2026 ASCENT Anglican School Awards
Winners have been announced for the inaugural ASCENT Anglican School Awards honouring excellence in leadership, teaching and innovation in the Anglican education sector.
Hosted by the Anglican Schools Commission in the St Margaret’s Arts Centre Foyer, the awards evening was a wonderfully warm collegial gathering of passionate educators from Anglican schools across Queensland.
Overall, the awards attracted more than 140 nominations across ten categories with only three nominees shortlisted as a finalist in each category. St Margaret’s were finalists in eight of the ten categories, highlighting the depth of the school’s outstanding staff and impactful programs.
These finalists included Dean of Academics Caitlin McCluskey for Contribution to Learning for Senior Leaders, Secondary Teacher Cassandra Pincott for Contribution to Learning for Middle and Senior School Teachers, and Primary Teacher Karen Andrews-Close for Contribution to Learning for Primary and Early Years Teachers. Additionally, Primary Teacher Nikita Uscinski was a finalist for Early Career Teacher (First 5 Years).
St Margaret’s programs won in three categories, including our First Nations Publications Gidhal, Mulu Maguydan and Yumi Kaikai, Yumi Stories for Best Reconciliation Initiative, On Being Human for the Archbishop’s Award for Most Engaging Religious and Values Education Initiative, and the Ponytail Project for the Archbishop’s Award for High Impact Service-Learning Initiative.
The most prestigious award bestowed on the evening was the Hall of Fame, awarded to an individual for their distinguished service, exceptional and enduring contribution to education, influence beyond the school, embodiment of Anglican school values and inspirational legacy for future educators. The 2026 recipient of this award, nominated by St Margaret’s, was Ray Geise OAM, recognised for his work as an educator in Anglican schools, including St Margaret’s where he served for 23 years, and for his leadership and service to the community through Toc H.
St Margaret’s Principal Ros Curtis AM said: “My congratulations to everyone who was honoured this year including the St Margaret’s individual staff members and those who have stewarded innovative programs. They are most deserving of this recognition.”