The Real-World Classroom Challenge
The opportunity
Every classroom has moments where learning could be more engaging, personalised, or efficient. The CEnet 2026 Catholic Educator Hackathon invites you to identify a genuine opportunity in your school community and design a practical, creative solution using Canva Code.
We aren't just looking for big ideas - we are looking for meaningful, usable solutions. Whether it supports teaching, wellbeing, assessment, or organisation, your creation should solve a genuine problem and make a meaningful impact.
Who is this for? This is for all educators in Catholic education. You do not need to be a coding expert. You need to be a problem solver who wants to build tools that truly support Catholic schools.
Choose your stream
Primary Stream
The Challenge: Identify a real need within your school community and design a practical, creative solution in the form of a digital widget (interactive, Canva Code creation).
Secondary Stream
The Challenge: Identify a real need within your school community and design a practical, creative solution in the form of a digital widget (interactive, Canva Code creation).
Prizes and recognition
Showcase your innovation and win rewards for your school and yourself!
Top Prize
Boost school spirit with a CEnet ping-pong package
(1 x Primary and 1 x Secondary Winner)
Win a ping-pong table for your school, complete with paddles and balls. A fun addition to your staffroom or student common area, provided by CEnet.
Second Prize
Bring your designs to life with Canva Print Vouchers
(1 x Primary and 1 x Secondary Winner)
Use Canva Print Vouchers to design and order a range of professional-quality products, including custom apparel, stationery, stickers, photobooks, mugs, and more.
Third Prize
The Canva Essentials Pack
(1 x Primary and 1 x Secondary Winner)
Take home a bundle of exclusive Canva swag, including a Bluetooth speaker, premium drink bottle, and stationery.
All participants
• Official Recognition: Receive a Certificate of Participation to add to your professional portfolio.
• Network-Wide Impact: Earn the chance to have your tool inspire teachers across the entire Catholic education network, making a real difference in classrooms beyond your own.
Judging Criteria
How will your submission be evaluated?
1. Classroom Opportunity: Is the problem clear, specific, and grounded in real classroom practice?
2. Learning Impact: Does the tool meaningfully enhance engagement, understanding, or independence?
3. Use of Canva Code: Is the interactivity creative, purposeful, and functional?
4. Differentiation: Does the tool support diverse learners (accessibility, extension, support)?
5. Practicality: Is it classroom-ready and easy for other teachers to adapt?
As part of the 2026 Catholic Educator Hackathon, all participants are responsible for ensuring their submissions comply with their school or system’s AI and digital technologies policies, as well as relevant Catholic Education frameworks. If you are ever unsure whether your interactive tool aligns with these guidelines, please consult your school leadership before submitting your entry.
Have questions?
Join Jo Muirhead, Canva for Education Learning Consultant, for a Drop-in Q&A Session and have your questions answered! Participate in live demo requests and receive tailored support for Canva Code development, website customisation, and publishing.
Thursday 26 March 4.30pm-5.00pm AEDT [Join]
Thursday 23 April 3.30pm - 4.30pm AEST [Join]
Think Practical. Think Purposeful. Think Impact.
Be a part of the challenge and make a real-world impact beyond the classroom!
*Open to the Australian Catholic Education community