Former Sunshine Coast Grammar principal Maria Woods leaves for family reasons

A new principal has been announced for one of the Sunshine Coast’s most prestigious schools, to replace an “inspirational” figure and leader of nine years.

Outgoing Sunshine Coast Grammar School principal Maria Woods says her family played a significant role in her decision to relocate back to Brisbane.

The principal of nine years will depart the Forest Glen school at the end of term 4 to start at Brisbane’s Hillbrook Anglican College in 2022.

It comes after the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools’ Association this week announced Anna Owen would replace Ms Woods as principal.

Ms Woods said she had loved working and living on the Sunshine Coast but said family always comes first.

“One should always finish on a high,” Ms Woods said.

“Family must always come first and this has played a significant role in the decision for relocation back to Brisbane.”

Outgoing Sunshine Coast Grammar School principal Maria Woods. Picture: Sunshine Coast Grammar School

She said she was excited for the next chapter and had the chance to enhance another school culture and community.

Ms Woods said she was humbled having been invited to lead Hillbrook.

She said she firmly believed she would leave Grammar in a better place.

“I think the school is well positioned as a result of my nine and a half years of leadership to build on past and current successes,” she said.

“I am so proud of what we have accomplished as a whole school community. Everyone has played a role in shaping who we are and I will look back with so much pride and love.”

Ms Woods said dealing with the challenges of the pandemic in the past two years had been tough.

“We were able to adapt appropriately and creatively to ensure our transition to remote learning was smooth, support and care for students, staff and families remained as the cornerstone for all decisions and our reputation as a leader of learning enhanced in our region,” she said.

“We have continued to grow as a school, contemporary facilities are a significant feature but it is our culture that underpins our success.”

Ms Owen is set to start in January 2022 and join the Forest Glen-based school from Canberra Girls Grammar School.

In Canberra she ran a team of 250 staff which educated nearly 1300 students across three campuses.

Ms Owen said she was humbled by the new opportunity.

Anna Owen has been announced as Sunshine Coast Grammar School's new principal, starting in January 2022.

“I am delighted and humbled to be announced as the next principal of Grammar,” she said in a statement announcing the appointment.

“Sunshine Coast Grammar is known for its wonderful culture, and I look forward to being a part of the community.

“I am eager to meet the staff, students and families, honouring the past while looking to the future, and working together to continue to provide wonderful opportunities for our students.”

Board chair Peter Barker said the association was thrilled with the appointment.

“Anna is an accomplished leader. She concludes her time in Canberra having delivered an award-winning strategic design and multiple academic, sport and arts initiatives,” Mr Barker said.

Sunshine Coast Grammar School council chair Ken Watson said he had been impressed by Ms Owen’s achievements, passion and vision.

Sunshine Coast Grammar School principal Maria Woods won an Outstanding Business Women's of the Year award in 2014. Picture: Patrick Woods

The association’s statement did not mention the departure of Ms Woods.

In July it was announced Ms Woods would finish at the end of 2021 to start as the principal of Hillbrook Anglican School in Brisbane.

It is understood the departure of Ms Woods, Grammar’s principal since July 2012, had shocked students, parents and teachers.

Mr Barker said at the time Ms Woods’ leadership had been inspirational, and she would play a key role in the recruitment of her replacement.

Ms Woods said she was “very humbled” to have helped shape the next generation.

“I feel incredibly privileged to have led a very special school community,” she said in a PMSA statement.

Ms Woods was the fourth head of a Presbyterian and Methodist Schools’ Association school to leave in as many years.

Originally published as Former Sunshine Coast Grammar principal Maria Woods leaves for family reasons