A huge congratulations to the following staff for their nominations in the 2025 Brisbane Catholic Education Excellence Awards. These nominations are a testament to their dedication, professionalism, and the positive impact they make in our College community every day.
Rhonda Barrett: Hospitality Teacher
The NGS Super Award for Excellence in Learning and Teaching in Secondary School
This award recognises a secondary teacher who has demonstrated exceptional performance in:
- Improving student outcomes
- Responding to student needs
- Supporting collaborative learning
Rhonda's impact on students, staff, and the broader St Benedict's College Community is widely felt. Her work with hospitality students, has led to significant outcomes, with many students gaining the confidence to apply for apprenticeships and building successful careers in the hospitality industry post school. Her contributions extend beyond the classroom, as she enhances community events by providing food and beverages, fostering a sense of Community and belonging.
Rhonda is also a dedicated member of the staff Wellbeing Committee, organising events for staff to come together as a community, such as Melbourne Cup, Harmony Week, and Mother’s and Father’s Day. The size, reach, and significance of Rhonda's impact are evident in the positive feedback from colleagues and students alike, who appreciate her unwavering support, dedication, and the warm, inclusive atmosphere she creates.
Simon Hague: Facilities and Maintenance Manager
The TUH Award for Excellence in Safety and Wellbeing
This award recognises an employee or team who has demonstrated exceptional performance in:
- Improving the wellbeing of staff and students And,
- Promotes a positive and collaborative approach to health, safety and wellbeing
- Promotes building a safer environment for children at BCE
- Demonstrates excellence, integrity, justice, and hope
Simon Hague's leadership has brought wonderful improvements to the College's environment and safety. Under his management, maintenance staff have found stability and satisfaction in their roles, fostering a positive and motivated workforce. Simon's initiatives have enhanced the presentation and safety of the College's buildings and grounds, benefiting both staff and students, as well as contractors.
His collaborative efforts with the co-located Primary school, particularly with their Grounds and Maintenance staff, have strengthened inter-departmental relationships, resulting in a unified approach to maintaining and improving the campus. Through his dedication, Simon has not only promoted a safer environment but also demonstrated excellence, integrity, and a commitment to the wellbeing of the College Community.
Lauretta Walton: Business Manager
The BCE Award for Excellence in a School Based Non-Teaching Role
This award recognises an employee or team from a school or college who has demonstrated:
- Outstanding performance in their role. And,
- Builds positive relationships with colleagues and students, and/or the community
- Contributes to an inclusive environment that values and celebrates individual identity and diversity
- Demonstrates integrity, justice, excellence and hope
Lauretta's impact on the College Community is that she contributes significantly to an inclusive and positive environment for staff, students, and the broader community. Her ability to build and maintain positive relationships with all staff members is a cornerstone of her approach. Lauretta is always willing to support and help anyone understand or manage issues related to finance or WH&S, demonstrating her commitment to fostering a collaborative and supportive workplace.
This willingness to assist others not only enhances the efficiency of the College's operations but also creates a sense of unity and mutual respect among staff members. Lauretta's commitment to improvement is evident in her swift implementation of decisions aimed at enhancing the College's operations. Whether it involves liaising with contractors about the logistics of their work or performing everyday tasks like emptying the dishwasher, nothing is ever too much trouble for her. Her hands-on approach not only ensures that tasks are completed efficiently but also fosters a collaborative and supportive environment within the College.
Lauretta has also been selected as finalist in her category.
© Brisbane Catholic Education, St Benedict's College (2025)