John Crowley bows out of principal race at St Kevin’s College
The highly regarded acting principal of St Kevin’s College is no longer in the running to permanently lead the troubled Toorak boys’ college. This is the reason why.
Schools Hub
Don't miss out on the headlines from Schools Hub. Followed categories will be added to My News.
St Kevin’s acting principal John Crowley has scratched himself from the race for the permanent job at the troubled Toorak boys’ college.
The highly regarded educational leader, who was appointed in the acting role in February after a series of bombshells rocked the Catholic school, shocked parents with the announcement late yesterday.
The Herald Sun reported on Monday that the Edmund Rice Education Australia had launched a search to find a replacement for Stephen Russell who quit earlier this year as the school was swamped by a series of scandals.
While Mr Crowley — who was recruited from Ballarat’s St Patrick’s College to steady the school — was by no means guaranteed the appointment, it was thought that he would apply.
Mr Crowley said there was hope, despite the challenging times.
A DISTURBING FELLOW: ST KEVIN’S BOYS SUSPECTED ALL ALONG
SACRE COEUR CUTS TIES WITH ST KEVIN’S AFTER SCANDAL
“In the interest of courtesy and transparency, wish to inform the community that I will not be applying for the position,” he said.
Mr Crowley said his declaration that he would not be in the running for the role would ensure St Kevin’s had access to the best candidates.
“My arrival coincided with a difficult time for the college. Over the past four months the leadership team, staff, advisory board, and our governing authority EREA have worked very hard to strengthen child safeguarding practices and governance cultures,” he said.
Mr Crowley was widely acclaimed for his response to institutional sexual abuse in Ballarat with strong statements around supporting and welcoming survivors.
“Since I joined St Kevin’s, I have been grateful for the warm welcome I have received from the community, staff, parents and old collegians. most significantly over this time, I have been greatly impressed with the student cohort. the manner in which they have welcomed me and their capacity to engage in genuine and thoughtful communications in the yard, on the train station, and on the playing fields is a credit to each of them.”
It was unclear what Mr Crowley will do after he finishes up at St Kevin’s at year’s end. His role at St Patrick’s has recently been filled.
Mr Crowley said he felt the time was right to “pursue new directions and consider other options that may present themselves”.
“While I am unsure what this change might look like I am certain it is the right decision,” he said.
“Being a principal is, without doubt, one of the most rewarding jobs in the world, but it is also a very demanding one.
“I feel honoured and privileged to have been at St Kevin’s, even if for a short period of time this year, and I hope I have been able to provide some stability for the community in return.
“Having been a principal for well over a decade now, in some challenging yet hope-filled circumstances, I have decided the time is right for me to pursue new directions and consider other options that may present themselves,” Mr Crowley said.
Edmund Rice Education Australia Southern director Diarmuid O’Riordan said the organisation, which oversees about 50 Catholic schools in Australia, said it respected Mr Crowley’s decision not to apply for the position.
He said he looked forward to Mr Crowley’s continued contribution to Catholic education.
“The advertisement has already generated a great deal of interest and I am confident that a leader of the highest calibre will be appointed to the position,” he said.
“John has ensured that the highest standards of student welfare, child safety and quality learning and teaching have been upheld in how he has led the community at this time. Be assured that this will remain a hallmark of EREA in its ongoing support of St Kevin’s College. We thank him sincerely for his outstanding leadership and for his continued presence to the St Kevin’s College community for the remainder of the year.”
A recruitment firm has been appointed to help fill the role.
MORE NEWS
WHY A PRIMARY SCHOOL BANNED YOGHURT AND MILK