Catholic Education OfficeCatholic Diocese of Port Pirie
Catholic Education Office
Three exceptional educators from the Diocese of Port Pirie have been recognised at this year’s Catholic Education Awards, celebrated on Thursday 15 May at a special ceremony in Adelaide.
Now in its fourth year, the Catholic Education Awards honour the remarkable achievements and contributions of staff and volunteers across Catholic Education South Australia’s 101 schools. The 2025 event was held at the Hilton Adelaide following Mass at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral and formed a key part of Catholic Education Week (12–18 May).
The award recipients from regional South Australia were recognised for their unwavering commitment to their students, passion for learning, and the positive impact they make in their school communities every day.
Recipient: Education Support Award
As an Education Support Officer at St Mark’s College, Port Pirie, Joel Head has played a pivotal role in the development of the College’s Agricultural and Trades Centres—building strong partnerships with local industries and creating new vocational pathways for students.
Joel said he was “surprised and humbled” by the honour.
“I get great satisfaction each year in seeing our students follow and develop their passion in Agriculture and Trades. I’m grateful that Catholic Education continues to support these valuable pathways, and to receive personal recognition is greatly appreciated,” he said.
Recipient: Experienced Teacher Award – Primary
Jenna Warren, Reception teacher at Samaritan College, was acknowledged for her transformative impact on student wellbeing and engagement. Her leadership in programs like Peaceful Kids has provided students with the tools to manage anxiety and navigate their emotions with confidence.
Reflecting on her award, Jenna said:
“It is seeing the growth of the amazing children I’ve taught, and the appreciation from their families, that makes me truly love what I do. The relationships I’ve built and the classroom environment I’ve created make me proud—but most of all, it’s the achievements of my students that bring me joy.”
Recipient: Early Career Teacher Award – Primary
Nicole Manning began her teaching career at Caritas College in 2022 and has already made an impressive contribution to student learning. She introduced the InitiaLit literacy program in her first year, piloted a new Mathematics program, and embraced evidence-based, student-centred teaching methods.
Nicole credits her colleagues for their influence:
“The extraordinary teachers, mentors, and leadership team at Caritas have made my teaching journey such a positive and enjoyable experience. Their support has been invaluable.”
The event was attended by dignitaries including The Honourable Blair Boyer MP, Minister for Education, Training and Skills; Dr Neil McGoran, Executive Director of Catholic Education SA; John Neate, Chair of the South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools (SACCS); and Nichii Mardon, Director of Catholic Education Diocese of Port Pirie. The evening was hosted by South Australian media personality Jess Adamson.
Director of Catholic Education Diocese of Port Pirie, Nichii Mardon, praised the calibre of this year’s recipients:
“The dedication and passion of our educators, leaders, and volunteers is unmistakable. Their work has a profound impact on the lives of students and their school communities, and it is a privilege to recognise them.”
A full list of 2025 Catholic Education Award recipients can be found at
👉 awards.cesa.catholic.edu.au/2025
