Principal

Welcome back to the 2022 Academic Year.

The way we are greeted always creates long and lasting impressions and I certainly feel warmly received by all. As a new member of the Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College Community I am very aware of what it means to be welcomed and I have no doubt that this has also been the experience for our new families and students for 2022 and on behalf of all of us I am sincerely grateful to all at Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College for their hospitality.

I also want to extend my thanks and appreciation to Mr. David Leslie for all the work he undertook in service of Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College and I wish him the best of success. Thank you also to Ms. Margaret McKenna for her stewardship during Semester 2 of last year.

My view has always been that as we start each year there are always opportunities to learn more, form new relationships and to improve. It is my sincere hope that all who are part of the community at Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College strive to be their best, feel welcome and are supported in their efforts to learn.

During the first few days of this Term I was able to briefly introduce myself to the students by visiting their homerooms. I have also spoken with staff both this year and last year, formally and informally, so that they get to know me and I them. However, I clearly have not had an opportunity to speak to many in the community, so I offer the following by way of introducing myself.

I have served as a teacher of young people and a leader in Catholic schools for over thirty years starting my vocation in 1991. Prior to that time, I worked in banking and accountancy sectors. Since 2014 until 2021 I had the privilege to hold the position of Principal at Lavalla Catholic College, Traralgon and Newborough. Prior to this appointment I was the Deputy Principal – Staff and Operations at Whitefriars College, Donvale from 2003 to 2013. Before that role I worked at St Joseph’s College, Ferntree Gully, from 1998 to 2002 in a variety of leadership positions, including Business Manager and before this I commenced my teaching career in 1991 at Salesian College, Chadstone. Consequently, I have great and varied experience in a wide range of Catholic schools. Furthermore, throughout my time in these communities I have been able to develop a deep understanding of the educational, personal and spiritual needs of young people.

Apart from holding a number of leadership positions in the above schools ranging through whole school leadership, student wellbeing, curriculum, operational, personnel and financial management, I have also served on a variety of committees that have provided me with opportunities to work in the governance of these schools as well as at the strategic, tactical and operational levels. Furthermore, I am also a member of a number of external committees related to governance, compliance, system finance and faith development. This work has allowed me to develop a global view of how Catholic schools operate and consequently my actions and decisions are made in light of this understanding.

On a personal note, I am married to Grace, we live primarily in Venus Bay and are blessed to have two sons. James who is almost 30 years of age and is a Civil Engineer and Anthony, 28, who is a secondary teacher of Religious Education and Psychology at another Catholic College in the Sale Diocese. 

Regarding what my initial goals are, I hope to learn about the specific needs of the community through conversations both formal and informal with the students, staff, families and the broader community.  I certainly want to sustain and grow the current good works taking place and through consultation develop the strategies required to ensure that Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College continues to be a school of choice in the region.

As the year progresses I am sure there will be opportunities to meet and I very much look forward to those engagements.

Finally, can I thank everyone for their efforts in support of the COVID safe requirements that are in place currently. I truly appreciate your support of not just your families and their wellbeing, but also for all in the community.

Sapientia Domini Docet Nos

John M Freeman