Jacquie Wood is testament to the pulling power of Tasmania. Originally from Canberra, Jacquie and her then boyfriend, Simon Wood, were recruited from Signadou College by Srs Tess Ransom and Helen Hickey who were looking for staff for Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in Devonport. The Principal of St Finn Barr’s at Invermay, Sr Janet Sexton, had put in a request for a male teacher.
Simon went to St Finn Barr’s, and Jacquie went to Devonport in 1990 and agreed to stay for two years. They loved the place, married in 1991, and have four children. Jacquie later moved to Larmenier Catholic School in St Leonards and currently teaches at St Thomas More’s, Newstead while Simon teaches at Sacred Heart Catholic School, also in Launceston.
Jacquie teaches kindergarten students but has had a variety of roles at the school including Religious Education, Special Education and Grade five teacher. She has always wanted to be a teacher and says it’s great to go to a job where you meet so many beautiful faces every day and become part of students’ families.
Jacquie is a great fan of the ‘Reggio Emilio’ approach to children’s education which is centred on the child rather than the curriculum. Children are treated as capable learners who want to learn and the curriculum emerges from their interest. As well as her interest in ‘Reggio Emilio’, Jacquie has become involved with the Asia Education Foundation and has just returned from a study tour of Indonesia. She was overwhelmed by what she saw during her travels and is still processing the experience. She took away the lesson of being content with who you are and what you have.
Jacquie’s faith is part of who she is and what she does. She says being in the faith community of a Catholic school reminds you who you are and who you’re meant to be. That faith is passed on through her teaching and her presence. Jacquie’s faith overflows into a joyous enthusiasm and eagerness to serve. She has worked as sacramental coordinator in the Launceston Parish and represents the Sisters of St Joseph on the Board of St Patrick’s College. It is, she says, ‘a privilege to be involved.’
Jacquie Wood is well-deserving of the Award of Outstanding Service as an Employee within Catholic Education.