Former Trinity principal to head St Bernard’s

After a bruising experience as head of Kew’s Trinity Grammar, Dr Michael Davies has been appointed to lead another elite Melbourne school.

The former Trinity Grammar principal driven out by the haircut furore has been appointed the new head of prestigious Catholic boys’ college, St Bernard’s.

Dr Michael Davies has been working in administration at Catholic Education Office after he stepped down as principal of the boy’s school when the fallout from the sacking and reappointment of deputy Rohan Brown saw billboards denouncing him parked around the Kew school.

Dr Davies, who had been at Toorak’s St Kevin’s College for 17 years including a number of years as deputy head, was recruited to Trinity starting January 2014.

But parts of the school community, including the Old Boys, turned on him and he left 18 months ago. Some of the school felt he was placing too much emphasis on the improving ATAR scores.

He finally quit, citing family reasons, but the campaign against him was damaging.

He has been working at Catholic education for about 18 months.

Edmund Rice Education Australia executive director Wayne Tinsey said it was with great pleasure he announced the appointment.

Deputy headmaster Rohan Brown, at the centre of the haircut saga, returned to Trinity Grammar after he was reinstated. Picture: Tony Gough

“Michael complements his leadership experience with a sound academic record having a

Doctorate of Education from the Australian Catholic University in which his thesis focused on a study of EREA schools that seek for academic excellence while upholding the Charisma of Edmund Rice,” he said.

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He outlined Dr Davies’ extensive qualifications. Dr Davies will replace Dr Adam Taylor.

St Bernard’s has produced some handy football players including Simon Madden, Joe Daniher, Dane Swan and Justin Madden. The new coach of the Richmond AFLW team, Tom Hunter, attended St Bernard’s.

Mr Phil De Young, who has been interim principal at Trinity since the hair debacle, steps down at the end of the year.

He will be replaced by Adrian Farrer, of Wangaratta’s Cathedral College.

The Parade College, in Bundoora, also will see a major change when longest serving head Dr Denis Moore cfc officially steps down at the end of the year. The last Christian brother at the school, he will be replaced by Andy Kuppe. Mr Kuppe has been acting principal this year.