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Principals recognised at Archdiocesan celebration
29 November 2024
The efforts and achievements of our school leaders were acknowledged at the 2024 Annual Archdiocesan Celebration of Principalship.
Beginning with Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, celebrated by Most Rev Anthony J Ireland, and followed by dinner at the Park Hyatt Hotel, the event is a way to bring together the leaders of Melbourne’s Catholic schools, and recognise their commitment to the educational and spiritual growth of students in our schools.
‘Guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ as our model teacher – let us each aspire to use the virtues and teachings of our faith, so that we can find the best possible way to illuminate the hearts, minds and futures of our students and colleagues’, said Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) Executive Director, Dr Edward Simons.
‘We recognise the longstanding service and contribution of principals, and the servant leadership that you each commit to – for leading your staff rooms, for inspiring your students, for enriching your parish communities and for forming lives to enrich the world.’
As well as recognising our new principals and those celebrating 20 years of principalship, the following leaving principals were thanked for their contributions to Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Melbourne:
- Carmen Blatti: Cana Catholic Primary School, Hillside (2004–2024)
- Donna Bryce: St Catherine of Siena Catholic Primary School, Armstrong Creek (2020–2024)
- Kevin Burke: St Mary’s School, Whittlesea (2002–2012), Our Lady of the Way School, Kingsbury (2013–2024)
- Leon Colla: St Mary’s School, Werribee South (1987–1991), St Mary’s School, Altona (1994–2002), Queen of Peace Primary School, Altona Meadows (2003–2013), St Mary of the Cross Catholic Primary School, Point Cook (2013–2024)
- Judy Degenhardt: Sacred Heart School, Yea (2017–2024)
- Barbara Gomez: St Pius X School, Heidelberg West (2015–2024)
- Michael Hanney: St Peter’s School, Bentleigh East (2015–2024)
- Noelene Hussey: St Catherine of Siena School, Melton West (2000–2010), St Anne’s School, Sunbury (2011–2024)
- Mary Lucas: St Paul Apostle North School, Endeavour Hills (2017–2024)
- Simon Millar: St James’ School, Brighton (2011–2015), Galilee Regional Catholic Primary School, South Melbourne (2016–2024)
- Michelle Moore: St Joseph’s School, Malvern (2018–2024)
- Chris O’Connell: St Margaret Mary’s School, Spotswood (2002–2009), St Gerard’s School, Dandenong North (2009–2018), St Joseph’s School, Springvale (2018–2024)
- Lynda O’Donnell: St Catherine’s School, Moorabbin (2016–2024)
- Jim O’Sullivan: St Joseph’s Primary School, Boronia (1990–1995), St Michael’s School, Ashburton (1996–2004), Sacred Heart School, Diamond Creek (2005–2023), St Pius X School, Heidelberg West (2024)
- Chris Ray: Our Lady Help of Christians School, Eltham (2007–2020), St Mary’s School, Thornbury (2021–2024)
- Damien Schuster: Sacred Heart School, Kew (1991–2003), St Anthony’s School, Melton South (2004–2024)
- Kathryn Stuart: St Mary’s School, Alexandra (2022–2024)
- Matthew Sweeney: St Mary’s School, Hampton (2016–2024)
- Paul Wakeling: Holy Saviour Parish School, Vermont South (1999–2008), Holy Family School, Mount Waverley (2009–2017), St Andrew’s School, Clayton South (2018–2024)
- Brendan Welsford: All Hallows School, Balwyn (2004–2008), Our Lady of Lourdes School, Bayswater (2009–2016), Christ Our Holy Redeemer School, Oakleigh East (2016–2024).
The night also paid tribute to two colleagues who passed away in 2024 and thanked them for their significant dedication to Catholic education:
Noelene Hussy, outgoing principal of St Anne’s School, Sunbury, delivered an address on behalf of all leaving principals. ‘As we all know, being a principal today is complex and challenging, yet an incredibly rewarding and joyful journey filled with countless moments of triumph and growth – not just for our students and staff, but for us as individuals’, said Noelene.
‘I would like to thank all of our principal colleagues … [for] the work we have done together, the friendships we have made, and the visions we have had to ensure our Catholic schools have and will continue to provide the best education possible.’
Guests were entertained throughout the night by beautiful musical performances from our Catholic school community. Thank you to both the jazz band from St Joseph’s College, Ferntree Gully, and Shannen Wickremasinghe, teacher at Good Shepherd School, Wheelers Hill, for adding to the event.
We also thank the altar servers from Simonds Catholic College, West Melbourne, and the choir from Kilbreda College, Mentone, for their contribution at Mass.