The Monsignor Coolahan Awards recognise, affirm and celebrate the significant contribution made by the recipients to aspects of excellence in Catholic schooling in the diocese. Recipients are nominated by their peers and the awards highlight the service that is given to their respective communities.

An extremely efficient and well organised school secretary, Mary has continually gone above and beyond her secretarial role and always fulfilled her duties to a professional standard.

More than just a secretary, Mary often finds herself wearing many hats. Not only does she help assist in the day-to-day running of the school, she also takes on additional tasks - such as preparation of the school newsletter – as well as last-minute requests with a ‘no-problem’ attitude and calm demeanour.

Mary is also the school library assistant and facilitates accessing, borrowing and returning of resources for staff and students.

Proving to be resourceful, a problem-solver and always hospitable, she is always the one called upon to help tape up a broken shoe, replace a muddy uniform or retrieve lost property.

As the first point of contact for prospective enrolments and for the school community in general, Mary always greets everyone with a smile and has been described as the face of St Joseph’s.

What a deserving recipient – congratulations Mary Stepowikow!