Principal Profiles 2021
Andrew Baker
Name: Andrew Baker
Current School: Nazareth R-12 Catholic College
Previous Position: Principal Gleeson College, Golden Grove
First Year as a Principal: 2014
The hope for my current school is: that it continues to be a place of genuine welcome for all students and families, and a place where the young people in our care feel safe and valued.
The Joy of Principalship is: journeying with young people and their families, and witnessing them strive to improve and ultimately flourish.
A Book I would recommend: Legacy, James Kerr
Fun Fact about me: I run every day and have completed several marathons.
My valued Well-Being Strategy: as above
Advice for a Beginning Principal: Don’t think that you need to have all the answers. Build a great team and allow them the freedom and flexibility to lead in the best way that they know how.
Inspiring Leadership Quote: “Be who you are, and be that perfectly” St Francis de Sales
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: “What are all the ‘T’s’ on the wall?” (Quote from a beautiful young person on a school tour referring to the crosses on classroom walls!)
Michael Lee
Name: Michael James Lee
Current School: St Mary MacKillop College, Canberra
Previous position: Principal, Hennessy Catholic College, Young
My Big Picture for the School is:
A Christ-centred Catholic school successfully meeting the challenge of being authentically welcoming of diversity and inclusion. MacKillop prioritises equity of access and aspires to fully engage with the community of Canberra, Australia, and the world.
The Joy of Principalship is:
The respect and trust given to me by my school community.
Favourite Book:
Fiction: The Langton Quartet by Martin Boyd
Non-fiction: No Ordinary Time by Doris Kearns Goodwin
Favourite Food:
A hot Four N Twenty pie at the MCG (with sauce).
Interests and Hobbies:
Reading American Presidential history, travel, cooking, following Essendon in the AFL.
Favourite Wellbeing Strategy:
Autumn lunch in the back garden with a Coonawarra red and a good friend/getting a load of washing done before school – good to achieve something in a day!
Advice for a Beginning Principal:
Be available and present to students and their parents and carers – remember that schools exist for students, not adults, but the most important people in schools are teachers. Don’t shrink from the difficult conversations. Have high expectations of self and others. Don’t worry about the money.
Favourite Leadership Quote:
“The presidency is like a soft leather glove. It fits the hand in it at the time. Every now and then, a president’s hand stretches the glove and it is forever enlarged; Washington did this, Lincoln did this too, and FDR stretched it in a way that those who followed him have struggled to wear the glove with any comfort.”
- George F Will
Title of my TED Talk:
Victory is arbitrary; faith and courage are believed, felt, and witnessed.
OR Social conservatism – the enemy of Catholic Education.
Brendan Stewart
Current School: St Mary’s College, Toowoomba
Previous Position: Deputy Principal, Ignatius Park College, Townsville
First Year as a Principal: 2021
My big picture for my current school is: To be the school of choice for young men in the Darling Downs
The Joy of Principalship is: I enjoy the challenge of Leadership and to help students to achieve their path beyond school
Favourite Book: The Leadership Challenge, Kouses and Pozner
Favourite Food: Anything Curry
Interests / Hobbies: Music, running
My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Balance and variety
Favourite Leadership Quote: Leaders are made not born
Brenda Timp
Current School: Mercy College Chatswood
Previous Position: Assistant Principal, Mater Maria Catholic College 
First Year as a Principal: 2021
My big picture for my current school is: To grow great women who are confident in their ability to make the world a better place
The Joy of Principalship is: Seeing the joy in students’ faces when they achieve great things in their learning or in their co-curricular activities, and the gratitude in teachers’ faces when they know they have my support for an idea
Favourite Book: Anything Jane Austin
Favourite Food: Fish and chips
Interests / Hobbies: Yoga, walking, cooking, travelling
My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Having a coffee with my husband every morning at our favourite coffee shop before we head off for the day
Advice for a Beginning Principal: Have a chat to at least a couple of staff members and students each day to start to get to know everyone!
Favourite Leadership Quote: “It’s not that I’m so smart; it’s that I stay with problems longer” (Albert Einstein)
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: “Children MUST graze their knees!”
