For more than 40 years, Michele McDonald has dedicated her career to shaping the lives of young people through Catholic education. From her beginnings as a classroom teacher to her current role as Assistant Director Learning Services for Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools – where she leads teaching and learning across 45 infants, primary, secondary and senior secondary schools – Michele has been a passionate advocate for educational excellence, equity and the holistic development of every student.
This year, Michele’s outstanding contribution to education was recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), honouring a career marked by leadership, innovation and service. Throughout her journey, she has influenced curriculum and teaching practice at local, state and national levels, while remaining steadfast in her commitment to the values at the heart of Catholic education.
In this interview, Michele reflects on the experiences and people who inspired her vocation, the role faith has played in her leadership, and why education continues to be one of the most powerful ways to transform lives and communities.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I was deeply inspired by one of my high school teachers, whose belief and faith in me, coupled with her infectious passion for education, guided my path. It was her influence that motivated me to pursue a career in textiles and food technology, as I witnessed firsthand how a dedicated educator can truly shape a student’s future.
Receiving an OAM is recognition of a lifetime of service. Looking back over your career, what achievement or moment in education are you most proud of?
My work is profoundly shaped by the foundational values of Catholic education: the dignity of the human person and a commitment to service and justice. The most inspiring people have often been the students themselves, who remind me daily why education matters. It is their resilience, unique perspectives, and untapped potential that give me the passion and dedication to education that I have. Seeing students overcome challenges to discover their own voice and purpose is a powerful reminder that my work is not just about policy or curriculum, but about fostering an environment where every individual can thrive and become the best version of themselves.
Is there a story from your time teaching that has inspired you or had a deep impact on you?
Some of the most profound moments in my career have come from taking students on immersive cultural and service experiences, such as trips to Arnhem Land, snow expeditions, spiritual retreats, sporting events and work with underprivileged communities. These journeys outside the school environment really bring the most joy to teaching. Watching students grow as they engaged with diverse cultures and faced new challenges firsthand was incredibly moving; it wasn’t just about the places we visited, but about the transformative impact these experiences had on their character and worldview.
How does your faith shape your teaching approach?
Faith serves as the foundation of my life, guiding both my professional practice and personal values. Within Catholic education, this conviction is deeply intertwined with our core commitment to the dignity of the human person, as well as the principles of service and justice. These values drive my dedication to cultivating inclusive environments where every student is empowered to find their unique voice, build resilience, and reach their fullest potential. Above all, my faith ensures that my leadership remains centered on the individual student—honoring their journey rather than focusing solely on academic outputs.
You have spent much of your career supporting teachers and students behind the scenes. What does this honour mean to you personally, and what message would you like it to send about the importance of educators and educational leadership?
Since I now work in system leadership, the most crucial part of this work is still about educating young people but now extends across our 45 schools for long term commitment to every student’s growth. It requires bridging the vision of system-wide reform, curriculum innovation, and expert leadership with the practical realities of the K–12 classroom. After 40 years in Catholic education, what stands out is that true progress is achieved by fostering a culture where faith, exceptional teaching, and continuous learning are seamlessly integrated, ensuring high standards and success for all students across the entire system. This commitment moves beyond individual school success to elevate the entire educational community to achieve the best they can for every student in our care.
What do you think is the most valuable role Catholic education plays in today’s society?
Catholic education holds a transformative place in contemporary society by providing a holistic formation that reaches well beyond academic achievement. We are tasked with nurturing hope-filled, creative young people, guiding them to become well-rounded citizens who engage with the world through a lens of compassion, integrity, and social responsibility.
Our mission, centered on the person of Jesus, fosters a values-based commitment to the common good and the stewardship of our common home. By integrating faith into this formation, we prepare the next generation not only to achieve individual success but to contribute meaningfully and ethically to the broader community, ensuring they are ready to meet the complexities of our world with purpose.