Karen Spiller, John Paul College principal, to retire in December

A ‘world-class’ Queensland principal with a career spanning 40 years has announced she will be retiring, saying it’s time to give back to her family.

One of Queensland’s top principals is retiring after a distinguished career spanning 40 years.

Karen Spiller will finish at Logan’s John Paul College in December.

Mrs Spiller has been credited with turning around the academic performance of the Daisy Hill school since her appointment in 2018.

Almost one-quarter of 2021 seniors achieved an ATAR of 95 or higher, placing them in the top five per cent of the state.

Mrs Spiller – who received a Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to women and education in the Queen’s Birthday 2017 Honours – was previously principal of St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School in Brisbane’s Corinda for 18 years.

Principal Karen Spiller with young John Paul College students. Photo: supplied

In an announcement on Monday morning, Mrs Spiller said she was looking forward to spending more time with family.

“I love being a principal and have been blessed to lead two outstanding schools, and work with and learn from staff and students in these, however after 23 years as a principal, and even more in senior leadership roles in schools, I believe the time has come for me to give back to my family, including my three children and their children.

“I want to be present for my three beautiful grandchildren, who are all under the age of three, and to have the flexibility to visit my son who lives abroad.”

Mrs Spiller will remain a member of the QUT Council.

John Paul College board chair Dominic Taylor described Mrs Spiller as “a world-class principal”.

Principal Karen Spiller with John Paul College students Ivy Bennet and Christian Easthope. Photo: Supplied

“We are very proud of her significant contribution during her tenure,” Mr Taylor said.

“She has successfully led the improvement of academic outcomes for our students, navigated our college through the transition into ATAR and also led JPC through the evolving challenges of COVID-19.”

He said while the board was disappointed Mrs Spiller had chosen not to extend her five-year contract “her decision to retire has our full support”.

Recruitment for a new principal for the early learning to Year 12 independent school will commence shortly.

Principal Karen Spiller with Year 12 students Dontae Scott and Kirsten McEwan at a swimming carnival presentation earlier this year. Photo: supplied

Mrs Spiller began her career as a teacher at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls’ School, Ascot, in 1981.

She moved to Hillbrook Anglican School in Enoggera in 1989, heading the global studies and geography department, and in 1997 was appointed deputy principal (curriculum) at St Aidan’s.

In addition to her OAM, Mrs Spiller was awarded the 2019 Nganakarrawa award for excellence in educational administration by the Australian Council for Educational Leaders.