Three new Toowoomba principals arrive just in time for term one

Toowoomba Catholic Schools has welcomed three new principals to the Diocese. Here’s how they plan on making a difference at their new schools.

NEW FACES: Bishop Robert McGuckin with new Toowoomba Catholic school principals, Katrina Dunne, Keith Blaikie, Brendan Stewart and Toowoomba Diocese executive director of catholic schools Dr Patrick Coughlanan.

As the new school year fast approaches, parents, staff and students are preparing for the beginning of term one with three new friendly faces eagerly awaiting their first day.

Toowoomba Catholic Schools has this week welcomed three new principals to the Diocese.

Brendan Stewart is joining the St Mary’s College, Toowoomba team, and is excited to be leading another College with an Edmund Rice philosophy.

As a former accountant with KPMG, Brendan moved to education in 1993 and is a passionate advocate for boys’ education.

He is also a music enthusiast, and his teaching specialties include economics and religious education.

“I believe Catholic education gives all of our students the opportunity to be the best that they can be and that is why Catholic Education is unique,” Mr Stewart said.

“I have dedicated myself to helping young men realise their full potential and to set them up for success beyond school.

“Sometimes they need an extra helping hand, and this is something that I think St Mary’s College does really well.”

Keith Blaikie returns to Toowoomba Catholic Schools in 2021 to lead St Patrick’s School, Allora – having been assistant principal for religious education at St Stephen’s School, Pittsworth prior to his recent role at Downlands College.

“I look forward to returning to a rural community in my first principalship,” he said.

“Having taught in Charters Towers and in Pittsworth, I believe that you can get an excellent education in a rural school.

“St Patrick’s offers this to the students of Allora and surrounds and I am keen to continue to lead the excellent work that the staff of the school have established.”

St Mary’s School, Charleville is also to welcome a new acting principal, Katrina Dunne who is well known to the school as a parent and in Charleville as the deputy principal of the Charleville School of Distance Education.

“I am keen to continue to build the collaborative professional learning community across the schools in Charleville,” Ms Dunne said.

“And with the Toowoomba Diocese’s support, that has already exceeded my expectations just from the induction and orientation we have had this week.

“I can’t wait to get back to Charleville knowing that there is a whole team there to help with every aspect of school life.”