Outstanding Notre Dame students have been recognised for their academic success and commitment to excellence in literacy, mathematics and health education at the Faculty of Education and Philosophy & Theology's annual awards ceremonies in Fremantle and Sydney.
The ceremonies, held earlier this year, celebrated high-achieving students across the Faculty and introduced a number of new awards recognising excellence in key disciplines.
In Sydney, Lilly Shepherd received the inaugural Australian Literacy Educators' Association (ALEA) Award for Excellence in English and Literacy, while Saskia Harasty and Caitlin Arnott were recognised with the new Mathematics Association of NSW (MANSW) Student Teacher Prizes for Primary and Secondary Education respectively.
The Faculty also awarded two Philosophy & Theology awards, the Archbishop Fisher OP Prize, awarded to Lexi Wunsh and the Archbishop’s Prize for Excellence in Postgraduate Theology, awarded to Kathleen Warden.
A highlight of the Fremantle ceremony was the introduction of three new Health and Physical Education awards. Racheal Anderson received the HPE Primary Award, Ella Evans the HPE Secondary Award and Adrian Sgro was awarded the inaugural John Bloomfield Award in Health and Physical Education.
Named in honour of Professor John Bloomfield, Australia's first professor specialising in sport and human movement, the award recognises his significant contribution to the development of health and physical education nationally.
Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education and Philosophy & Theology, Professor Jessica Mantei, said the ceremonies highlighted the depth of commitment and talent within the Faculty’s student community.
“These ceremonies recognise the academic achievement, personal dedication and commitment our students bring to their studies and to their future careers,” Professor Mantei said.
“It is a privilege to celebrate their achievements alongside their families, staff and supporters who contributed to their success.”
On behalf of the Faculty, Master of Ceremonies Professor Angus Brook acknowledged the generosity of individuals and partner organisations whose donations and bequests continue to make these awards possible, ensuring student excellence is recognised in meaningful and lasting ways.
With the Health and Physical Education program launching on the Sydney campus in Semester 2 2026, the Faculty looks forward to presenting similar awards there from 2027.
The ceremonies brought together students, staff, families and sponsors to celebrate achievement, community and the values that underpin Notre Dame's mission.
A full list of award recipients can be found here.
Media Contact: media@nd.edu.au