Craig Deayton
Current School: Guilford Young College
Previous Position: Principal – Sacred Heart College Hobart
First Year as a Principal: 1995
My big picture for my current school is: Successfully bring the College through the major restructure of Catholic Secondary school in 2023, establish the new vision for Guilford Young College in adult learning in the senior secondary college model and guide the major expansion of VET in the GYC Registered Training Organisation
The Joy of Principalship is: working with young people and leading a marvellously dynamic and committed staff.
Favourite Book: To Kill a Mockingbird
Favourite Food: Korean BBQ
Interests / Hobbies: Writing, cycling, surfing, military history
My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: An hour in kindergarten
Advice for a Beginning Principal: Be open to seeing the joys and opportunities of the role. Problems come and go, but there’s no problem so unique and difficult that an experienced colleague hasn’t successfully managed so reach out, build a support network and actively seek out their advice – especially if you don’t think you need it.
Favourite Leadership Quote: “Leadership is not a person or a position. It is a complex moral relationship between people based on trust, obligation, commitment, emotion, and a shared vision of the good.” - Joanne Ciulla
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: At Any Price
Neil Aweyn
Current School: Kolbe Catholic College, Rockingham
Previous Position: Vice Principal, CBC Fremantle
First Year as a Principal: 2021
My big picture for my current school is: To continue to create a community-centred, Christ focused culture.
The Joy of Principalship is: having the ability to make a positive impact in the lives of your staff, students and families.
Favourite Book: Marching Powder by Rusty Young
Favourite Food: Anything Mexican
Interests / Hobbies: spending time with my family, watching my beloved Fremantle Dockers and West Ham United. Playing Poker.
My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Give your permission to turn off and be present to your family and friends on a daily basis.
Advice for a Beginning Principal: I am a beginning Principal, so I will take all the advice I can get!
Favourite Leadership Quote: “You can't lead the people if you don't love the people. You can't save the people if you don't serve the people.”
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: The importance of finding joy in your profession.
Nicole Morton
Current School: St Johns College Dubbo
Previous Position: Assistant Principal -Xavier High School Albury
First Year as a Principal: Yes
My big picture for my current school is: To continue to build on the foundations of the schools traditions, to create a climate of engagement for all students and all families and to inspire futures of hope for all students.
The Joy of Principalship is: the opportunity to inspire futures of hope for all in the community
Favourite Book: To Kill a Mockingbird
Favourite Food: avocado
Interests / Hobbies: Gardening, singing and hanging out with positive people
My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Day spa appointments!
Advice for a Beginning Principal: It’s all about relationships.
Favourite Leadership Quote: “To lead people, walk beside them. As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence … When the best leader’s work is done, the people say, ‘We did it ourselves!'” – Lao Tzu, Chinese philosopher
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book:
It starts and ends with relationships…
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou, poet and civil rights activist
Frank Ranaldo
Current School: Rostrevor College
Previous Position: Deputy Principal
First Year as a Principal: 2021 (Acting)
My big picture for my current school is: to inspire students to achieve their personal best in all endeavours and to become men for others who will make a positive difference in the world.
The Joy of Principalship is: Making a difference to the lives of our boys and having a greater influence on their learning outcomes by the decisions that are made at a higher level, as well as working with individuals and teams to solve problems.
Favourite Book: Leaders Eat Last, by Simon Sinek
Favourite Food: Pasta (of course)
Interests / Hobbies: Music, gardening & cooking
My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Make time for myself to restore energy, reflect on the day/week, and plan.
Advice for a Beginning Principal: Find time to focus on self-care.
Favourite Leadership Quote:
Its amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit – Harry S Truman
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: Leaders Drink First
Clare Nocka
Current School: St Mary’s College, Adelaide
Previous Position: Principal, St Joseph’s School Tranmere
First Year as a Principal: 2014
My big picture for my current school is: To create diverse opportunities for staff and students to flourish in their learning and their wellbeing
The Joy of Principalship is: The range of relationships and interactions within and beyond my school with children, young people and adults.
