2002

20th March 2002
Local Educators Receive Bishop's Award for Excellence in Catholic Education
The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle's 2001 Education Awards will be presented by Catholic Bishop Michael Malone at a cocktail party to be held at Hamilton tomorrow night (Thursday 21st March).

The awards, which were established in 1997, recognise and support outstanding commitment and contribution to Catholic education.

Bishop Malone, in consultation with the Diocesan Adult Faith Development Commission, selected the award winners based on the submission of a questionnaire completed by a nominating individual or organisation.

At the awards ceremony, the four winners will be presented with a crystal trophy and a ceremonial acknowledgment in company with their families, friends, nominators and members of the Adult Faith Development Commission.

Mrs Dorothy Locke of Rutherford, a scripture teacher in the state school system for 25 years, teaches four classes each week and is a firm favourite with other scripture teachers, school staffs and children. Dorothy has also played an important role in parish-based educative programs for children.

Sr Patricia Egan RSJ, a Lochinvar Sister of St Joseph who has taught in various diocesan high schools, participated in planning the restructuring of the Catholic Secondary School system in the 1980s. Sr Patricia began educating adults in 1986 and continues this work today as Chancellor of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, through her pastoral planning role and also as a lecturer for the Tenison Woods Education Centre.

Another Sister of St Joseph, Sr Anita Conroy RSJ of Cundletown, is being honoured for her continuing contribution to education in and beyond the Catholic School system. Sr Anita works with staff, students and parents long after schools hours and also works in the wider local community.

Kurri Kurri's Mrs Maria Chapple, a Federation of Parents and Friends Association member for ten years, was instrumental in the establishment of the diocese's Special Needs Policy which ensures that all students, regardless of disability, receive the opportunities and benefits of a Catholic education.

Bishop Malone believes that the conferring of these awards draws the attention of the diocesan community to recognise and affirm significant contributions to Catholic Education: "I mean education in its broadest sense, that is, the assisting of intellectual, moral and/or spiritual development."

"Much of the Church's mission is focussed on personal and communal growth in response to the Gospel. These Diocesan Education Awards offer us an opportunity to acknowledge outstanding contributions by individuals to this development and growth."

The award ceremony will take place tomorrow night (Thursday 21st March) at Bishop Clarke House, 841 Hunter Street, Newcastle, commencing at 7:30 pm. All media are welcome to attend.

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