Principal Profiles
Name: 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 arena” – 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”
Name: Peter Houlihan
Current School: De La Salle College, Malvern
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!………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Name: 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: Mindfulness 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!