Favourite Book: That’s too hard, I always have more than one on the go! A recent delight was Trent Dalton, All our shimmering skies.
Favourite Food: Chocolate
Interests / Hobbies: Reading, live music, theatre, being with friends, cooking
My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: work free weekends and a few days away each term break
Advice for a Beginning Principal: build your networks, find the 1-2 people you can de-brief the day with
Favourite Leadership Quote: I have a pinboard full of quotes. One of recent favourites - As a leader trust people to manage themselves to do their best work. Jim Collins
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: Radical Yes
Candi Dempster
Current School: Columba Catholic College, Charters Towers
Previous Position: Deputy Principal; St Benedict’s College Mango Hill. Brisbane.
First Year as a Principal: 2018
My big picture for my current school is:
To grow and empower day and boarding students to engage in learning and pathways options that inspire, challenge and sustain them so they realise their giftedness and can confidently share these gifts with each other and society.
The Joy of Principalship is:
To grow a culture where staff members, students and parent realise something new and inspiring about themselves, their student or child through the breadth of opportunities for growth across learning in classroom, co-curricular programs and parent engagement.
Favourite Book: Andrew McGahan - Praise
Favourite Food: Anything spicy
Interests / Hobbies: Cricket, any Sport, Camping,
My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Walking our dog
Advice for a Beginning Principal:
Listen, connect with colleague Principals and ask the questions. Remember to structure in time for your wellbeing strategy, or your time will be consumed without you even knowing it!
Favourite Leadership Quote:
“Leadership is about climate control” – Sir Ken Robinson
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book:
Speak your truth and own it – you’ll love it!
Tony Daley
Current School: St Patrick’s College, Launceston, Tasmania
Previous Position: Director of Curriculum - St Hilda’s School
Year of Birth: 1965
First Year as a Principal: 2017
My big picture for my current school is: To provide a caring and
compassionate Catholic environment where students and the
community have the opportunity to be supported throughout their
journey in order to flourish in their chosen pathway.
The Joy of Principalship: Developing positive relationships with the
students.
Favourite Book: Currently Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
Favourite Food: Phad Thai
Interests / Hobbies: Golf, cellaring of wine, Rugby and spending
quality time with the family
My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Hump Week BBQ, where
Leadership cook a sausage sizzle for staff in Week 5 of each term
Advice for a Beginning Principal: Always listen first
Favourite Leadership Quote: “If you’re not in the arena also getting
your ass kicked, I am not interested in your feedback.” - Brene Brown
(it is so important for Principals to be out and about)
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: A school
without values is like a train station that you just pass through
Catherine O’Kane
Current School: All Hallows’ School
Previous Position: Deputy Principal, St Rita’s College, Brisbane
First Year as a Principal: 2015
My big picture for my current school is: To ensure that Mercy remains at the heart of our work and that we continue to make our mission responsive to ever-changing needs and realities for our students, staff and families.
The Joy of Principalship is: Leading such dedicated and caring staff and the joy each day of working with inspiring young women.
Favourite Book: Educated by Tara Westover
Favourite Food: Italian
Interests / Hobbies: Travel, reading, crochet
My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Turn off email and Teams notification on my phone.
Advice for a Beginning Principal: Focus on relationships – they are the foundation stone that makes leadership possible.
Favourite Leadership Quote: Panic slowly
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: What I wish I knew then …….
Eamonn Pollard
Current School: St Aloysius Catholic College
Previous Position: Principal, MacKillop Catholic College
First Year as a Principal: 2016
My big picture for my current school is: To be authentically Christian, to care for students and staff and to work towards excellence in learning and teaching
The Joy of Principalship is: in the students and in improvements
Favourite Book: The Passion of the Western Mind – Richard Tarnas
Favourite Food: As we go into the Tas winter, ghoulash and mulled wine
Interests / Hobbies: Reading, music, the outdoors, philosophy, theology, history
My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Running and swimming at the beach with my wife and the dog
Advice for a Beginning Principal: Communicate well, collaborate well and have an attitude of service.
