Principal

Mr Wayne Smith

“The challenge – living in the present,

revering tradition and creating the future.” Pope Francis

Thank you, Andrew!

After 15 years of dedicated, loyal and wise service to the College Board and now Advisory Council, Andrew Graham has called time as the Advisory Council Chairperson. Andrew has been a loyal supporter of St Mary's and always led with the best interests of the common good. Andrew’s calm balanced and reflective practices have been a blessing for St Mary's, considering the challenges the College has been through over the past 15 years.

Andrew remained on the Advisory Council when he and Kallie’s three children finished Year 10, (at that time the senior graduating year) continuing to give generously of his time as Chair. He was a member of the committee when the 2024 submission Spiritu Ducti – “Motivated by the spirit” (Catherine McAuley 1841), St Mary’s College F-12 Pathway Committee’s was sent to MACS. A water shed moment in time for the College’s future.

Pop Francis said, “the challenge – living in the present, revering tradition and creating the future.” St Mary’s is much the richer for Andrew’s contribution to the College’s past, present and future. Congratulations on a road well-travelled, Andrew, you are one of life’s gentleman.

It is pleasing to announce that following the February Advisory Council meeting, Stephanie Liddell has accepted the position as the College's first female Chairperson. Stephanie is a former St Mary's student and with husband Nick has four sons - Sammy (Samuel) who is pre-school age, Eddie (Edward) Year 3, Pat (Patrick) Year 5 and Oli (Oliver) Year 6. Stephanie is a Maternal Child and Health Nurse for the Mitchell Shire and, the daughter of ‘Mother’ Mary Tampion, who retired last year after decades of teaching service to our College.

Stephanie knows that taking over from Andrew are big shoes to fill. With Stephanie’s understanding and relationship with St Mary’s (student, parent, P&F and Advisory Council member) we congratulate Stephanie as the newly elected Advisory Council Chairperson. St Mary's continues to move forward with purpose, unity and a commitment to educational excellence in the Catholic Christian tradition.

The Advisory Council

The council by its very nature provides a forum for discussion and discernment, where parent voice and community perspective are available to inform and support. Serving on the Advisory Council of a Catholic school is a form of Church lay ministry. It is a response to the call to support the local Catholic parish and school communities in a particular way. It is also a means for members of our community to share their skills and talents for the common good. The St Mary’s College School Advisory Council is made up of a minimum of six and recommended maximum of 10 council members who value and share the educational mission and ethos of the Catholic Church, comprising at least:

Principal (ex officio)
Parish Priest (ex officio) and custodian of mission
Deputy Principal (ex officio)
two parents of children attending the school
one parishioner
Person who in the opinion of the principal has the relevant knowledge, skills, expertise or interest and commitment to the mission of the College to serve a particular need on the council
additional parents of children attending the school
Business Manager (ex officio and secretary)
staff representative
A person who is a member of the council under any category from (a) to (e) may satisfy the eligibility criteria under more than one category.

Expressions of Interest will be called for parent Advisory Council members in the coming weeks.

Our Colleges 2026 Opening liturgy will be held on Thursday 5th March at 9.00am. The theme: Guided by Faith, Driven by Purpose - Leadership and Light will present the badges to the 2026 leaders and bless all students and staff for an exciting year.

Best wishes

Wayne Smith

Principal

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