Retirement of Mr Gerard Mowbray, Director of Catholic Schools, Maitland-Newcastle
After 46 years with the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, Gerard Mowbray will retire as Director of Catholic Schools in December 2022.
Sean Scanlon, Chief Executive Officer of the Diocese, has thanked retiring Director of Catholic Schools Gerard Mowbray, for his outstanding contribution and dedication to education in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle over the last 46 years.
Mr Mowbray commenced with the Diocese as a teacher at St Mary’s Gateshead in 1977 before moving into various teaching, Assistant Principal and Principal roles with schools across the Diocese, before becoming Assistant Director in 2009, and Director of Schools in 2018.
The announcement of his retirement follows years of sustained enrolment growth in Catholic Schools and the recent opening of several new Catholic schools, including:
- Catherine McAuley Catholic College, Medowie;
- St Bedes’ Catholic College, Chisholm; and
- St Aloysius Primary School in Chisholm.
Along with the expansion of St Mary’s Catholic College in Gateshead and St Joseph’s College in Lochinvar with the inclusion of Years 11 and 12.
Recognising Mr Mowbray’s contribution to the Diocese, CEO Sean Scanlon said “I’d like to extend my deepest thanks to Gerard for his dedication, hard work and outstanding contribution to our school communities and the broader Diocese over many years; he retires with a legacy dedicated to Catholic education.
“Gerard’s passion for Catholic education, his leadership, personal and nurturing approach has gained the respect of many he has worked with over the years. We wish Gerard the very best for his well-deserved retirement.”
Commenting on his retirement, Mr Mowbray said “It has been a journey and an honour to serve the Catholic Diocese over this time. I truly believe there is no greater privilege than to support the development of a young person and I’m so proud of how our Catholic schools and students have grown.
“It has been a great pleasure to work with so many talented teams and I’d like to thank all of our staff for their professionalism and dedication, I have been humbled by the hard work and commitment, especially over the last few years with COVID-19. Our Catholic schools have such a strong and assured future given the passionate and committed leaders and staff, both teaching and support, that are in our schools.
“I am confident this is the right time for me to be stepping back, my plan is to retire, and I look forward to spending more time with my wife, family and friends.”
Mr Mowbray will remain with the Diocese until the end of the year.
