Year 12s graduated: check.  

VCE exams done and dusted: check.  

2023 curriculum delivered: check.  

Speech Night 2023: check.  

Head Start Program: in progress  

House Arts: very close  

Ms Carroll leaving: not yet!   

To say the least, the end of the year is a busy schedule with so many things happening. The most significant event unfolding before our eyes is the departure of Michelle Carroll, our highly respected and esteemed Principal after 10 exemplar years at the helm of the good ship St Catherine’s.   

In recent weeks I have found myself diving into the literature about ‘What happens when a great Principal leaves a school?’ Much has been written about how there can be transformation in a school’s culture, impacting its atmosphere, values, and overall dynamics. School culture is heavily influenced by a principal’s vision, leadership style, and values, which serve as a bedrock for academic excellence, student behaviour, and staff morale.   

Michelle has played a pivotal role in shaping our School culture. Her leadership has set the tone for the entire community, establishing norms, fostering a sense of togetherness, and promoting a shared vision among students, teachers, and our extended community. A highly successful principal such as Michelle’s departure can lead to a void, leaving the community uncertain about the future direction and identity of the school. The imminent departure of Michelle is already being felt by the community and a palpable sense of loss is not unsurprising.    

Such has been the tenure of Michelle’s leadership; St Catherine’s School is well prepared for the future.  

St Catherine’s is in robust health. The academic performance throughout our School over the last few years places us amongst the best schools in Australia. Our co-curricular programs, whether they be in Sport, Music, and the Arts, are diverse and of the highest quality.  

Over the last decade there have been significant improvements in our School’s facilities with major developments such as a new Music School, already in the pipeline. Our Teaching and Learning Program, professional development of staff, and the uptake of learning technologies have all happened at a rapid rate ensuring St Catherine’s maintains its position as an exemplary school.    

However, Michelle’s real legacy is the quality of the people who will continue to guide St Catherine’s while we await the appointment of our next Principal. The School Council led by Ms Jane Hodder is comprised of highly expert professionals all of whom have a deep commitment to our School. The School’s Leadership Team is cohesive and talented, with each member focused on implementing and delivering the Towards 2025 Strategic Intents. Most of all, our teaching staff are amazing. They are highly skilled and always intent on providing the best learning for their students within a caring and respectful culture.   

My role as the Interim Principal for 2024 is clear. To use the ship analogy, I alluded to at the start of this piece, the good ship St Catherine’s has trimmed the sails, the hull is gleaming, the course is plotted and no matter the weather we might sail into, the crew is prepared for any situation and has the skills and talent to work as a formidable team to ensure the journey is a smooth one. Michelle has expertly charted the course and we all know our roles. My task is to take the helm, stay on course, and keep an eye on the horizon.    

The future is bright for St Catherine’s and the view is smooth seas ahead.