BBN / MARCH 2021
EDUCATION
Welcome to our new Principals for 2021! Catholic Schools Broken Bay recently welcomed 11 new principals, some new to the Diocese and others moving schools, all of them innovative educators with a strong vision for learning opportunities. They were appointed by Danny Casey, Director of Schools, who invited them to shape the future of education in our Diocese under the leadership of Bishop Anthony Randazzo.
Alicia van der Merwe St John the Baptist, Freshwater When the new Principal at St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School in Freshwater started this year, she planned to get to know each child personally. “St John’s is a boutique style school and one of the strong benefits of that is we can know every student,” said Alicia van der Merwe, who was Assistant Principal of St Mary’s in Manly for seven years. “The numbers mean the teachers and leaders know every family and can respond to every student’s learning needs and wellbeing needs.” Mrs van der Merwe says “student-centred learning” is essential for making children feel engaged in their lessons. “I want them to be happy, challenged learners who thrive every day at school,” she said. Mrs van der Merwe says that working with families to get to know each student is essential. Mrs van der Merwe is a local of the Northern Beaches, having attended primary school at St Kieran’s in Manly Vale and then high school at Stella Maris Catholic College in Manly. As a parent of two young children, she says she understands the concerns of parents.
Marco Ianni Our Lady of Dolours, Chatswood The first order of business for the new Principal at Our Lady of Dolours Catholic Primary School is simple: to make sure no child feels left out. “I’m very much about inclusive education,” said Marco Ianni, who took over the role as Principal at the Our Lady of Dolours in January. “We need to cater to the needs of all students in a school that allows everybody to participate and make a contribution.” Born in Sydney, Mr Ianni attended Catholic schools and received a Master degree from Australian Catholic University. He lives in Sydney with his wife Larissa and teenage son, who also attends a Catholic school.
Michael Reid St Paul’s Catholic College, Manly High school can be a hard time for boys, who sometimes see their grades fall behind. But the new Principal at St Paul’s says that every student can succeed if given the individual attention they need. Michael Reid, a veteran educator of 27 years, began as the new Principal at St Paul’s Catholic College in Manly this term. “Being a smaller school, every boy is known and cared for,” he said. “We can identify with every boy individually and work with them in small groups to improve achievement in all areas.”
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