Dear St Catherine’s School Community,

On behalf of the School Council, I write to inform you that our Principal, Ms Carroll, has advised the Council that she will conclude her tenure at St Catherine’s at the end of the school year, where she has accepted the role of Principal at Matthew Flinders Anglican College on the Sunshine Coast.

Ms Carroll is an exemplary leader who has provided significant commitment, dedication and service to St Catherine’s School since 2014. We are fortunate to have enjoyed her ten years of service as Principal. She will leave with our best wishes and gratitude.

During this period of change, our students continue to be our utmost priority. We are dedicated to providing clear communication and support to ensure they can embrace this transition, while creating opportunities to celebrate Ms Carroll’s achievements.

Throughout her tenure, Ms Carroll has led the School with distinction, and we are grateful for her leadership of the strategic direction of the School and most notably, guidance through the Covid school closures. Ms Carroll’s accomplishments include strengthening the Staff Professional Learning Program through a partnership with the University of Queensland and the development of our transformative Thinking Agenda, which has created a learning environment that placed our academic results among the top schools in Australia. In addition, Ms Carroll’s leadership of our co-curricular programs has enabled significant success across music, the arts and sport, including elevating our sports program to the world stage, with the recent triumph of the First VIII Crew at the Royal Henley Regatta, UK.

With Ms Carroll’s leadership, the continual renewal of the School campus over the past ten years has ensured students, together with their teachers, enjoy learning and teaching in contemporary spaces. This has included the design and construction of the Barbreck Junior School and redevelopment of the Edna Holmes Centre for Science and significant renovation of the Dorothy Pizzey Centre, encompassing the creation of The Jamie and Rebecca Gray Theatre, reimagination of the Sports Hall, complete with Strength and Conditioning Studio, and the refurbishments of Campbell House – Early Learning Centre and our much loved, Sherren House.

We are pleased to announce that Mr Rob Marshall will assume the role of Acting Principal following Ms Carroll’s departure. As an integral member of the Senior Leadership Team for over six years, Mr Marshall is a highly experienced school leader, with a deep understanding of our learning culture and commitment to our wellbeing programs. Mr Marshall is also well versed in the strategic priorities of the School and exceptionally well-suited for this interim role. The School Council has full confidence in Mr Marshall’s abilities, and we express our gratitude for his willingness to step into this leadership position. We eagerly anticipate the warmth and dynamism he will bring to the role.

Mr Marshall will be supported by key members of the Senior Leadership Team, including Mrs Rebecca Brodie, Director of Business, Mrs Ceri Lloyd, who will assume the role of Deputy Principal – Head of Senior School and members of the Senior Leadership Team, Mrs Gina Peele as Deputy Principal – School Operations, Ms Karen McArdle as Head of Junior School and Ms Sarah Bethune as Head of ELC. We are confident in the Senior Leadership Team’s ability to manage the school and our students during this transition, while also seeing through our 2025 strategy to ensure its continuity.

Furthermore, we have commenced the recruitment process for a new Principal at St Catherine’s School. We are enthusiastic about this endeavour and are confident in our ability to identify an exceptional leader to guide our School into its next chapter and beyond. The fullfilment of this role carries significant importance, and it is imperative that we allocate the necessary time and diligence to ensure a successful selection. In the interim, Mr Rob Marshall will stay in this position for as long as is required.

We look forward to updating you with further information when available and appreciate your ongoing support.

Warm regards