities and the world around them.” 

The official launch of Catholic Education Week will be hosted by Brisbane Catholic Education on Tuesday 28 July, beginning with a 10am Mass at St Stephen’s Cathedral celebrated by the Archbishop of Brisbane, Shane Mackinlay. 

Beyond the launch, school and parish communities across the state will mark the week in their own way, with liturgies, open days, community service projects and celebrations planned from small remote and regional primary schools through to large colleges in the major cities. 

“That diversity is one of the great strengths of Catholic education in Queensland,” Mr Blagaich said. “Every school will celebrate this week in a way that reflects its own community.” 

Mr Blagaich said the week of celebration was also a time to acknowledge those who go the extra mile in Catholic education. 

“The Spirit of Catholic Education Awards recognise staff, parents, carers and volunteers in our school communities who make an extraordinary contribution. 

“This year we received 180 individual and 14 team nominations for the awards from right across Queensland, and the recipients are drawn from varying aspects of school life.” 

The award recipients are: 

Aunty Joan Hendriks Reconciliation Award 

Emerson Godwell
Senior First Nations Liaison Officer
Emmaus College, North Rockhampton
Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton 

First Nations and Diversity Group 
Annabelle Cowen and Bec Lopez
Mary MacKillop Catholic College, Highfields
Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Schools 

Spirit of Catholic Education Award 

Angela Greathead
Learning Enhancement Teacher
St Joseph’s School, Nundah
Brisbane Catholic Education 

James Emerick
Principal
St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School, Gladstone
Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton 

Carole Smith
Administration Officer
St Teresa’s School, Ravenshoe
Catholic Education Services – Diocese of Cairns 

Cara Haig
Principal
Sacred Heart Primary School, Cunnamulla
Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Schools 

Brendan Cahill
Principal
Brigidine College, Indooroopilly
Religious Institute and Ministerial Public Juridic Person Schools 

Veronica Feliciano
Assistant Principal Religious Education
Good Shepherd Catholic College, Mount Isa
Townsville Catholic Education 

To learn more about the Spirit of Catholic Education Awards and read about the nominees and recipients, visit www.catholiceducationweek.com.au. 

Catholic school communities are grateful for the support of the 2026 sponsors of Catholic Education Week in Queensland, Australian Catholic University and UniSuper.