Principal Profiles 2020

Name: Paul Reidy

Current School: Mount St Patrick College 

Previous Position & School: Assistant Principal Staff & Students, Xavier Catholic College, Ballina

Year of Birth: 1969

The hope for my current school is: Continue the great work of previous leaders, developing a strong supportive culture for both students and staff.

The Joy of Principalship is: The privilege of leading a terrific community of staff, students and parents.

A Book I would recommend:  Love is Strong as Death: Poems Chosen by Paul Kelly

Fun Fact about me: I was born the day the man landed on the moon.

My valued Well-Being Strategy: daily examen, reading, playing music, walking the dog, riding my bike

Advice for a Beginning Principal: Be prepared to take it as it comes.

Inspiring Leadership Quote: "Now is no time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you can do with what there is". Ernest Hemingway

What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: It's in the doing

CaSPA Beginning Principal Profile

Name: Susan Carroll

Current School: St Anne’s College, Kialla

Previous Position & School: Senior Education Officer: Leader of Pedagogy, Catholic Education Sandhurst

Year of Birth: 1971

The hope for my current school is: To build a community of learners who know and believe it is their responsibility to drive positive change in the world

The Joy of Principalship is: Leading a community knowing we are making a positive impact on the lives of young citizens of the world

A Book I would recommend: Lead with Humility: 12 Leadership lessons from Pope Francis (Jeffrey A. Krames)

Fun Fact about me: I am an 80’s music tragic

My valued Well-Being Strategy: Exercise

Advice for a Beginning Principal: Ask lots of questions from the wealth of knowledge around you – then LISTEN!

Inspiring Leadership Quote: “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples.” (Mother Teresa)

What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: Finding JOY – A leadership journey

 

 CaSPA Beginning Principal Profile

Name: Simon Fleming

Current School: Assumption College, Warwick

Previous Position & School: Acting Principal – St. Joseph's Catholic School Barraba  

Year of Birth: 1963

The hope for my current school is: A place students want to attend and are charging through the doors.

The Joy of Principalship is: Collaborating with teachers and engaging students creating life-long learners.

A Book I would recommend: Kane and Abel – Jeffrey Archer

Fun Fact about me: Love a good sports talking.

My valued Well-Being Strategy: Be open to all possibilities.

Advice for a Beginning Principal: Watch, observe, listen, identify then act.

Inspiring Leadership Quote: A 25 year old will never remember what they learnt in Year 8 History but they will always remember how you made them feel.

What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: Moving from good to great.

CaSPA Beginning Principal Profile

Name: Stephanie O’Meara

Current School: St John Paul II College, Canberra

Previous Position & School: Assistant Principal, St John Paul II College, Canberra

Year of Birth: 1963

The hope for my current school is: To have each member of the community, students and staff, flourish and be the best they can be.

The Joy of Principalship is: Spending my day with wonderful, challenging, engaging  adolescents and an amazingly dedicated and hard-working staff.

A Book I would recommend: Brené Brown – Dare to Lead/Website – The Enneagram. https://www.enneagraminstitute.com

Fun Fact about me: I have been scuba-diving with sharks in the Maldives

My valued Well-Being Strategy: Walking and having a good laugh… oh and a good glass of red wine.

Advice for a Beginning Principal: Don’t be afraid to ask for advice and take time to get to know your staff.

Inspiring Leadership Quote: “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” — William Arthur Ward

What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: “The lasting Impact of the Great Teacher.”

 

 CaSPA Beginning Principal Profile

 Name: Sr Mariette Kareh

 Current School: Antonine College

Previous Position & School: Pastoral Care at School and Nominated Supervisor at Antonine Sisters Child Care Centre

Year of Birth: 29/09/1969

The hope for my current school is: Continue the journey of our mission and the school’s motto: Faith, Knowledge and Virtue

The Joy of Principalship is: Adventure

A Book I would recommend: “The Leader Who Had No Tittle.” Robin Sharma

My valued Well-Being Strategy: Maintain a healthy wellbeing. Performance, engagement and resilience in all matters.

