David de Carvalho appointed to lead Catholic Education in the Archdiocese

David de Carvalho appointed new Executive Director

Archbishop Christopher Prowse has welcomed the appointment of David de Carvalho as the Executive Director of Catholic Education.

Mr de Carvalho, who is currently the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Theology, Philosophy and Education at the University of Notre Dame, has a long career history in service to the Australian educational and Catholic communities.

“David has made significant contributions to leadership in education in Australia and

through a variety of ministries to the Church over his substantial career,” Archbishop Prowse said.

“Crucially, David is a man of faith, humanity, and family. These will be the pillars of his service to Catholic Education in the coming years.”

Mr de Carvalho has previously held the positions of Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), Chief Executive Officer of NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and Chief Executive Officer of the National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC).

“I am very much looking forward to getting to know and working closely with the leaders and staff of our 56 schools and 9 early learning centres, and our parish priests, as we continue to offer the gift of Catholic education to all families living in the Archdiocese,” Mr de Carvalho said.

“Our Australian society has never been more in need of this gift, which offers not only excellent academic outcomes, but more importantly a Christ-centred vision of humanity, life and learning as oriented to all that is true and beautiful and good.”

Chair of Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn Education Limited, Dr Patrick McArdle, said Mr de Carvalho would commence in the role by the middle of the year.

“David is a noted leader who has shaped education policy and practise from the classroom and initial teacher formation to the national stage,” he said.

“Further, he has contributed so positively to the conversation about the centrality of our Catholic identity and culture to education and human flourishing.”

The Archbishop said the move to create Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn Education Limited was one expression of the Archdiocese’s understanding of synodal process, decision-making and accountability.

“David’s appointment as the Executive Director marks a significant step in our unfolding synodal journey in Catholic Education and in exploring the developments that are emerging for the Church locally, nationally and internationally,” he said.

“I am confident that under his leadership and guidance, Catholic Education will take great steps to achieving its central goal to bring Jesus to the world and our children, their families and our staff into closer encounter with Jesus each day.”

Read Archbishop Prowse’s Statement HERE 

Read Dr Patrick McArdle, Chair Board’s Statement HERE