Appointment of Director of Schools

20th May, 2025

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Jacqueline Wilkinson as Director of Schools for Maitland-Newcastle.

With over 35 years of experience in Catholic education within our Diocese, Jacqui is a passionate, skilled, and highly experienced educational leader. She is known for her ability to communicate effectively, build trust with students, teachers, and communities, inspire others, and remain positive even in the face of challenges.

Since January 2024, Jacqui has been an integral member of the Catholic Schools leadership team; first as Assistant Head of Catholic Schools, then Head of Catholic Schools, and for the last three months, Acting Director of Catholic Schools.

With a strong Catholic faith, Jacqui is deeply motivated to share and witness the Good News of Jesus Christ. This is evident in both her personal and professional life, and her mission is clear: to ensure that every student in every school is known and valued, supported to thrive in a rich and challenging learning environment, and nurtured in their faith.

Jacqui’s career began in 1990 as a classroom teacher at St Joseph’s Primary School, Dungog. She later served as a Professional Officer of Curriculum in the Catholic Schools Team in 2005, before moving into school leadership as Assistant Principal at St Brigid’s Primary School, Raymond Terrace for eight years and then as Principal at St Patrick’s Primary School, Lochinvar for seven years. In her recent senior leadership roles within the Catholic Schools Team, Jacqui has strengthened relationships with Principals and deepened her understanding of the system-wide needs of our schools.

We are confident that Jacqui’s leadership will continue to enrich our Catholic schools and inspire our shared vision for the future of Catholic education in our Diocese.

Please join us in congratulating Jacqui on her appointment and in offering support as she steps into this important role for the Diocese.