May 22, 2026
Saint Mary’s Catholic College principal Carmel O’Brien has received a prestigious award at the recent WRITE! 26, Writer’s Toolbox global conference in Brisbane.
The three-day professional development event attracted speakers and teachers to share classroom strategies and celebrate whole-school writing transformations.
Ms O’Brien received the “First Award – Whole School Transformation Award”.
This award honours schools which have undergone outstanding transformations and made a significant contribution to the lives of teachers and young people.
During the presentation, Ms O’Brien was acknowledged as a leader who has led by example through active participation in global conferences and workshops, transformed writing outcomes across all year levels, inspired staff and students and achieved remarkable cultural change within a rural school.
In accepting the award, Ms O’Brien emphasised the achievement belonged to the entire staff of Saint Mary’s Catholic College.
“This is not my award alone,” Ms O’Brien said.
“It belongs to every teacher who has embraced the Writer’s Toolbox, supported students, and helped build a culture where writing is valued, celebrated, and strengthened.”
Writer’s Toolbox is an educational writing program powered by artificial intelligence.
It aims to help students master writing, without doing the work for them, by providing instant, personalised feedback.
