COLLEGE LEADERSHIP
Key Messages
Ms Kerry Manders
Principal
KEY MESSAGE
What a wonderful beginning to the year it has been! It was lovely to see so many families joining us at Welcome Mass on Wednesday.
I would like to take this opportunity to inform families about the 'Right To Disconnect' Protocol introduced recently by the Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns. Please refer to the graphic shown below. If you require further information, please contact me at any time.
Mrs Louise Shield
Deputy Principal
INTRODUCTION
Good Afternoon, St Mary’s Community,
My name is Louise Shields, and I am truly honoured to step into the role of Deputy Principal at St Mary’s. I’d love to share a little about myself, both personally and professionally, because I believe strong relationships are built on connection and trust.
I am married and a proud mum of three adult children who are now forging their own paths in the world. This new chapter in my personal life greatly influenced my decision to embrace this exciting opportunity at St Mary’s.
My Journey in Education
My teaching career began in Western Sydney, where I spent five years in the NSW state education system as a Science and Chemistry teacher. It was during this time that my passion for pastoral care and student well-being took root.
I then moved to Northern NSW, where I spent 29 rewarding years at Mount St Patrick College. During my time there, I taught Science, Religious Education, and Senior Chemistry while taking on a variety of leadership roles focused on student management and well-being. These included Head of Year, Head of Department, Director of Students, and Assistant Principal – Mission and Well-being.
My Educational Philosophy
Teaching has always been my calling. While academic outcomes and pathways are important, my core belief is that education is about the development of the whole child.
My personal guiding principle is simple: Teachers can teach, and students can learn.
Success isn’t about being first, it’s about fostering self-belief and encouraging students to achieve their personal best. Equally important is helping students learn from their mistakes, take ownership of their actions, and grow from their experiences. Boundaries must be clear and respected to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for all.
My Role at St Mary’s
At St Mary’s, my mission is to empower both students and teachers to believe in their potential and strive for success. Strong systems and processes are essential, but above all, I am committed to building trusted relationships that will continue to strengthen this incredible community.
I look forward to meeting and working alongside you all this year and into the future.
Warm regards,
Mrs Louise Shields
Deputy Principal, St Mary’s Catholic College
Mrs Andrea O'Grady
Assistant Principal - Identity & Outreach
IDENTITY & OUTREACH
We are excited to support the following programs as we move swiftly towards Lent and Easter:
ROSIE'S:
Rosie's - Friends on the Street is calling for donations of blankets for their patrons. Donations of blankets, in good condition, can be left at our College office to be delivered to Rosie's.
OZANAM YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM:
St Vincent de Paul is conducting their OZANAM Youth Leadership Program, an exciting youth opportunity open to students. This program is supported by St Mary's but run externally by St Vincent de Paul. Please follow the link for further information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mdc_hWE048iwIF85DzFdkdu6Lr_6OajE/view?usp=drive_link
LENTEN PROGRAM:
Catholic Education is providing a free Lenten Program for Families through Zoom. Please see the flyer below for more information. Register using the QR Code by Tuesday, 4 March.
Mrs Andrea O'Grady
Assistant Principal - Identity & Outreach
Enjoy your weekend; we look forward to welcoming students back to the College on Monday!
Ms Kerry Manders - Principal
On behalf of the College Leadership Team
