The Emmaus Awards recognise the significant service and contribution made by its recipients in various areas across Maitland-Newcastle’s Catholic schools.

“It is very humbling to be nominated by your peers and to receive the Emmaus Award for School Support,” Ms Bowe said of the honour.

“Though highly overwhelming, it is lovely to be recognised and acknowledged for the things I do for St Joseph’s College, Lochinvar.”

Of her role as laboratory technician, Ms Bowe said: “I couldn’t ask for a more cohesive engaging and inclusive faculty to work with. Their passion and drive for engaging and challenging students is contagious.

“I do look forward to coming to work every day and enjoy working behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of a successful science faculty. I do believe that with anything in life, the more you put in, the more you get back.”

Principal of St Joseph’s College, Lochinvar, Patricia Hales, said Ms Bowe deserves to be recognised because she epitomises the ideals of service and servant leadership and embodies the ideals and values of Catholic education.

“She is an active participant in liturgies and prayer, and promotes the importance of nurturing the spiritual life,” Ms Hales said. “This can be seen through her participation in and leadership of the Aussie Camino.

“In her role as laboratory technician, Andrea consistently strives for excellence. Her attention to detail, innovative practices, research skills, co-ordination of spaces and equipment have resulted in the development of effective systems that assist the science faculty to create an environment where students not only learn but thrive.

“Andrea is a dedicated, humble, servant of the St Joseph’s community who consistently models integrity and respect. Andrea actively shares responsibility for the identity and life of the college. It is for these reasons Andrea is a highly deserving and worthy recipient of the Emmaus Award for School Support.”

Background to the Emmaus awards

The Catholic Schools Office established the Emmaus Awards to recognise, affirm and celebrate the significant contribution made by the recipients to aspects of excellence in Catholic schooling in the Diocese of Maitland—Newcastle. Each year, eight Emmaus plaques are presented by the Bishop and Director of Catholic Schools at the Called to Serve Mass. Over 2,000 staff are eligible to receive an award, which makes receiving one very significant. Recipients must be nominated by their colleague, and a panel then reviews all submissions.  In total there are six award categories, including four categories that pertain to educators, as well as a category recognises contributions made by schools’ support staff including cleaners, pastoral care workers and grounds people and finally, one for an entire school community. In addition to receiving a plaque, individuals also receive a $2000 certificate and the winning school community receives $1000 to be used towards educational resources. 

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