A local school has put Upper Mount Gravatt on the national education map, with Clairvaux MacKillop College taking home two of the four major prizes won by Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) at the 2026 Australian Education Awards.
Read: Clairvaux MacKillop College in Mt Gravatt Celebrated for STEM and Co-Curricular Success
STEM and Academic Excellence Coordinator Dr Maynard Victor Erece was named Secondary School Teacher of the Year (Non-Government), while the College also claimed the Street Science Best STEM Program award.
Dr Erece credited the entire STEM team for the result. “This recognition reflects the strength of the collaborative culture fostered within the Clairvaux MacKillop College STEM Team,” he said.
“The program has been shaped through the collective expertise, creativity, and commitment of staff who continually work together to provide meaningful and future-focused learning experiences for students. Their contribution is central to the success and ongoing growth of the STEM program, and this achievement belongs to the entire team.”
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Curriculum Leader Science Katrina Dalglish was also awarded Department Head of the Year, recognised for her work building pathways for young women into STEM fields. That includes partnerships with the Queensland University of Technology STEM Ambassadors program and Griffith University’s SuperGEMS Girls in Motorsports initiative, both aimed at helping young women build confidence in traditionally underrepresented industries.
The College also runs a Space Program that connects students with industry partners on real-world aerospace projects.
Principal Wayne Chapman said the results reflect a shared commitment across the College community.
“Our achievements are a testament to the passion, dedication and purpose that every teacher, student and staff member brings to our community daily,” he said.
A big week for Brisbane Catholic Education
Clairvaux MacKillop College’s wins were part of a broader sweep for BCE, which claimed four awards in total at this year’s ceremony. Trinity College Beenleigh’s Head of Design Technologies Belinda Vlasenko also took out the Department Head of the Year award alongside Dalglish, both recognised in the highly competitive Department Head of the Year category.
BCE Acting Executive Director Ross Tarlinton said the recognition reflects what is happening across the system’s 146 schools in South East Queensland.
“This national recognition is a significant affirmation of the innovation, teamwork and commitment to student learning that is clearly alive within our 146 schools across South East Queensland,” he said.
“While awards never capture the full story of a school, they do shine a light on the spirit behind the work, such as educators who serve with purpose, create opportunities for young people to thrive, and build a culture where curiosity and excellence are nurtured.”
Read: 2026 College Captains Named At Upper Mount Gravatt School
About the Australian Education Awards 2026
The Australian Education Awards are presented by The Educator and are described as Australia’s leading independent education awards. The awards recognise educators and leaders who make an outstanding impact on their students, schools and communities, celebrating excellence across schools, principals, department heads and teachers throughout Australia.
Published 28-May-2026
