Thank you and Farewell

Luci Quinn

Principal, Clonard College, Geelong

Luci Quinn has given outstanding leadership and service to Clonard College and across Kildare Ministries for almost eight years. We congratulate her on being appointed as Chief Executive Officer for Mercy Education, from the end of Term 3. No doubt, Luci will provide excellent stewardship and support for the 13 Mercy schools in Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. 

The heart of a Principal’s role is faith leadership. Luci speaks, connects with and supports all in the community with the Gospel of Jesus as her compass.  Therefore, the Mission, Vision and Values of Kildare Ministries inform every conversation and decision. She is the embodiment of ‘strength and kindness’, blended with humility and joy. Through her inspiring reflections at school assemblies, events and Masses, the Spirit warmed our souls and enriched our minds. 

Luci is a strategic leader who clearly understands what makes people ‘tick’. These qualities enable her to capably develop and empower staff to fulfil our shared Mission, and therefore to provide quality education. She has built leadership capacity, raised expectations and improved school culture to enable engagement, wellbeing and success for all learners.

To prepare Clonard’s students for a complex and rapidly changing world, across the last five years, Luci and her Leadership Team developed and implemented the New Narrative for Learning project. This program now provides a rich education for all Year 7-10 students, with clearly evident benefits. Clonard students now receive university-verified credentialling for a range of vital 21st century competencies. 

Also, after four years of planning and preparation, in 2027 Clonard will be one of the first Catholic schools in Australia to provide Big Picture Learning. This innovative, flexible and highly engaging approach provides learners with scaffolded agency to harness their potential and to excel in diverse ways.

These trail-blazing initiatives, and others Luci enacted, cultivate lifelong learning, respond to the diverse needs of students and prepare them to make a difference in society. Under Luci’s astute guidance, Clonard has become a beacon of quality and progressive education.

Among KEM Principals, Luci’s sage advice and collegial support have been of immense value to her peers, who hold her in the highest regard. Across Kildare Ministries, Luci has held the lantern to the ‘opening path’. For example, near the end of the 10th Anniversary Conference for Kildare Ministries, attended by all staff from all 13 ministries, Luci wisely discerned and profoundly communicated key insights from the three days. Kildare Ministries has been strengthened by her keen mind and kind heart, offered in the way of Brigid and Nano.

Her leadership roles also extend across Victoria (President of the Principals’ Association of Victorian Catholic Secondary Schools) and Australia (Director on the Catholic Secondary Principals Australia Board).

If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader. (Dolly Parton)

Luci is indeed an excellent leader, honourable colleague and educational pathfinder. We offer sincere thanks for her generous service and exemplary leadership. 

While we will miss Luci within Kildare Ministries, her judicious and Spirit-filled influence will keep enhancing Catholic education, alongside us. This is not farewell, but ‘see you around’. 

Luci, may our loving God continue to bless, inspire and sustain you.  

Lisa Dwyer

Chair of the Star of the Sea College Board

Kildare Ministries extends its sincere thanks to Lisa Dwyer, who recently concluded nine years of service on the Star of the Sea College Board, including as Chair from June 2018. Throughout this time, Lisa made an outstanding contribution to the Board and the wider College community.

Lisa led the Board with skill, generosity and strategic vision. Her collaborative approach, sound decision-making and clear understanding of governance supported significant decisions for the College’s long-term sustainability. The construction of new buildings and refurbishment of existing facilities form a visible part of her legacy, providing beautiful and engaging spaces that enrich learning and teaching for students and staff.

Guided by a deep commitment to faith and mission, Lisa also encouraged the Star community to support organisations working alongside people experiencing vulnerability, particularly the community works of Kildare Ministries. Through listening to the experiences of others, fundraising and practical involvement, students have deepened their understanding of compassion, justice and service. Lisa’s leadership of the Board in supporting the Principal and College community to bring these values to life will be an enduring legacy.

We warmly thank Lisa for her dedicated leadership and generous service and wish her every blessing for the future.