Principal Profiles
CaSPA Principal Profile
Name: Dr John Young
Current School: Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Thamarrurr Catholic College Wadeye, NT
Previous Position: 2010-2012 I spent a short but eventful time in International education in the Middle East which included being up close and personal in the Libyan revolution. Prior to that I spent nearly 20 years as a principal of Catholic primary schools in Wellington.
First Year as a Principal: 1993
The hope for my current school is: many but increased attendance leading to better education outcomes.
The Joy of Principalship is: The variety of the role. I take a lot of joy in the development of young teachers.
A Book I would recommend: Tom Sherrington’s The Learning Rainforest and I have just finished Tom Bennett’s excellent behaviour book Running the Room. I get a lot of professional development, challenge and inspiration out of Twitter @johnyoung18 and recommend the Education Research Reading Room podcast. This is run by a Melbourne teacher Ollie Lovell who speaks to some of the best education thinkers in the world.
Fun Fact about me: I once did an Elvis impression in a Principal’s job interview.
My valued Well-Being Strategy: Watching All Black and Crusaders victories.
Advice for a Beginning Principal: Embrace it.
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: Principalship in Extreme Conditions
CaSPA Principal Profile
Name: Joe Zavone
Current School: St Edmund’s College, Canberra
Previous Position: Deputy Principal, Christian Brothers’ High School, Lewisham (NSW)
First Year as a Principal: 2018
The hope for my current school is: to animate our vision in a genuine and authentic way for our students – being a school of vibrant spirit, strong character and tailored learning.
The Joy of Principalship is: being energised and motivated by the spirit and life of students and staff – every day; every year.
A Book I would recommend: anything by Sr Joan Chittister. Her words are a never-ending source of motivation and inspiration.
Fun Fact about me: I love collecting Australian model cars.
My valued Well-Being Strategy: There are times when you need to switch off completely – not just a little, but completely (a Netflix binge works wonders!).
Advice for a Beginning Principal: Work with the people around you; ask lots of questions and seek advice – don’t pretend to know it all. This is a highly effective way not only to get to know your staff, students and parents, but establishes that collaborative element from the start which is so important in a school community.
Inspiring Leadership Quote: “Be shepherds with the smell of the sheep.” (Pope Francis talking to priests, but just as applicable to school leaders)
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: “The Joy of Not Knowing It All.”
CaSPA Principal Profile
Name: Paul Carroll
Current School: St Francis Xavier College, Florey, ACT
Previous Position: Senior Officer, Catholic Education, ACT
First Year as a Principal: 1996
The hope for my current school is: School is an enjoyable learning experience, with appropriate challenge and opportunity, in a welcoming and spirit-filled environment.
The Joy of Principalship is: Seeing staff and students achieving their best; demonstrating grit and determination, positivity and curiosity.
A Book I would recommend: “So Good They Can’t Ignore You” and “Deep Work” by Cal Newport
Fun Fact about me: My family had a livestock transport business which really helped in understanding the Biblical references and pastoral leadership in a school!
My valued Well-Being Strategy: Make sure I go somewhere in the stand down times as soon as possible for a few days to clear the mind.
Advice for a Beginning Principal: Develop a strategy, with a coach or mentor, for evening out the peaks and troughs of the personal emotional sine wave in dealing with the work of a principal.
Inspiring Leadership Quote:
“Whatever you are, be a good one.”
— Abraham Lincoln
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: Driver or Drover? Management and Leadership in the Contemporary School.
CaSPA Principal Profile
Name: Simon Cobiac
Current School: Blackfriars Priory School, Prospect, Adelaide
Previous Position: St Patrick’s College, Prospect, Launceston
First Year as a Principal: 2003
The hope for my current school is: For each student to belong, to flourish and fulfil their human potential
The Joy of Principalship is: Making a profound difference to the lives of young people in personal, family and systemic ways through the privilege of the role of Principal
A Book I would recommend: “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A leadership fable” by Patrick Lencione
Fun Fact about me: I love to act up in the community: for example dressing up during Book Week and School celebrations
My valued Well-Being Strategy: Walking with my wife and dog, golfing with my son
Advice for a Beginning Principal: Take time to reflect, to listen and learn from every relationship and event in the diverse daily life of Principalship. Build and nurture a strong team of committed leaders and value trust, autonomy and collaboration in order to achieve the vision of the school community. Above everything else, and this may take some time, enjoy the role at least most of the time.
Inspiring Leadership Quote:
“People will forget what you said,
people will forget what you did,
but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: Setting your compass in challenging times: thriving through leadership.