Last night at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, the 2024 Catholic Education Awards were presented to a selection of outstanding recipients. We are extremely proud to announce that two distinguished members of our Nazareth staff were among the recipients, recognised in two categories.
Chloe Jones, Early Years Teacher at Nazareth Early Childhood Centre was the award winner of the Early Career Teacher Primary (<5 Years) category.
Mirella Romeo (7-12 Teacher) was the award winner of the Religious Education Teacher (Secondary) category.
The Catholic Education Awards recognises and celebrates the outstanding achievement and contribution of staff and volunteer supporters working in a diverse range of endeavours across Catholic Education in South Australia.
Since nominations opened in November 2023, students, parents, staff, and school leaders across the state have taken the opportunity to acknowledge and put forward the names of their most extraordinarily committed individuals.
The Early Career Teacher Award was open to pre-school, early learner centre (ELC), primary, secondary and CEO education advisors with no more than five years teaching experience at the time of the award nomination.
Nominees in this category were required to meet a criteria including:
Chloe exemplifies excellence in Catholic education, providing transformative, engaging, and life-long learning experiences as an Early Years Teacher at Nazareth Early Childhood Centre since 2021. Her dedication to her role is evident through her respectful and effective interactions with children, families, and colleagues, which fosters a deep sense of community and shared responsibility for education. Chloe’s influence extends beyond the classroom, as demonstrated by parents who observe their children emulating her positive interactions at home. Chloe is most deserving of this recognition through a Catholic Education SA Award, with her work making a significant difference in the lives of children and families.
The Religious Education Teacher (Secondary) was open to primary and secondary teachers of Religious Education, including leaders who are teaching in this learning area.
Nominees in this category were required to meet a criteria including:
Mirella Romeo has shown a steadfast dedication to Catholic Education, quickly becoming a transformative force as the 7-12 Religious Education Coordinator – Mission since 2023. Her passion for integrating Catholic traditions into education has significantly enriched the Nazareth community through strategic initiatives and collaboration. By aligning Student Faith Formation Days with the Crossways Curriculum, she has provided students with a deep understanding of Catholic Identity and Mission, incorporating experiential learning such as interfaith activities and retreats. Mirella’s efforts also extend to staff development, fostering a dynamic and supportive environment, making her a highly deserving recipient of this Catholic Education Award.
On behalf of the Nazareth community, Congratulations Chloe and Mirella!
Both unwavering examples of the values at the heart of Catholic schools, Chole and Mirella’s teaching at Nazareth provides a living experience of the excellence and outcomes that can be achieved through a high level of commitment to the mission of Catholic education.
To read more about the Awards and other recipients, visit: Catholic Education Awards (cesa.catholic.edu.au)
