11 February 2022

The newest Catholic schools principals from across the Archdiocese of Melbourne have come together for the first time for the start of their induction program.

The Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) Principal Induction Program involves a series of in-person and virtual events which recognise the importance of investing in leadership. This year, the program celebrates and acknowledges the appointment of 18 new principals who are beginning their journey leading Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

Our newest principals were welcomed to the program by MACS directors Dr Paul Sharkey (Catholic Mission, People and Culture) and Dr Mary Oski (Learning and Regional Services). ‘The Principal Induction Program comprises a suite of learning modules pertaining to leadership, formation, governance and compliance, offered by teams across the organisation, packaged up and delivered to you in sequential form’, said Dr Sharkey.

‘Catholic principalship requires you to lead your community of faith, encompassing the need to articulate a clearly defined vision for the future and inspiring others to follow’, said Dr Oski. ‘Within such a human-centred endeavour, leadership is both complex and dynamic. Principals are called to demonstrate their educational expertise; their instructional skills related to fostering deep learning, and ensuring student safety and wellbeing; and the effective stewardship of human, financial and environmental resources – not just for now, but with an eye for the future.’

We offer a warm welcome to the ‘Principal class’ of 2022:

• Mark Ashmore, Salesian College, Chadstone
• Emily Conroy, St John’s School, Footscray
• Carmela D’Amato, School of the Good Shepherd, Gladstone Park
• Deborah Frizza, St Bede’s College, Mentone
• Natalie Kenny, St Dominic’s School, Camberwell East
• Tracie Kunigiskis, Christ the King Primary School, Braybrook
• Aoife McCarthy, Holy Cross Primary School, New Gisborne
• Timothy Newcomb, Marymede Catholic College, South Morang
• Angela O’Dwyer, Loreto Mandeville Hall, Toorak
• Monica O’Shannassy, St Joseph’s School, Sorrento
• Nathan Owen, St Monica’s School, Footscray
• Claire Pitcher, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Catholic Parish Primary School, Epping North
• Michael Schinck, St John Vianney’s School, Parkdale East
• Paul Shannon, Mazenod College, Mulgrave
• Luke Sheehan, St Patrick’s School, Geelong West
• Kathryn Stuart, St Mary’s School, Alexandra
• Bernadette Venables, St Luke’s School, Lalor
• Michelle Worcester, St Philip’s School, Blackburn North.