A team of 14 at St James College has been named recipient of the 2024 Queensland Catholic Education Commission’s Spirit of Catholic Education Cultural Team Award.

Assistant Principal Identity and Global Advocacy, Isikeli Kubunameca said the team work together on initiatives aimed at recognising and celebrating student cultural identity and identity.

“When we recognise and celebrate cultural identity and identity in an inclusive way, students feel safe and supported.”

“By feeling safe and supported, students fully engage with the curriculum and that allows them to be able to make a change for themselves and their future,” Kubunameca said.

The college was acknowledged for their cultural community engagement activities including the annual Cultural Night performances, cooking nights, acknowledgement of cultural milestones, and numerous expression opportunities for students.

The team also serve as interpreters and cultural liaison officers between school, home and the community.

As an Edmund Rice Education Australia EREA school, the college aims to engage and nurture the heart and mind of each person within the framework of the the Edmund Rice tradition Touchstones of Liberating Education, Gospel Spirituality, Inclusive Community, and Justice and Solidarity.

On hearing the news of the team's win, CEO, EREA Colleges Ltd Chris Woolley sent his heartfelt congratulations.

“Your efforts in promoting the values of Catholic education through cultural activities have not only enriched the lives of students and staff but have also set a commendable example of how faith and culture can harmoniously coexist,” he wrote.

“The creativity, passion, and perseverance that your team has demonstrated are truly inspiring.”

Read the citation from the Spirit of Catholic Education Awards website below. 

CULTURAL TEAM
St James College, Spring Hill, Brisbane - RI MPJP Schools

Leading the charge for diversity and inclusion at St James College is the Cultural Team. With over 65 per cent of the college’s students speaking English as an additional language and coming from 70 different countries, this dedicated team ensures every student feels seen and valued.

Their efforts are broad and impactful, serving as interpreters, cultural liaison ambassadors, including arts therapeutic approach. They organise cultural dance and expression, community engagement activities, celebrate cultural milestones, and provide free certificate studies, music tuition, and sports opportunities, tirelessly working to bridge equity gaps.

The team’s success is evident through numerous accolades. In 2023, the school won the Australian Training Awards for School Pathways in VET and was named Netball School of the Year by Netball Queensland. Additionally, the 2024 AfriQld Award for Empowering Community, awarded without nomination, highlights their significant role in fostering inclusion. Recently, the school was named as a State Finalist in the Queensland Reconciliation Awards, being acknowledged for their cultural initiative.

Through partnerships with various organisations the team supports refugee families with art therapy and community connections. They also promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through dance troupes, community events, and staff development and have supported First Nations and African students to become state finalists in various educational, sporting, and public speaking competitions.

The team exemplifies the spirit of Catholic education through their commitment to diversity, inclusion, excellence and community engagement.