Favourite Leadership Quote: “If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time, but if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.” Lilla Watson
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: Start with the other person and their needs
Frank Norton
School: St Mary Mackillop College, BUSSELTON, WA
Previous Position: Deputy Principal of Teaching and Learning, Lumen Christi College
First Year as a Principal: 2017
Big picture of your Current School is:
St Mary MacKillop College is a K-12 Systemic Co-educational Catholic College with currently 1500 students. We have grown an extra stream in the last four years and are approaching its planned ceiling of 1600. Goal is to cater for this number of students but maintain the outstanding relationships and sense of community that has characterized it since its beginning in 1994.
The Joy of Principalship: Is working with outstanding staff, dedicated students and very supportive parents to foster a College environment that reflects strong relationships and excellent achievement.
Favourite Book:After all these years, still The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant by Stephen Donaldson
Favourite Food: Yes – everything.
Interests/Hobbies: Heavily invested in the Busselton lifestyle, riding, walking, eating, stand up board, golf etc, etc
My Favourite Well-Being Strategy:Have recently completed The Break Through Coach Course – it is fabulous though does require a great Exec Assistant which I have. Now back in classrooms, have weekends back – You must check it out.
Advice for a Beginning Principal:Leave behind the ‘looking busy’, no time to spare persona. Your staff know you are working hard. A positive, always up outlook will hugely influence staff, students and parents.
Favourite Leadership Quote: No good deed goes unpunished.
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: Forget what you think you are capable of – listen to and believe the higher ceiling people tell you that you are capable of.
Michael Newman
Current School: Marist College, Ashgrove, Queensland
Previous Position: Principal – St Mary’s College, Toowoomba
First Year as a Principal: 2005 – St John’s School Roma
My big picture for my current school is: Listen to the needs of the students, staff and wider Marist family and respond appropriately
The Joy of Principalship is: Enabling young boys in our care to achieve their potential and believe in their own value and goodness
Favourite Book: Nuance by Michael Fullan
Favourite Food: My wife’s pea and ham soup
Interests / Hobbies: Reading, economics, sport and horse racing
My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Prayer and reflection
Advice for a Beginning Principal: Have a strong mentor and professional supervisor
Favourite Leadership Quote: Only those who fail achieve greatly - JFK
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: Spirituality and Boys' Masculinity
Steve Byrne
Current School: Sacred Heart College (Adelaide)
Previous Position: Principal, St Michael’s College (Adelaide)
First Year as a Principal: 2001
Year of Birth: 1962
My big picture for my current school is: A thriving Marist Community built on ‘Family Spirit’
The Joy of Principalship is: leading a community which is true to its ethos and best serves the holistic needs of its students and families
Favourite Book: Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life by William Finnegan
Favourite Food: Scallops, Steak and Salad!
Interests / Hobbies: Stand Up Paddle Surfing, Food and Wine, Port Adelaide, The Dragons and Gardening
My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Dawn Surf Patrol!
Advice for a Beginning Principal: Insist on a ‘no surprises’ disclosure culture from your staff, especially the leadership team
Favourite Leadership Quote: ‘Blessed are the Peacemakers!’
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: Invitational Leadership and Service
Declan Tanham
Current School: Aranmore Catholic College, Perth
Previous Position: Principal, Nagle Catholic College, Geraldton
First Year as a Principal: 2005
My big picture for my current school is: Our College is in the leafy green western suburbs of Perth. It has an Intensive English centre, which largely caters for a refugee population although not exclusively. We have well over 100 refugee students at the College. Currently, we have many Muslim students. The College also operates a successful indigenous student programme with about 50 to 60 students enrolled. We also have an international student programme (FFPOS) which usually has 40 to 50 students from China and Vietnam. We operate Rugby and Netball programmes and so we have many Polynesian students also. Our community is inclusive and multicultural.
My big picture for our students is that they leave school and eventually end up paying taxes and make a contribution to their world.
The Joy of Principalship is: There are many joys to principalship, it is a privilege.
