Humans of Carey: Jacquie Jones

Executive Assistant to the Principal

If you live in Kew, you will probably have seen me walking the streets at lunchtime, which I’ve done almost every day since I started at Carey in 2001.

There are quite a few teachers in my family, including both my parents. I myself dabbled, briefly working as a primary school teacher before moving into school administration, so I’ve always felt at home in the school environment.

I have been working in the Principal’s office since 2008, supporting Phil De Young, Philip Grutzner and now Jonathan Walter. Prior to that, I was in the old Middle School working in Daily Organisation and co-ordinating the Middle School Interdisciplinary Program.

I was pleased to hear that Jonathan had been appointed as Carey’s new Principal, as he was the year above me at Gray St Primary School in Hamilton, in western Victoria. It was a good connection for a great working relationship.

I love this job, as there is always something happening. There are challenges and exciting opportunities and I work with some incredible people. In fact, some years ago I crossed paths with the ‘AV guy’, Ben Jones. That ended well, as he is now my husband. We were married by Revd Gerry Riviere with Julie Raftopoulos and Darren Aquilina as witnesses. A true Carey wedding!

Away from Carey, I love doing those things many of us enjoy, such as bushwalking, reading, singing, gardening, travelling and cooking. I am still doing jigsaws, even after COVID! I am a passionate St Kilda supporter and, for many years, I have run the Carey staff footy tipping competition.

I have two adult children – Charlotte (32) who currently lives in Sydney and is an executive with Jurlique International, and Alice (22) who is studying a Bachelor of Arts (Screen Production) at Monash University. I love spending time with them, which is never often enough.

I can’t believe I have been at Carey for 20 years. But it is that kind of place and I feel very privileged to be a part of this extraordinary community. I have had the opportunity to do so many amazing things here over and above my job and love being a lifelong learner. I am looking forward to an exciting future at Carey and in education.

Jacquie and 'AV guy' Ben at their wedding.