Principal announced for Mackay’s new Catholic school

The educator of almost 40 years will welcome the first Year 7 cohort at Catherine McAuley College in 2022:

AN EDUCATOR with almost 40 years of experience will lead Mackay's newest secondary college when it opens in 2022.

Jim Ford has been selected as the new principal of Catherine McAuley College having led Mercy College for the past 14 years.

The college, located at the historic former Sugar Research Institute building on Nebo Rd, will welcome its first cohort of Year 7 students in 2022.

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Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton director Leesa Jeffcoat said Mr Ford would take the reins at the beginning of Term 1, 2021.

Catholic Education's Diocesan Director Leesa Jeffcoat in front of the former Sugar Research Institute – the location of Mackay's newest high school. Picture: Heidi Petith

"On behalf of Bishop Michael McCarthy - Bishop of Rockhampton, I am delighted to advise the Catholic school community in Mackay of Jim's appointment as foundation principal in this next exciting milestone," Miss Jeffcoat said.

Bishop Michael McCarthy and Catholic Education assistant director of schools Michael McCusker in the science laboratories at the historic Sugar Research Institute Building on Nebo Road that will be transformed for future students.

"Jim is a highly respected educator and leader who has forged strong links with colleagues, the Parish and the wider Mackay community.

"He brings to the role a depth of experience in leadership and a commitment to creating a contemporary learning environment founded on gospel values and the principles of lifelong

learning for all."

The site of Mackay’s newest Catholic school along Nebo Rd. Picture: Campbell Gellie

Mr Ford said there was lots of work to be done to establish the college.

"The first thing to get sorted is the motto, the crest and the uniform - which are actually quite important," Mr Ford said.

"Then putting the staff together is going to take some time."

But he said he had "very good" help from the advisory committee.

"You're nervous because you know it's a big responsibility and an awful lot needs to be done.

"And excited because it's a really good development for Mackay.

"It increases the capacity of Catholic education here on the south side - we're running into bottlenecks at the moment."

Miss Jeffcoat said there had been strong enrolment inquiries for the college already, and Mr Ford would work with students and their families during 2021 to get prepared.

Mercy College Mackay principal Jim Ford was recently voted Mackay's best principal. Picture: Heidi Petith

Mr Ford was recently voted by Daily Mercury readers as the region's best principal.

He said his favourite part of being a principal was working among the students and seeing the teachers enthusiastic about their role.

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