Favourite Movie: Dr Zhivago
Favourite Food: Thai
Interests / Hobbies: Live music
My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Slow, non-lycra cycling
Advice for a Beginning Principal: Take the time to listen.
Favourite Leadership Quote: “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye.” (Le Petit Prince, Antoine St Exupery)
What Title would you give to your TED Talk: Avoid Micro-Managing, it is a Barrier to Creativity.
Paul Hine
Current School: St Ignatius’ College, Riverview
Previous Position: Principal: Sacred Heart College, Somerton Park, SA
First Year as a Principal: 2003
Year of Birth: 1956 (The Olympics were in Melbourne, TV came to Australia and Sydney introduced parking meters!!)
My big picture for my current school is: Is to be responsive to a rapidly changing landscape in education but authentic to the foundational principles upon which it was established. In Catholic schools that means appropriating a faith tradition that is informed by and responsive to Gospel values.
The Joy of Principalship is: Seeing long term strategies that promote faith formation, student learning and well-being come to fruition.
Favourite Book: Viktor Frankl – Man’s Search For Meaning
Favourite Food: I’m not a foodie so I have difficulties answering this one.
Interests / Hobbies: Reading, running, swimming.
My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Exercise routines that take one away from the office.
Advice for a Beginning Principal: Work hard, see beyond the difficult times and enjoy the honour and trust that the community place in you.
Favourite Leadership Quote: Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: ‘Education’ – To Impose From Without, or, To Lead Out From Within
Sam Cosentino
Current School: Nazareth College
Previous Position: Acting Principal - Padua College
Deputy Principal Head of Tyabb Campus – Padua
First Year as a Principal: 2017
Year of Birth: 1961 – a good vintage
My big picture for my current school is: to make it a ‘School of Choice’ and continue working with staff members on its improvements.
The Joy of Principalship is: The ability to lead and work with the Community.
Favourite Book: The Classic ‘The Old Man and the Sea
Favourite Food: Schnitzels
Interests / Hobbies: Building & renovating, landscaping – getting your hands dirty
My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Take time to get away from the daily duties of Principalship and spend time with family while doing the things you like.
Advice for a Beginning Principal: Take the time to talk to your staff and students, establishing what is worth holding onto and what needs to be rectified. Be transparent and open with all, and ensure you communicate with your Community constantly. Be informative.
Favourite Leadership Quote: What is popular is not always right, what is right, is not always popular.
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: How to Manage the Big Kids.
Catherine Gurr
Name: Catherine Gurr
Current School: St Joseph’s School, Port Lincoln
Previous Position: Principal, Emmaus Catholic School - Woodcroft
First Year as a Principal: 2014
Year of Birth: A secret!
My big picture for my current school is:
“Improving learning outcomes for all students, supporting staff and students to become the best possible version of themselves, building the sense of community and improving resources and facilities to make a great school even greater!”
The Joy of Principalship is:
The satisfaction of making a difference to a student, a family, a staff member, a school community.
Favourite Book: ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ or ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’
Favourite Food: Char Kway Teow
Interests / Hobbies: Running and Cooking
My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Running or walking on the beach
Advice for a Beginning Principal: Be yourself, be honest, be humble
Favourite Leadership Quote:
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book:
Becoming…….
Edna Galvin
Current School: St. Monica’s College, Cairns
Previous Position: St. Patrick’s Senior College – APC, Mackay
First Year as a Principal: 2016
My big picture for my current school is: To continue to graduate strong, independent, well-educated and motivated young women
The Joy of Principalship is: Creating strong, independent, confident young people – plus running in to ex-students who are thriving
Favourite Book: The God of Small Things Arundhati Roy; Cloudstreet Tim Winton
Favourite Food: Italian
Interests / Hobbies: Reading; Drama/Theatre/Dance; Trivia; Travel (If able to again)
My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Mindfulness; Humour; Exercise
Advice for a Beginning Principal: Have a good Companion Principal
Favourite Leadership Quote: Leadership is about service andresponsibility – it is an action not a position.