Advice for a Beginning Principal: To not be afraid. Be confident, have a vision and lead

Inspiring Leadership Quote: “Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world” Nelson Mandela.   “Education means inspiring someone’s mind not just filling their head.” Katie Lusk

What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: Great Leadership comes down to only two rules (Authenticity & Simplicity) Peter Anderton: It is not about you and it is Only about you.

 

 CaSPA Beginning Principal Profile

Name: Tina Neate

Current School: Kildare College

Previous Position & School: Deputy Principal, Kildare College and Junior High Principal - Riverside International School, Czech Republic

Year of Birth: 1968

The hope for my current school is: To continue to inspire and develop independent, resilient young women

The Joy of Principalship is: being able to create and develop new ways of learning for all

A Book I would recommend: 'Dare to Lead' by Brene Brown

Fun Fact about me: Spent 5 incredible years teaching and learning in Europe - Prague, Czech Republic

My valued Well-Being Strategy: Spending time with family and friends away from the computer

Advice for a Beginning Principal: Finding a mentor that listens and helps discern what is possible

Inspiring Leadership Quote: If the plan doesn't work, change the plan but not the goal

What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: Inspire, Engage, Achieve, Believe

 

 

 

Principal Profiles 2020 - Experienced Principals

 

Name: Lee MacMaster

Current School: St Gregory’s College, Campbelltown (K-12)

Previous Position: College Principal (Prep – Year 12) at St Andrew’s Catholic College, Redlynch (Cairns, QLD)

First Year as a Principal: 2012

The hope for my current school is: That our students across Kindergarten to Year 12 are educated from and with the heart and that through all the experiences they have at the College, that they form a relationship with and come to know God.

The Joy of Principalship is: Working with dedicated staff members who care about young people and want them to be the best they can be. Working with students who ‘get it’ and come on the journey of learning with you.

A Book I would recommend: Educating Hearts – Seven Characteristics of a Good School – Anthony Maher & Bob Hanley

Fun Fact about me: I loved school as a young man growing up – I did not miss a single day of school in secondary school, unless it was for sport representation!

My valued Well-Being Strategy: Spend quality time with my loved ones and surround myself with positive people.

Advice for a Beginning Principal: Listen and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Have mentors that walk with you and can understand your journey. Stay strong, positive and healthy in mind and spirit.

Inspiring Leadership Quote: "Leaders instil in their people a hope for success and a belief in themselves. Positive leaders empower people to accomplish their goals."

What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: ‘Inspiring and Empowering Others to Lead with the Benefit of the Rear Vison Mirror.’

CaSPA Principal Profile

Name: Marie Barton

Current School: Edmund Rice College, Bindoon
Previous Position: Vice Principal, St Mary’s College Broome

First Year as a Principal: 2007

The hope for my current school is: That our students are nurtured by a collaborative staff group on their faith and learning journeys and supported in developing skills, knowledge and understandings to become responsible contributors in their communities. Also that we never forget the importance of our story and the lessons that have been learned.

The Joy of Principalship is: Seeing the growth of our young people who often come to us from challenging situations and how they flourish and develop into proud young men and women.

A Book I would recommend: Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly

Fun Fact about me: I once managed the Iron Clad Hotel in Marble Bar.

My valued Well-Being Strategy: Code switching when I arrive home.

Advice for a Beginning Principal: Use the rocks in the jar analogy. Focus on the big rocks – the important things.

Inspiring Leadership Quote: Be informed, be reflective, be courageous, be real, be the change you want to see in the world.

What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: “I just want to teach” – The leader others saw in me.

 

CaSPA Principal Profile

Name:  Dan McMahon        

Current School:  Shalom Catholic College Bundaberg

Previous Position:  Principal – St Joseph’s College Toowoomba

First Year as a Principal:   1992 – St Brendan’s College Yeppoon

The hope for my current school is:  That we provide an excellent and wholistic catholic education for young women and men.

The Joy of Principalship is:  Working with young people and seeing them grow into better young adults.

