From SFX student to award-winning author — Jacqueline’s story comes full circle
When Jacqueline walked through the gates of St Francis Xavier College as a Year 7 student in 1997, she could never have imagined that one day she would become an internationally recognised author, creative coach and advocate for young readers.
As a member of the very first cohort to graduate Year 12 from SFX, Jacqueline reflects on her time at the College with great fondness.
“SFX was such a special community,” she said.
“I have wonderful memories of the school and am still friends with many of the people I went to school with. I was taught by the legendary Mrs Rowe, Mr Wilson and Mr Braybon, amongst many other incredible teachers who helped shape my journey.”
Today, Jacqueline works in foreign affairs while also pursuing a successful writing career — a passion she first nurtured during her years at SFX.
Since graduating, she has become an internationally award-winning author with nine published children’s books to her name. Her recent titles include the Ariana Treasure junior fiction series and Meet Matilda at the Festival, published as part of the Aussie Kids series by Penguin Random House Australia.
Her picture books have received international recognition, winning awards in the United States and earning shortlisting in the prestigious Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards.
Beyond her own writing, Jacqueline is passionate about inspiring the next generation of storytellers. She serves as an Ambassador for the Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge, regularly visits schools, and delivers creative writing workshops that encourage young people to discover the power of their own voices.
“I’m passionate about nurturing lifelong readers, writers and creatives,” she said.
“My goal is to inspire children and adults to chase their dreams and share their own stories with heart.”
Her commitment to the literary community extends beyond the classroom. In 2017, Jacqueline received the prestigious Anne Edgeworth Fellowship and has since served as a board member of the ACT Writers Centre, now known as MARION.
Nearly three decades after starting Year 7 at SFX, Jacqueline’s connection to the College remains strong.
Now a mother of two, she recently returned to the College for her 20-year reunion and is excited about the possibility of her daughter following in her footsteps.
“My daughter was very impressed when we visited the school,” Jacqueline said.
“Coming back reminded me just how special SFX is and how much it contributed to the person I am today.”
From the classrooms of SFX to bookshelves around the world, Jacqueline’s story is a powerful reminder that passions discovered at school can grow into lifelong careers — and that the lessons learned here continue to shape lives long after graduation.
Are you an SFX alumnus with a story to share? We’d love to hear where your journey has taken you.