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: Dazzle - Empowering Women Through Education
Joe Corbo
Current School: Gleeson College
Previous Position: Deputy Principal (Gleeson College)
First Year as a Principal: 2020
Year of Birth: 1961
My big picture for my current school is: A journey of the heart, an expedition of the mind.
The Joy of Principalship is: taking care of those you are responsible for.
Favourite Book: “Dealing with meetings you can’t stand.” (Dr. R Brinkman)
Favourite Food: Mum’s Lasagna
Interests / Hobbies: Music, fishing and my Abarth 124 spider
My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Top-down driving in the Adelaide hills and playing a musical instrument.
Advice for a Beginning Principal: Don’t start during a pandemic! …and care for those you are responsible for.
Favourite Leadership Quote: The value of a true leader is not measured by the work they do, but by the work they inspire others to do. (Simon Sinek)
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book:
“If you want to go quickly, go alone, if you want to go far, go together.”
Tim Hildebrandt
Current School: St Peter’s Catholic College, Tuggerah
Previous Position: Assistant Principal – Oakhill College, Castle Hill
First Year as a Principal: 2017
Year of Birth: 1968
My big picture for my current school is: I want us to be known as a centre of excellence in contemporary an innovative learning, with graduates committed to actively contributing to the world they live in and in service of our God. Not too ambitious really!!
The Joy of Principalship is: Seeing students succeed and sharing their pride in what they have achieved. I always feel honoured and privileged when our young people are prepared to share a bit of their journey with me.
Favourite Book: I’m a bit of a crime and action addict. Favourite Authors at the moment are David Baldacci and Lee Child.
Favourite Food: Nothing beats an aged Rib eye, little bit of horseradish cream and plenty of Chimmi sauce.
Interests / Hobbies: I am a keen aviator, I have done some time as a commercial pilot and flight instructor. While I am no longer flying, I am still drawn towards anything with wings.
My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Mindfullness is really effective for me. I am very regular user of my smiling minds app.
Advice for a Beginning Principal: It is crucial to learn what is important and what is not and therefore what is your job and what should someone else be doing. I often ask myself, is there someone else that can do this? If the answer is yes, then let them do it. That gives you the time and headspace to do the things that no-one else can, lead the school, without getting buried in less critical tasks.
Favourite Leadership Quote:
“The pessimist complains about the wind.
The optimist expects it to change.
The Leader adjusts the sails”
John C Maxwell
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: The Journey Continues!
Peter Houlihan
Current School: De La Salle College, Malvern, Victoria
Previous Position: Assistant Principal: Learning at Marcellin College, Bulleen
First Year as a Principal: 2014
Year of Birth: 1964
My big picture for my current school is: Build on the best of our 110 years of Catholic, Lasallian education to create the future of our choice. Establish ourselves as the school of choice for families looking for their sons to graduate as respectful, quality young men following a pathway of their choice.
The Joy of Principalship is: Seeing students succeed; planned changes come to fruition to the benefit of students, staff and families; the positive relationship you get to build
Favourite Book: The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Richard Flanagan
Favourite Food: Seafood
Interests / Hobbies: Travel, family, handyman “stuff”, AFL footy, swimming, cricket, golf, tennis, reading, TV series/movies, music and musicals
My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Exercise every morning; don’t read emails on a Sunday night!
Advice for a Beginning Principal: Get to know your staff and the “way things work” around the place before driving major changes
Favourite Leadership Quote: “It’s hard to lead a cavalry charge if you look funny on a horse.”
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: I told you I was organised!
Damian Smith
Current School: Caritas College, Port Augusta
Previous Position: Principal - St Joseph’s School, Peterborough
First Year as a Principal: 2010
Year of Birth: 1982
My big picture for my current school is: To lead and support the school community so it can be a place where everyone can grow in love, wonder and understanding.
The Joy of Principalship is: I believe there are many joys that come with the role of Principal. One of the greatest joys is having the tremendous privilege of simply being alongside people with their successes and challenges.
