HEAD of Catholic Schools Steve Lemos has handed in his resignation after four years with the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle and will finish up at the end of the school year.
Mr Lemos took on the role in January 2023 and a public statement from the Diocese said he cited travel and being away from his family as his reasons for leaving.
The statement said Mr Lemos has travelled back and forth from Sydney where his family is based to schools across the Diocese for the last four years.
"It has been a privilege to have served the Diocese as its Head of Schools, I have loved my time at the Diocese and especially the last two years in this role," he said.
"It has been a great pleasure to work with our talented and dedicated people.
"I have loved being able to engage directly with our staff and our students and to see first-hand the impact of their commitment and work every day."
Mr Lemos said the decision was not an "easy choice" but he was confident it was the right time for him to spend more time in Sydney with his family.
The Head of Catholic Schools is responsible for educational outcomes while driving and unifying one systemic educational approach.
Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle Bishop Michael Kennedy thanked Mr Lemos for his leadership, contribution and commitment to Catholic schools, in particular his "steadfast focus" on ensuring any changes have been to improve educational and spiritual outcomes for students.
Mr Lemos will remain in the role until the end of the school year.
With more than 30 years of local and international experience in the education sector, Mr Lemos has worked in leadership roles in schools and school systems as well as consultancy.
Before he became Head of Schools, Mr Lemos held the role of Assistant Director - System Leadership at the Catholic Schools Office.
