Announcements

On behalf of the Executive Director of Schools, I wish to announce the following:

Following an Expression of Interest process, I am pleased to announce that Mark Rix has been appointed as Acting Director - Improvement, Learning and Wellbeing, effective from 20 October 2025 until 9 January 2026.

Currently the Manager - Improvement, Learning and Wellbeing, Mark will step into this role while Tim Gilmour, Deputy Executive Director, takes a period of leave during Term 4. It is important to note that this temporary, acting position incorporates the responsibility related to leading the Improvement, Learning and Wellbeing (ILW) service area, however does not include the elements of the broader role of Deputy Executive Director. 

Mark is a highly capable and relational leader within our organisation, and brings a wealth of experience across the Catholic system more broadly. He has a deep commitment to the core function of the ILW service area, always motivated by what is in the best interests of schools and students. We are confident that Mark’s leadership will ensure a seamless focus for the work of the ILW teams over the final months of 2025.

Please join me in congratulating Mark on this acting appointment.

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Following a recruitment and discernment process, I am pleased to announce that Kylie Grose has been appointed to the substantive position of Assistant Principal at St Michael’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Thirroul. Kylie will commence in this role from the beginning of the 2026 school year. 

In addition to undertaking the role of Acting Assistant Principal for various periods between 2022 to current, Kylie is the Instructional Coach and Middle Leader at St Joseph’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Bulli, and is a dedicated and highly regarded practitioner, leading and supporting teaching and learning in the Diocese of Wollongong since 2008.  

Kylie’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) and a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from the University of Wollongong and a Certificate of Religious Education, Diocese of Wollongong. Kylie will undertake further study in 2026, commencing a Master of Educational Leadership at Australian Catholic University. 

Kylie is an active member of St Joseph's Bulli Parish.   

Please join me in congratulating Kylie on her appointment to this position. 

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After a truly remarkable career spanning more than four decades, Dr Kerrie Hayes-Williams has announced her resignation to take effect in late 2025.

Kerrie’s journey in Catholic education began in 1979 at Holy Cross College, and she was a founding staff member of Holy Spirit College. Her passion for student wellbeing was evident early on, as she served in pastoral care roles that shaped her enduring commitment to supporting young people.

In 1997, Kerrie transitioned to the Catholic Education Office, where she initially conducted psychometric assessments. This work provided her with a deep understanding of student needs, which she later leveraged to become a driving force behind system-wide pastoral care initiatives. She was instrumental in forming the Pastoral Care and Personal Growth team, championing various initiatives like the National Safe Schools Framework and the Rethinking Supportive School Environments (ReSSE) program.

Kerrie’s work has had a profound and lasting impact. She has supported schools through countless referrals, providing guidance on behaviour plans, mental health needs, and whole-school wellbeing initiatives. Her leadership in the Positive Behaviours for Learning (PB4L) framework has left an indelible mark on all K–12 diocesan schools, and her expertise has helped countless educators create safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments.

Kerrie is a highly respected educator who has the great ability to connect with students and staff at all levels. Her innovative approach, her leadership, and ability to implement initiatives through positive relationships will long be remembered.

We are so incredibly grateful for Kerrie’s lifelong dedication and the profound impact she has had on the lives of so many young people as a Catholic educator. Her steadfast commitment to creating a nurturing environment for students has shaped generations. We congratulate and thank Dr Hayes-Williams for her service and the profound legacy she leaves right across our system of Catholic schools.  

Natasha O’Donoghue
Director – People and Culture

Announcement – Fr Bernard Gordon

Fr Bernard Gordon has been appointed Dean of the Cathedral and Parish Priest of Lumen Christi Parish, Wollongong. This appointment takes effect from Tuesday 16 September 2025 for a period of six (6) years. Read the full announcement from Bishop Brian Mascord here (19 September 2025).

Most Rev Brian G Mascord DD
Bishop of Wollongong