13 May 2022

Principals from Catholic primary and secondary schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne were recognised at the annual Celebration of Principalship.

Postponed from last November due to pandemic restrictions, the 2021 celebration took place last month to recognise the important contribution of our school leaders. Beginning with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Peter A Comensoli, the evening continued with a dinner at Park Hyatt Melbourne.

The celebration was an opportunity to welcome new principals and recognise important milestones. It was also a time to celebrate the following principals who are moving into retirement or different roles, or taking up principalships in other dioceses:

• Adrian Cheer
• Tony Coghlan
• Karen Colla
• Geraldine Dalton
• Debbie Darvell
• Fiona Dearn
• Susan Dickinson
• John Downie
• Tony Falls
• Franca Fedele
• John Finn
• John Grant
• Michael Juliff
• Michael Kenny
• Cathy Mason
• Ellie McGinness
• Shane Regan
• Emilio Scalzo
• Hermina Widlarz CR.

John Finn, former principal of St Bede’s College, Mentone, spoke on behalf of all leaving principals during his presentation Personal Example and Physical Presence Matter. ‘Most days contain joy for us as principals. Those times of joy usually are related to being with students in and out of the classroom or at a community event, seeing a young teacher gaining increasing confidence or sharing in the liturgical life of our school. Joy should be a constant companion for us, even in difficult times, otherwise we become hollow to those around us.’

A special thanks to altar servers from Simonds Catholic College, West Melbourne, the choir from St Joseph’s College, Ferntree Gully, the vocal ensemble from Our Lady of Sion College, Box Hill, and soloist Anna-Marie from Caroline Chisholm Catholic College, Braybrook, for their contributions to the Mass and the dinner.