2024 Faith in Learning Catholic Education Excellence Awards

On 9 August, one of our SFX teachers Mrs Melanie Monaghan was awarded the HALT Award as part of Catholic Education’s annual Faith in Learning Excellence Awards. The awards recognised staff and parents working or volunteering in the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn who use their God-given gifts to ensure that schools provide students with the best learning opportunities and the highest level of care.

It took Mrs Monaghan two years to complete the three modules required to become a registered Highly Accomplished Teacher. Each module covered certain Australian recognised teacher standards to provide evidence for, assessed by national level assessors. The rigorous certification assessment process was a testament to the magnitude of this achievement with the benchmarks set for Australian teachers. Mrs Monaghan believes it promotes reflective practice and teaching excellence, which inspires her to complete the modules.

After passing the three modules, the assessors spent a time at SFX to see Mrs Monaghan demonstrate her teaching and leadership skills and pedagogy, which includes interviews with her referees, spoke with her students and dialogues about her role as a teacher. Being a HALT is nationally recognised and has expanded Mrs Monaghan’s career opportunities as well as connecting her with like-minded teachers from around the country. 

“I’m extremely proud to have received the award of a Highly Accomplished Teacher. The process for this recognition was extremely challenging as well as rewarding and it encouraged me to reflect on my teaching, learning and leadership practice whilst focusing on the impact I have on those I teach. Becoming a HALT acknowledged the importance of my teacher efficacy and the essential role I play in the lives of my students.” said Mrs Monaghan.

Congratulations to Mrs Monaghan for her incredible achievement! For the full list of awardees, please visit CE’s page here.