Education Advisory BoardThe Education Advisory Board of the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is a key governance body established to support the Bishop and the Trustees in overseeing Catholic education across the Diocese. This includes Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle, St Nicholas Early Education, and other diocesan education and training initiatives.
About
The Education Advisory Board of the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is a key governance body established to support the Bishop and the Trustees in overseeing Catholic education across the Diocese. This includes Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle, St Nicholas Early Education, and other diocesan education and training initiatives. Formed as part of the Diocesan Governance Framework, the Board ensures these entities operate in accordance with legal and regulatory obligations, playing a crucial role in keeping our education focussed on Catholic mission and identity.
The Board’s role is to provide strategic oversight and assurance that Catholic education within the Diocese is delivered to the highest standards of quality, ethics, and compliance. It advises on curriculum development, educational performance, and the alignment of programs with Catholic teachings and the Diocesan Pastoral Plan. The Board also supports the Bishop and Trustees in fulfilling their canonical and civil responsibilities, and promotes synodal discernment and community engagement.
Responsibilities include reviewing and recommending financial policies and budgets, monitoring risk and compliance, and reporting on the performance of Catholic Schools, St Nicholas Early Education, and other education initiatives to diocesan leadership. The Board regularly reviews key policies and may establish standing committees such as the Curriculum and Standards Committee and the Quality Assurance Committee to support its work.
Comprising 4 to7 members plus a Presider (typically the Bishop or delegate), the Board includes ex-officio members and standing invitees from senior education and finance leadership. It meets at least three times annually and plays a vital role in shaping the future of Catholic education in the Diocese.
Skills and experience
Each of us is gifted with varying talents, skills and experiences. In essence, we seek people who are passionate about supporting the future of our Church and building on our history to fulfill our mission – to serve all in the community so they may experience life to the full.
These differing perspectives and skills combine to complement others, challenge our thinking and build a truly synodal church.
The skills and backgrounds that might align with what we seek for this Council or Board are outlined below. Applicants do not have to fit any or all of those listed. We welcome expressions of interests from all those who feel called to contribute their insight, skills and experience.
The range of experience we need to support this Council may include people with backgrounds and experience in:
- Catholic mission and identity
- Educational leadership from any of: Early education, Primary, Secondary or Tertiary
- Strategic planning
- Risk management
Meeting Dates
*dates subject to change
Education Board
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Thursday 29 January 2026
8:30am to 3:15pm *Optional Good Governance Day
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Wednesday 11 March 2026
4:00pm to 6:00pm
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Wednesday 10 June 2026
4:30pm to 6:30pm
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Wednesday 9 September 2026
4:00pm to 6:00pm
Statutes and Protocols
Statutes and Protocols are ad experimentum during the first year, and may be updated from time to time during that year. The role of the relevant Council or Board will be to, at the end of the first year, consider the drafts and participate in updates to make the process fit for purpose.
