News and Events

Schools unite to launch Catholic Education Week 2026

20 May 2026

Catholic school communities from across the Diocese of Sale came together this week to celebrate Catholic Education Week 2026, gathering in a spirit of peace, faith and hope.

Carrying their school banners, student leaders led a colourful procession with clergy and the Bishop of Sale, Most Reverend Greg Bennet, for the celebration held at Nagle Catholic College Bairnsdale.

The celebration began with a Thanksgiving Mass bringing together representatives from 41 Catholic schools throughout the Diocese. Students were joined by the Bishop, members of clergy, education leaders, staff and special guests.

Student voices from the Nagle Catholic College choir and chorists from Catholic schools across the Diocese provided an uplifting presence during the Mass. The celebration continued with an acknowledgement of student learning.

This year’s Catholic Education Week theme, ‘Every school a home of peace’, draws inspiration from the words of Jesus: “Peace I leave with you”, says the Lord, “my own peace I give you”. (John 14.27).

The theme invites school communities to reflect on the essential role that peace, hope and faith play in shaping young lives and nurturing flourishing communities.

AWARDS

Sr Mildred rsj and Sr Marcella rsj Catholic Education Award

A highlight of the celebration was the presentation of the annual Sr Mildred rsj and Sr Marcella rsj Catholic Education Award. The award honours primary school students who exemplify the Christian virtue of hope within their school communities.

Named in recognition of the first two Josephite sisters to lead and teach in the Diocese of Sale, the award acknowledges their enduring legacy in Catholic education, which began in 1902 at St Michael’s Catholic Primary School, Traralgon.

Seven Year 6 students selected from Catholic schools across the Diocese were recognised, each receiving a commemorative trophy and $200 bursary to support their Catholic secondary education. They are:

Georgia McGuinness – St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School, Lakes Entrance
Claudia Gunn – St Thomas’ Catholic Primary School, Sale
Brody Potalej – St Gabriel’s Catholic Primary School, Traralgon
Nash Bogart – St Ita’s Catholic Primary School, Drouin
Georgia Vangunster – St Michael’s Catholic Primary School, Berwick
Amity Wilkinson – St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Wonthaggi
Naomi Perera – St Therese’s Catholic Primary School, Cranbourne

Front row from left – Sr Mildred rsj and Sr Marcella rsj Award recipients: Amity Wilkinson, Claudia Gunn, Georgia McGuiness, Nash Bogart, Naomi Perera, Georgia Vangunster, Brody Potalej.

Back row from left: Mr Chris Black – DOSCEL Deputy Executive Director, Mr Garry McLean – DOSCEL Board Chair, Ms Elizabeth Labone – VCEA CEO, Most Reverend Greg Bennet – Bishop of Sale, Mr Paul Velten – DOSCEL Executive Director, Mrs Mary Winter – Diocese of Sale Business Manager.

AWARDS

Elizabeth Hunt Scholarship

The Elizabeth Hunt Scholarship was awarded to Miss Mandy Yako, who graduated from Marist-Sion College in Warragul in 2025 and is currently undertaking university Teaching studies.

The Scholarship provides financial assistance for each year of the course and is designed to encourage graduates to pursue a teaching career in a Catholic school in the Diocese of Sale.

The Diocese of Sale covers 39 Catholic primary schools and seven Catholic secondary schools spanning a geographic area from Melbourne’s outer south-east suburbs from Narre Warren and Cranbourne to Phillip Island in the south, and right throughout Gippsland to Orbost in the east.

Catholic Education Week is an opportunity for Catholic Schools to welcome people to attend open days and events and see the inspiring activities happening in Catholic schools every day. For information on tours and enrolment contact your local Catholic school.

Photo above from left – Ms Elizabeth Labone – VCEA CEO, Mandy Yako – Elizabeth Hunt Scholarship recipient, Mrs Lisa Harkin – Principal of Marist-Sion College, Warragul.