A Book I would recommend:  ‘Preaching to the Converted’ by Richard Leonard sj – a great resource for every Principal to have on their book shelf to assist in material for weekly Newsletters when all else fails.

Fun Fact about me:  Got ‘hijacked’ to participate in a tandem sky dive on my 40^th birthday – one of my most terrifying and wonderful experiencs.

My valued Well-Being Strategy:  Principals should use their Sabbatical and Long Service Leave wisely to increase their longevity in a performing well their very demanding roles.  Don’t save it all up for a heart attack!

Advice for a Beginning Principal: 

• Don’t get trapped in the office
• Walk around the school and through classrooms every day if possible
• Get to know, by name, as many students in your school as possible
• Spend time writing good Newsletters – great opportunity to form your community and most people do them really badly by being bland and mundane.Inspiring Leadership Quote:
• Inspiring Leadership Quote: “Management is doing things right; Leadership is doing the right things.”

What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book:  ‘A Fish Always Rots from the Head’ – the challenge and opportunity of being a great Principal!’

CaSPA Principal Profile

Name: Rita Daniels 

Current School: Daramalan College, Canberra

Previous Position: Principal St Clare’s College, Canberra

First Year as a Principal: 2001

The hope for my current school is: That it continues to be a thriving school community living out the vision of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.

The Joy of Principalship is: Seeing students excited about being at school, listening to staff discuss ideas and initiatives they are exploring and leading a school with a strong sense of community.

A Book I would recommend: “Great Speeches: Words that made history.”

Fun Fact about me: I know a lot more about Rugby Union now than I did prior to starting in my current role – and I enjoy watching it!

My valued Well-Being Strategy: Knowing when it is time to leave work at the end of a day, even if there are more things to be done, and making time for doing things I enjoy.

Advice for a Beginning Principal: Spend time looking and listening and do not be afraid to make changes that are clearly needed.

Inspiring Leadership Quote: “True leaders don’t create followers…they create more leaders!”

What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: “It was one of those days …”

CaSPA Principal Profile

Name: Vincent Feeney 

Current School: St Francis Xavier College Berwick, Officer and Beaconsfield

Previous Position: Principal, St Joseph’s College, Ferntree Gully

First Year as a Principal: 1994

The hope for my current school is: to achieve Catholic school excellence within a culture of intimacy

The Joy of Principalship is: seeing others grow and thrive knowing you have helped

A Book I would recommend: I’d recommend an old film. Stand and Deliver. The teacher believes more in determination than post codes. That effort brings its own rewards.

Fun Fact about me: I was once cast in an opera, The Medium, in the perfect showcase for my talents. I played a deaf and mute character.....

My valued Well-Being Strategy: exercise; gym and cycling

Advice for a Beginning Principal: Build your team, build it around the vision

Inspiring Leadership Quote: when a great leader has finished their work the people say, look what we have done

What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book:” Love what you do, do what you love: my fortunate career”

CaSPA Principal Profile

Name: Leanne Carr 

Current School: St Columba College, Andrews Farm SA

Previous Position: Principal St Joseph’s School, Hectorville SA

First Year as a Principal: 2005

The hope for my current school is: That every student who walks through the gate each day is known, connected to others and enjoys learning.

The Joy of Principalship is: Seeing the amazing work of the staff who go the extra mile to care and support our students.

A Book I would recommend: Any by Tim Winton

Fun Fact about me: Port Power supporter

My valued Well-Being Strategy: Exercise in the morning

Advice for a Beginning Principal: Honour the past. Know your values. Listen first.

Inspiring Leadership Quote: “To me, leadership is not about necessarily being the loudest in the room, but instead being the bridge, or the thing that is missing in the discussion and trying to build a consensus from there.” Jacinta Ardern

What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: Putting the Pieces Together.

CaSPA Principal Profile

Name: Kate Fogarty 

Current School: Assumption College, Kilmore

Previous Position: Principal, St Joseph’s College, Echuca

First Year as a Principal: 2009

The hope for my current school is: that we can create life-giving structures and community that ensures wellbeing and autonomy for students and staff so that they can flourish.

