2024 TCS Excellence Award recipients
The outstanding educators and staff of Toowoomba Catholic Schools were honoured at the annual Excellence Awards on July 25.
This prestigious event recognises and celebrates those who exemplify excellence in their roles every day.
This year, nearly 100 nominations were received from across the Toowoomba Diocese.
Dr Pat Coughlan, Executive Director: Toowoomba Catholic Schools praised the dedication and commitment of the staff, stating, “We are privileged to have an outstanding staff who believe in and are committed to inspiring young people to learn and reach their full potential.”
“They work alongside volunteers and support staff to create a system of schools that is united, connected and progressive.”
Dr Coughlan highlighted the innovative contributions of this year’s award recipients, noting, “This year’s recipients consistently bring the best ideas and innovations to their teaching, leadership and educational support.”
“It is through their efforts and influence, that we continue to provide excellent educational experiences, pastoral care and community connections across our 32 schools.”
“We thank all of our finalists and recognise the invaluable contribution they make to both staff and students’ lives,” said Dr Coughlan.
One of the award recipients of the evening was Sarah Yates, who received the School Leadership award in the Excellence in Leadership category.
Ms Yates, an Assistant Principal at St Joseph’s School in Stanthorpe has been instrumental in shaping teaching and learning practices and spearheading innovations such as the Visible Learning Program and the Exemplary Teaching and Learning Framework.
Her efforts have significantly improved teaching practices, earning the school Level 3 Visible Learning+ Certification, one of only eight schools worldwide to achieve this distinction.
Beyond her academic contributions, Ms Yates prioritises the school’s Catholic identity and Mercy charism, fostering a community where students, staff, and parents grow in their understanding of their purpose as lifelong learners who act in a Christ-like manner.
Ms Yates was extremely honoured to receive this award.
“I would like to acknowledge my Principal, Andrew Kendall OAM, and the many colleagues and students I have had the pleasure of working with during the last 31 years,” said Ms Yates.
“Each one of them has helped to shape me into the person, the teacher and the leader that I am today and for this I am grateful.”
“I am very proud to be a teacher and leader and hope that in some way, I can leave a small mark on a profession that has given me – and continues to give me – so much.”
Congratulations goes to Ms Yates and all the award finalists and recipients who demonstrate excellence in their workplace every day.
Their invaluable contributions continue to enrich the lives of both staff and students across Toowoomba Catholic Schools.
The awards covered nine categories and the award recipients are listed below.
Excellence in education support
Teaching and learning support
Leona Doherty – St Anthony’s School, Toowoomba
Administration, finance, and facilities support
Warren Farquharson – St Saviour’s Primary School, Toowoomba
Volunteer support
Jodie Cosmo – St Joseph’s School, Stanthorpe
Excellence in teaching and learning
Early career teacher
Riley Salter – Assumption College, Warwick
Primary expert teacher
Brendan Luck – St Saviour’s Primary School, Toowoomba
Secondary expert teacher
Kylie Purbrick – Our Lady of the Southern Cross College, Dalby
Excellence in leadership
Emerging leadership
Jake Weise – St Mary’s College, Toowoomba
Middle leadership
Simone Forbes – Our Lady of the Southern Cross College, Dalby
School leadership
Sarah Yates – St Joseph’s School, Stanthorpe
Read more about the finalists and recipients here.
