The coveted Student Catholic Spirit Award went to Makaala Dodd who is studying at O'Connor Catholic College.

The annual awards recognise outstanding contributions from those across the Armidale Diocese in the categories of Early Career Teacher, Experienced Teacher, Volunteer Supporter, School Officer, Innovative Program and Student Catholic Spirit as well as Leadership.

"This year is extra special because not only are we thanking those who contribute to Catholic education in our Diocese, we are also celebrating over 200 years of Catholic schools educating millions of young people and today educating one in five Australian students," Diocese of Armidale director of schools Chris Smyth said.

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The award presentations are a highlight of Catholic Schools week, the theme this year and for the 200 years celebrations being Faith in the Future, reflecting Catholic schools' focus on being forward thinkers and leaders of faith and learning.

Currently in year 12, Makaala has a strong sense of social justice and has shown this through her participation and organisation of many fundraisers and awareness days at school.

"She is very much in tune with the issues and concerns regarding the marginalised in our society," Mr Smyth said.

"Makaala's advocacy for Day for Dolly and working to actively stop bullying and harassment has been outstanding."

Makaala is an ambassador for Dolly's Dream and speaking at a whole school assembly which she organised said her conviction to this cause is extremely strong.

Her nominators said she is courageous, always willing to stand up against bullying, and is a mentor for younger students who often struggle with day-to-day pressures of school life.

"Makaala is always upbeat and positive about her life and the future," Mr Smyth said.

"Makaala represents her college as a LaSallian Youth Leader, House Captain of Merici and an Student Representative Council member.

"She takes on these roles with a maturity beyond her years and with great enthusiasm. She has helped with peer support programs at the school forming good relationships with younger students, as well as organising and participating in many school events."

Makaala has represented O'Connor Catholic College at Anzac Day and Remembrance Day Services in the Uralla Shire throughout her time at the college.

"Makaala is a youth representative for Youth Week in Uralla, and has yearly meetings with Uralla Mayor Michael Pearce," Mr Pearce said.

"In this role, she works to ensure that the youth of Uralla have a voice in decision-making. "

In 2019 Makaala was one of 100 people selected to attend the UNICEF Youth Living With Drought Summit in Lake Macquarie. This was an opportunity for Makaala to step up and take on some leadership within the group. She spoke at the event and participated in the press conference that was held during this summit.

"Makaala also acts as an outstanding leader and role model to younger Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students," Mr Smyth said.

"She has assisted in the development of school Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support Programs and is always looking for informal opportunities to mentor and guide younger students.

"Makaala leads from the front and pushes herself to inspire other students to treat each other with kindness and respect."

St Joseph's in Uralla received the Innovative Program Award for their Sheep Manure Project.

The Early Career Teacher award was given to Genevieve Vickers from St Mary's College in Gunnedah and the Experienced Teacher Award went to Toni Palmer from the Holy Trinity School in Inverell.

Cherie Yates of St Joseph's Primary School in Tenterfield received the Leadership Award.

Henry (Terry) Hynch from St Francis Xavier's in Narrabri received the School Office Award and the Volunteer Supporter of the Year was Edmund Heap from St Mary's College & St Xavier's Primary in Gunnedah.

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"The recipients have modelled the Catholic values and principles that underpin our communities," Mr Smyth said.

"They have worked to ensure learning for all is the focus of our schools.

"These are the features of a self reflecting and self improving Catholic professional learning community and individuals like these award recipients are role models for all of us."

The Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison wrote a congratulatory message to the Catholic education community on the occasion.

"Over 200 years, your schools, preschools and now universities, have transformed Australia through the millions of lives you have influenced," the Prime Minister wrote.

"On this anniversary, we remember all who have been part of this heritage, including Fr Therry and Australia's first saint, Mary of the Cross.

We recall on this anniversary, the good days and the bad, the successes and disappointments; joys and sufferings; as well as the faith and community that has enabled Catholic Education to make this significant contribution to our national life.

"In doing so, we also recognise the clergy, religious, lay men and women, parents and parishes who have contributed so much."

The bicentenary commemorates the anniversary of the first official Catholic school in Australia, founded in October 1820 by Irish Catholic priest Fr John Therry in Parramatta.

Mr Smyth said the Catholic Schools Office is grateful to the sponsors of each award because their generosity enabled significant staff and student representation from the 24 Diocesan schools to attend the event.

"Sponsorships were received from the Armidale Diocesan Investment Group, Centacare New England North West, MSP Photography, with the major sponsor being the Australian Catholic Superannuation and Retirement Fund," he said.

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