The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba, Bishop Ken Howell, has announced the appointment of Ms Madonna Sleba as the next Executive Director of Toowoomba Catholic Schools, commencing on 2 January 2027.

In announcing the appointment, Bishop Howell said he was delighted to welcome Ms Sleba into the leadership role following an extensive recruitment and discernment process.

A highly respected educational leader, Ms Sleba brings more than three decades of experience in Catholic education, including the past 19 years in senior leadership positions across the Diocese of Toowoomba. Her extensive experience spans classroom teaching, school leadership, principalship and system-level leadership.

Most recently serving as Director: Education Services, Ms Sleba has played a significant role in shaping educational outcomes across the Diocese. Her leadership of the School Review and Improvement process has seen her work closely with Catholic schools in diverse regional, rural and remote communities, providing her with a deep understanding of both the opportunities and challenges facing Catholic education across southern and south-west Queensland.

Bishop Howell said Ms Sleba’s appointment reflects her commitment to Catholic education and her proven ability to lead with faith, vision and collaboration.

“Madonna is known as a person of deep faith and throughout her career has demonstrated a strong commitment to the educational mission of the Catholic Church in both regional and rural settings,” Bishop Howell said.

“She has a collaborative and collegial leadership style and has fostered strong networks of support both within our Diocese and across Catholic education in Queensland.”

“I am confident that Madonna’s experience, faith-filled leadership, and dedication to nurturing excellence in educational outcomes for young people will serve our schools and communities well into the future.”

Ms Sleba said she was honoured to have been entrusted with the leadership of Toowoomba Catholic Schools.

“I am honoured to lead Toowoomba Catholic Schools and confident in our shared capacity to build on our strong foundations, strengthen our Catholic mission and create an ambitious future in which every student, staff member and community can flourish. I look forward to serving a community I know and love.”

As the Diocese prepares for this leadership transition, Bishop Howell paid tribute to the longstanding service of current Executive Director Dr Pat Coughlan, who will conclude his tenure after 11 years of dedicated leadership.

“I take this opportunity to acknowledge and sincerely thank Dr Pat Coughlan for his dedicated service and leadership of Toowoomba Catholic Schools over the past 11 years,” Bishop Howell said.

“Pat’s commitment to Catholic education, his stewardship of the organisation, and his contribution to the lives of students, families and staff across our Diocese will leave a legacy for which we are deeply grateful.”

Dr Pat Coughlan said Ms Sleba’s appointment provides continuity, confidence and a clear vision for the future of Catholic education across the Diocese.

“Toowoomba Catholic Schools is well positioned for the future, and I am confident that under Madonna’s leadership we will continue to strengthen our Catholic identity, pursue excellence in learning and teaching, and create opportunities for every student to flourish.”

Ms Sleba’s appointment marks a significant new chapter for Toowoomba Catholic Schools as it continues its mission of providing high-quality Catholic education that forms young people in faith, learning and service throughout the Diocese.