Favourite Book: Man’s Search for Meaning (Viktor Frankl)
Favourite Food: Pizza
Interests / Hobbies: Family, friends, sport, running, cycling and playing guitar
My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Spending time with family and friends
Advice for a Beginning Principal: Don’t forget to be a learner yourself. Let your curious mind lead you (and others) to new and unfamiliar places because that’s where learning really happens. Despite the busyness remember to be kind to yourself. Make time for yourself so you can be the best you can be at school and away from work.
Favourite Leadership Quote: “It’s not the critic who counts... the credit belongs to the person in the area” – Theodore Roosevelt
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable: exploring new and unfamiliar places as a leader”
Shana Bennett
Current School: Rostrevor College - first female principal
Previous Position: Deputy Principal, Sacred Heart College
First Year as a Principal: 2012
Year of Birth: 1974
My big picture for my current school is: Building upon the legacy and rich tradition of Rostrevor College!
The Joy of Principalship is: Making a difference in the lives of young people, their families and the school community. Also – knowing that no two days are the same!
Favourite Book: Don’t really have one…
Favourite Food: Hot Chips with loads of chicken salt!
Interests / Hobbies: Gym, beach walks
My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Daily exercise, mediation and beach walks
Advice for a Beginning Principal: Be kind to yourself
Favourite Leadership Quote: To be outstanding get comfortable being uncomfortable
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: What’s the worst that could happen?
Sharyn Quirk
Current School: Brigidine College, Randwick
Previous Position: Assistant Principal, St Clare’s College, Canberra
First Year as a Principal: 2019
Year of Birth: 1966
My big picture for my current school is: Enabling young girls to achieve their potential and be significant in life. Each girl must be developed in accordance with their own capabilities. Although success is something often focussed on, I identify many elements of success within the high school setting as a short term vision. If we accept that all students develop at differing rates, influenced by environment, associations and opportunity, the more important longer term aspiration that I can instil in the girls is for them to achieve significance in their lives. It is a concept not bounded by the temporal restrictions of high school or personal development. It is also a concept that does not have attached to it the need to be first, rather the prospect of leading others through actions, words or individual measure. Walking with each girl through their years of high school enables me to know and understand each of them—not as a number—as a person who has immense potential to provide a contribution to society in the future. The ‘when’ is not as important in the immediate time frame and can introduce artificiality to achievement. The ‘what’ into the future, and at a point when they are genuinely ready, is the true expression of an effective education designed to make people feel that they can be extraordinary.
The Joy of Principalship is: Identifying with people and watching them grow and develop. This includes students, teachers and support staff. It is also about creating opportunity for students to think more critically and for teachers to have opportunity for professional development. I also consider a measure of my joy and significance as a Principal has two components. First, the willingness of students to want to remain engaged with me into the future. This tells me that their education has nurtured the appropriate balance between learning and development—a balance that is built on trust and respect. Second, the opportunities afforded members of my staff to seek outside the immediate school environment, including promotion opportunities. An important component of my role is to grow and nurture people within my control. It is a role not just restricted to students. Finally, but by no means least, my engagement with the school community—past and present—parents, and the parish enliven within me both joy and opportunity to communicate the values of this school, including its spiritualty and charisms. I value all these connections.
Favourite Book: Condi: the Condoleezza Rice Story by Antonia Felix
Favourite Food: Italian
Interests / Hobbies: Travel, spending time with my family,
singing, playing the piano, playing music for Sunday Mass
My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Relaxing with and valuing the surrounds of family and our pets.
Advice for a Beginning Principal: First, do not lose sight of the fact that being a Principal is a privilege and honour. It should never be viewed as a rite of passage along a career continuum. Rather, it is an appointment that attracts extreme responsibility. Second, know it will be lonely. All people, no matter their position, need to be mentored and have avenues for expression, outside of the accepted school environment. Understand where these avenues are and develop these relationships. Finally, you must care for all people without fear or favour. Natural tendencies to gravitate to more popular persuasions and persons need to be resisted. Set example and do what is right, not that which may be easy.
Favourite Leadership Quote: I have two: First, “Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure” Marianne Williamson. Second, “The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don’t tell you what to see” Alexandra Trenfor.
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book:
The merit of significance!
