Longtime Nundah educator Angela Greathead has been honoured with a 2026 Spirit of Catholic Education Award. The prestigious statewide accolade recognises her exceptional dedication to supporting families, fostering student learning, and strengthening ties between St Joseph’s school, parish, and the wider Catholic community.
Angela works as a Learning Enhancement Teacher at St Joseph’s Primary School, where she supports students from Years 1 to 6. Her work reaches beyond academic content. She helps children develop the skills, confidence and strategies they need to take part in school life.
A familiar face across every classroom
St Joseph’s is a small school where teachers know children across year levels. Angela believes that close connection helps staff notice when a student needs extra support. Because she works across the primary years, she can follow students’ progress and respond as their needs change. She also works closely with classroom teachers and families.
Principal Renae Collier said Angela reflects the school’s Josephite tradition of acting when someone needs help. She described her as a steady and caring presence for students, colleagues and parents.
The school uses collaborative teaching and multi-age classrooms to support a broad range of learners. Angela plays a central role in that model, from focused intervention through to extension work.
Her contribution also helps children feel secure and valued at school. Just as importantly, it gives families a trusted person to turn to when they need guidance.
Service that connects school, parish and families
Angela’s community role does not end when the school day finishes.
For more than 10 years, she has served as Sacramental Coordinator at St Joseph’s parish. Through that work, she has guided children and families through important stages of their faith journey.
Her involvement has also strengthened the relationship between the school and parish. Over time, she has supported generations of local families through both education and parish life.
She has spoken about the influence of her late brother, Damian Gambley, who served as principal of Our Lady of Fatima at Acacia Ridge. His belief in walking alongside families left a lasting impression on her own approach.
Nundah support reaches a Cambodian school
Angela has also shared her experience outside Australia.
In late 2025, she travelled to Cambodia and volunteered with Harvest Cambodia. She worked with teachers and recent school graduates at Stepping Stones School, focusing on practical English reading strategies. In 2026, the St Joseph’s community provided donations to support the Cambodian school and maintain the relationship.
State honour shines a light on local work
Angela received her award during the launch of Catholic Education Week in Queensland on Tuesday, 28 July.
The Spirit of Catholic Education Awards recognise staff, parents, carers and volunteers who make an exceptional contribution to Catholic school communities. Angela was one of six recipients named in the main award category this year.
While the ceremony brought statewide attention, the work behind the honour remains firmly rooted in Nundah. Her recognition celebrates a familiar local figure whose service has stretched across classrooms, families, parish life and communities much further afield.
Published 30-July-2026