The Joy of Principalship is: every day is different and you have the privilege of hearing and sharing in the life stories of so many.

A Book I would recommend: Anything by Daniel Pink (‘Drive’ & ‘When’ have both inspired changes to our school to better meet the needs of students).

Fun Fact about me: When I was young and stupid, I had an eyebrow ring. The scar works as a good instructional point for when I have to ask/help students to remove theirs...

My valued Well-Being Strategy: Having a running machine in front of a good quality TV at home means there’s really no excuse.

Advice for a Beginning Principal: There’s no mistake you that can make that the rest of us haven’t made already (probably many times over) – reach out to your peers for a chat...we can advise, celebrate and commiserate as needed!

Inspiring Leadership Quote: Culture eats Strategy for breakfast.

What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: The school snake is on anti-depressants and other things they don’t teach you at Principal 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.

 

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:  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: Dan Lynch

Current School: Christian Brothers College, Adelaide

Previous Position: Deputy Principal, Sacred Heart College, Adelaide.

First Year as a Principal: 2019

The hope for my current school is: That our boys flourish to be the very best they can be, in a school that is faithful to the touchstones of Blessed Edmund Rice.

The Joy of Principalship is: Watching learners exceed their wildest dreams, and providing the platform for staff to be challenged, valued and like the students, flourish.

A Book I would recommend: Principled: 10 Leadership Practices for Building Trust, by Paul Browning

Fun Fact about me: I am a cricket tragic, and if I could invite one person to dinner, it would be Steve Waugh.

My valued Well-Being Strategy: Time with my own family by our pool, or watching them play sport

Advice for a Beginning Principal: Be yourself, seek wisdom, and back your own judgement. 

Inspiring Leadership Quote: “Have courage, the good seed will grow up in the children's hearts later on”; Blessed Edmund

What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: No Regrets

 

CaSPA Principal Profile

Name: Beth Gilligan

Current School: Dominic College, Glenorchy Tasmania

Previous Position: Education Consultant

First Year as a Principal: 2009

The hope for my current school is: To have every student believe in themselves, highly engaged in their learning and exceeding their own expectations.

The Joy of Principalship is: Working with students and working with staff leaders and seeing them grow. Shaping a whole community.

A Book I would recommend: ‘The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable’ by Patrick Lencioni

Fun Fact about me: I love dogs.

My valued Well-Being Strategy: Go to bed early, get up early and teach a class of your own (or team teach) every year.

Advice for a Beginning Principal: Learn about the school both past and present – know its history. Ensure you have a good HR lawyer you can trust for excellent advice.

Inspiring Leadership Quote: "If we are one in heart, we can do ten times as much." St. John Bosco. 

What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: Putting Students at the Centre of a School

CaSPA Principal Profile

Name: Matthew Hutchison

Current School: Marist College Canberra

Previous Position: Head of School, St Augustine’s College Sydney

First Year as a Principal: 2018

The hope for my current school is: To continue to provide students with a diversity of opportunities, which in turn provides them with the skills to lead a purposeful life, to be contributing members of their community, to arm them with knowledge, compassion and commitment to take their place in the world.

The Joy of Principalship is: My richest and most rewarding experience as a leader in schools has been watching other people grow – whether 5, 15, 25, and 55.

A Book I would recommend: Paul Browning’s recent publication ‘Principled’ is well researched and provides practical insights into the diverse and rewarding role of a school leader.

Fun Fact about me: I have always wanted to join a choir so for the first time in my life, I am having singing lessons. 

My valued Well-Being Strategy: Having and sharing a sense of inner calm that keeps everything in perspective.

Advice for a Beginning Principal: Try not to be a hero leader. A Principal’s role is not to solve all problems, doing so impedes growth. I like the metaphor of an umbrella –a Principal’s role is to provide the cover and shelter under which others will grow.

Inspiring Leadership Quote: ‘Preach the word wherever you go, even use words if necessary’ St Francis of Assisi

What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: ‘You have to listen to the river if you want to catch a trout ‘– Irish Proverb