Sean Mangan
Current School: St Andrew’s Catholic College - Cairns
Previous Position: Assistant Principal (Learning and Teaching)
First Year as a Principal: 2015
Year of Birth: 1968
My big picture for my current school is to continue to provide excellent educational outcomes for all students. Whatever pathway a student chooses, supporting them to succeed and seeing the rewards of that success. To foster a community of learning which includes students, staff and parents.
The Joy of Principalship is: to see the whole community come together for significant events and to see achievements and growth in measurable educational outcomes.
Favourite Book: A Whole New Mind – by Daniel Pink
Favourite Food: Seafood
Interests / Hobbies: Swimming and Study/Reading
My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Swimming, Time with family, Church, Yoga.
Advice for a Beginning Principal:
Work on being present - staff, students and parents really appreciate you being visible. Despite how busy you are and how office bound the job can demand, leadership by presence is important. Try to schedule into your day, time at the school gate, in the yard, and in the classroom. The role of Principal comes with significant responsibility, authority and respect (often underestimated) that can take time to appreciate.
Favourite Leadership Quote:
“Develop a passion for learning, if you do, you will never cease to grow.” – from Anthony J D’Angelo.
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book:
“A Leader never stops learning and remember the highs and lows are just as important in your journey”
Damien Judd
Current School: Samaritan College
Previous Position: Principal/CEO Australian Technical College (Spencer Gulf)
First Year as a Principal: 2006
Year of Birth: 1970
My big picture for my current school is: to ensure it is ‘set up’ for future principals and staff and students long after I leave i.e. structures, processes and facilities. Future-proofing the school to cover all the challenges that Whyalla will face.
The Joy of Principalship is: the variety of roles to be done and the variety of relationships formed (students/staff/community/other leaders) especially in an R-12 college
Favourite Book: Problem of Cell 13 and Stop Sweating the Small Stuff
Favourite Food: Pasta
Interests / Hobbies: watching football (North Melbourne)/cricket/NFL and watching my children’s sports and events and doing as little as possible
My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: see above and simply allowing time for nothing – switch off – nothing good ever happens from checking emails after 6pm.
Advice for a Beginning Principal: be prepared for anything – nothing should be a surprise. See challenges as opportunities and know that even the worst situations will pass. Stay calm – your demeanour will impact others. Keep a sense of humour.
Favourite Leadership Quote: “Leadership is your ability to hide your panic from others.” Laozi
“Challenges creates opportunities”
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: “Bring it on!”
Michael Williams
Current School: Nagle Catholic College – Geraldton W.A.
Previous Position: Vice Principal – Aranmore Catholic College
First Year as a Principal: 2020 as an ongoing Principal. One year secondment at St Luke’s College in Karratha W.A.
Year of Birth: 1976
My big picture for my current school is: Providing a personalised pathway for each student appropriate to their goals and ambitions.
The Joy of Principalship is: Seeing positive change in your community that you have help instigate, celebrating successes and seeing others grow and develop professionally.
Favourite Book: Any cricket autobiographies to read over the Christmas break.
Favourite Food: You can’t beat a good Indian takeaway!
Interests / Hobbies: Sport, especially golf, soccer and cricket and spending time with my family.
My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Being active and turning off devices.
Advice for a Beginning Principal: Spend plenty of time listening and learning about your school’s unique story and context.
Favourite Leadership Quote: “May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” Nelson Mandela
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: If it won’t be a problem in a month, it isn’t a problem!
Kate Rayment
Current School: St Scholastica’s College, Glebe
Previous Position: Principal, McCarthy Catholic College, Tamworth
First Year as a Principal: 2009
Year of Birth:
My big picture for my current school is: Excellence
The Joy of Principalship is: Student growth and achievement in all facets of their development.
Favourite Book: (I don’t have one)
Favourite Food: Anything Italian
Interests / Hobbies: Music, art and hiking
My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Time with family
Advice for a Beginning Principal: Listen
Favourite Leadership Quote: “To change what you are getting, change what you are doing.”
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: “Listen and attend with the ear of your heart” (from the Prologue of the Rule of St Benedict)