Sunshine Coast Grammar School, Hillbrook Anglican School mourning death of principal
Two prestigious private school communities in Brisbane and on the Sunshine Coast are in mourning after the death of a much-loved principal.
Sunshine Coast
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The parent and student communities at prestigious Brisbane and Sunshine Coast private schools are in mourning after the death of a much-loved principal.
Maria Woods sadly passed away recently, with the school communities she had led learning of her death this week.
She was principal at Hillbrook Anglican School in Enoggera, having taken on the role at the start of 2022. Prior to that she had been in the top job at Sunshine Coast Grammar from 2012-2019 and Cannon Hill Anglican College between 2008 and 2012.
In a statement sent to parents on Tuesday Hillbrook Anglican School confirmed Mrs Woods death.
“It is with a very heavy heart that we share with you the sad news that our dear friend and colleague Maria Woods has passed away. We send Maria’s family our thoughts, prayers and support at this devastatingly sad time,” it read.
“We have just shared this message with our students and our community will be closely caring for them over the coming days and weeks while our community grieves.
“Our chaplain will be available all afternoon, as well as our counsellors who will be accessible for any students who might need additional support as they process this news.
“If your child has any assessment in the coming days their classroom teacher will take this into consideration if needed.”
Current Sunshine Coast Grammar School principal Anna Owen paid tribute to her predecessor in a separate letter emailed out to her school community.
“Mrs Woods has had a significant impact on the lives of so many young people during her 10-year service at Sunshine Coast Grammar School as well as the further Sunshine Coast and Brisbane regions over the time of her esteemed career,” Ms Owen said.
“We understand that this news may be difficult to process and we want to assure you that we are here to support one another during this time of grief.”
Ms Woods’ cause of death was not disclosed in either statement put out by Sunshine Coast Grammar or Hillbrook Anglican.
At the time of her move from the Coast Ms Woods said family had played a key role in her decision to relocate to Brisbane, having guided the school through the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ms Owen confirmed students, families and staff were being offered support in the wake of Ms Woods’ death, with the school pastor, psychologists and leadership team all to be available.
The school’s chapel would be open from 8am daily for those wishing to offer a prayer or leave a message of support to the Woods family.
“This is a most difficult time for our Grammar family but, as I have shared in the past, the mark of any community is not where they stand in the good times but where they stand in times of challenge and strife,” Ms Owen said.
“We are a strong caring community, and we will work through this difficult time with prayer, support and love for one another.”
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