At Christ the King School in Graceville, the end of Semester 1 marks a special moment of recognition and celebration – the presentation of the Nano Nagle Award.
This prestigious accolade is awarded to one student in each year level who exemplifies the values and spirit of Nano Nagle, the foundress of the Presentation Sisters and a beacon of hope, education, and compassion. The award is not recognition of academic achievement, but a celebration of character, kindness, and service – the very qualities that Nano Nagle herself embodied.
Who was Nano Nagle?
Born in 1718 in County Cork, Ireland, Nano Nagle was a courageous and visionary woman who defied the oppressive Penal Laws that forbade Catholic education. After receiving her own education in France, she returned to Ireland and began teaching poor children in secret, risking her safety to bring light into the lives of the marginalised. She founded the Presentation Sisters in 1775, a religious order dedicated to education and service to the poor.
Nano became known as the “Lady of the Lantern”, walking the dark alleyways of Cork to visit the sick and teach children by lamplight. Her lantern became a symbol of hope, and her legacy continues to shine through the work of Presentation schools around the world — including Christ the King School.
Nano Nagle and Christ the King School
Christ the King School, Graceville, is proud to be part of the Presentation tradition. The school’s ethos is deeply rooted in Nano’s values, and her spirit is woven into the fabric of daily life. From the emphasis on hospitality, compassion, and justice, CTK School students are encouraged to live out Nano’s mission in their own unique ways.
Each year, the Nano Nagle Award is presented at the end of Semester 1 and again at the end of Semester 2. It honours students who reflect Nano’s qualities — courage, compassion, simplicity, hospitality, justice, and faith — in their interactions with others and their contributions to the school community.
Qualities that define the Award
Nano Nagle's life was marked by:
- Courage and daring: She faced danger and opposition to educate the poor.
- Compassion and caring: She tended to the sick and suffering with empathy.
- Justice and advocacy: She challenged unjust systems and empowered the voiceless.
- Faith and resilience: Her trust in Divine Providence guided here mission.
- Hospitality and simplicity: She welcomed all and lived humbly.
These qualities are the foundation of the Nano Nagle Award, and they continue to inspire CTK School students to be leaders of light in their own communities.
Semester 1, 2025 Nano Nagle Award Recipients
This semester, Christ the King School proudly celebrates the following students who have been chosen as Nano Nagle Award recipients for their year level. Each of these students has demonstrated exceptional character, kindness, and a commitment to living out the values of Nano Nagle.
- Prep: Asher H. A young learner who shows gentle kindness and a welcoming spirit to all.
- Year 1: Dominic H. A student who consistently demonstrates compassion and care for his classmates.
- Year 2: Saffron K. A student who stands up for fairness and includes others with joy.
- Year 3: Kruz P. A student who shows resilience and courage in learning and friendships.
- Year 4: Sammy M. A young leader who quetly supports others and models respectful behaviour.
- Year 5: Clare R. A student who shows empathy in action.
- Year 6: Aurelia P. A senior student who embodies Nano's legacy through service and leadership.
Each student was nominated by the teaching and leadership staff for their consistent embodiment of Nano Nagle's values. Their names were announced at a special assembly on Friday, 27 June, where they received a plaque and a certificate.
Living the legacy every day
At Christ the King School, Graceville, the Nano Nagle Award is more than a moment of recognition – it is a call to action. Students are encouraged to live with hearts of hospitality, simplicity, compassion, justics, respect and faith. These values are not confined to the classroom; they are expressed in the playground, friendships, community service, and everyday kindness.
The school's motto is inspired by Nano's mission to be a light in the darkness. Whether through the fundraising for Caritas Australia, or simply helping a friend in need, CTK School students are learning that they, too, can be lantern bearers in their world.
Looking ahead
As Semester 2 begins, the spirit of Nano Nagle continues to guide the CTK School community. Students will keep striving to live out her values, knowing that their actions – no matter how small – can make a big difference. When the next round of Nano Nagle Awards is presented at the end of the year, it will again be a celebration of light, love and legacy.
In the words of Nano Nagle herself: "Love one another as you have hitherto done". May her light continue to shine through every child at Christ the King School, Graceville.