Michael Stock new principal at St James Lutheran College

Experienced school leader Michael Stock will step in as St James Lutheran College’s fourth principal following the resignation of Luke Schoff, who has relocated to the Gold Coast to assume the principal position at St Andrew’s Lutheran College.

Michael Stock is the new principal elect for St James Lutheran College in Hervey Bay

Experienced school leader Michael Stock will step in as St James Lutheran College’s fourth principal following the resignation of Luke Schoff, who has relocated to the Gold Coast to assume the principal position at St Andrew’s Lutheran College, Tallebudgera.

Mr Schoff said he trusted the school would be in good hands with the appointment of Mr Stock.

“As I depart St James, I know that the college is in excellent hands with Michael as its new principal,” he said.

“With continuing strategic governance from the college council, and expert leadership from the executive team, St James will continue to flourish into the future.”

Council chairperson Lloyd Maddern said the college was thrilled to announce the new appointment.

“Mr Stock comes with a strong commitment to a Christ-centred education and ensuring that students are equipped for an ever-evolving future,” he said.

“His leadership and vision align perfectly with our mission of nurturing high-quality education in a Christian environment, and we are confident that he will guide St James in its bright and exciting future,” Mr Maddern said.

Michael Stock

Mr Stock spent Term 4, 2023, at St James as acting principal while Mr Schoff was on long service leave and has now returned to Hervey Bay for the beginning of the new school term.

With his wife Jacki, they are looking forward to making the bay their long-term home, having relocated from a brief period in Mildura, Victoria.

Mr Stock has spent more than 25 years in school leadership across three states and multiple school systems.

He is excited to return to St James and for the future of St James and the students in his care.

“I believe our young people need to be equipped to serve their communities at a pivotal time.

“The physical, political, and social landscape is changing, and the challenges ahead require confident, compassionate problem-solvers with a heart to serve,” he said.

St James Lutheran College in Hervey Bay

“After 16 years in Lutheran schools across Australia, I firmly believe we are best placed, with the staff and environment we foster at St James, to achieve this,” Mr Stock said.

In a letter to the school community, Lloyd Maddern said Mr Stock was a compassionate and devoted individual.

“Michael’s passion for fostering resilient young people, his dedication to school improvement, and his vision for accessible education will see his return to St James,” he said.

Under the leadership of Mr Schoff, the college has also just completed the new St James Centre performance hall.

“The scope and opportunities this will provide for students and the community are exciting,” Mr Stock said.

“We look forward to sharing this with the community at future college events, and at its official opening, along with surrounding precinct buildings on August 27, 2024.”

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