Celebrating Catholic Education Queensland

Congratulations all of the individuals and teams nominated for a 2026 Spirit of Catholic Education Award!

More than 180 nominations were received from across Queensland, reflecting the exceptional dedication, generosity and spirit within the Catholic education communities in our state 💙

Local selection panels are currently reviewing nominations to identify this year’s award recipients, which will be announced ahead of celebrations in July.

In the meantime, you can view the full list of nominees at https://buff.ly/gqvKOC6

Catholic Education Week posters and banners have been sent to schools across Queensland as we get ready to celebrate from 26 July to 1 August!

Printable posters, digital noticeboard signs and social media graphics are also available to download at catholiceducationweek.com.au for use in your school or parish community.

The Non-State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme (NSSTAS) helps to:

🚌 reduce the financial burden of school transport for families
♿️ support consistent school attendance
⛴️ ensure students can access educational opportunities regardless of their location or circumstances.

Learn more about the Scheme and see if your family is eligible at https://buff.ly/PEdnvmW

Nominations for the 2026 Spirit of Catholic Education Awards close 10am tomorrow, Monday 11 May! Nominate at https://buff.ly/l73SCCEand help us to celebrate the inspiring individuals and teams making a difference in Queensland Catholic education 💙

Nominations for the 2026 Spirit of Catholic Education Awards and Aunty Joan Hendriks Reconciliation Award are closing on 11 May.

The Awards recognise individuals and teams making outstanding contributions to Catholic education in Queensland, and celebrate the inspiring work of staff, parents, carers and volunteers who support our state’s Catholic school students.

Submit a nomination at https://buff.ly/l73SCCE

Applications for Semester 1 2026 of the Non-State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme (NSSTAS) are open now 🚌

NSSTAS provides financial assistance for families transporting students to non-state schools in Queensland through two programs:

- Bus Fare Assistance: assisting families who pay more than the weekly threshold in bus or ferry fares.
- Students with Disability: supporting students with a disability who have demonstrably different transport needs from other students of the same age.

Visit https://buff.ly/7uaw1En to see if your family is eligible for financial assistance to help with the cost of Semester 1 transport and to apply online by 31 May 2026.

The Aunty Joan Hendriks Reconciliation Award recognises one individual and one team recipient for creating positive change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff and/or developing improved understanding of Indigenous cultural heritage in Catholic school communities.

Learn more about the award, view the criteria and submit a nomination at https://buff.ly/l73SCCE

Nominations close 11 May.

Have you nominated a staff member, parent, carer or volunteer for our 2026 Spirit of Catholic Education (SOCE) Awards?

Each individual or team recipient of a SOCE Award receives a $1,000 grant to support and further their inspiring work in their school community!

Nominate now at https://buff.ly/mdT9Hi.

Congratulations to the eight recipients of the 2026 Premier's Anzac Prize, including two of our Queensland Catholic school students: Kurt from St Michael's College - Merrimac (Brisbane Catholic Education) and Lara from Assumption College Warwick (Toowoomba Catholic Schools)!

Catholic Education Queensland CEO Allan Blagaich was excited to meet with Kurt and Lara at a recent send-off event (pictured here), before the students embarked on a two-week European tour visiting historical sites and key World War I memorials as part of the program.

The Premier’s Anzac Prize is presented annually by Queensland Department of Education in partnership with RSL Queensland, and it is wonderful to see Catholic education students among this year's cohort!

With Easter holidays approaching, now is a fitting time to reflect on the staff, parents, carers and volunteers who go above and beyond to make a difference in your school community 💙

Help us celebrate the inspiring work taking place in Catholic education in Queensland by nominating an individual or team for our 2026 Spirit of Catholic Education Awards.

Visit https://buff.ly/tbDEL9C to learn more about the Award categories and to nominate your Term 1 inspiration.