College leadership

COLLEGE LEADERSHIP

The College is delighted to announce the appointment of Damian Messer as the Principal of St Mary’s College, supported by Caroline Wilson-Haffenden in the role of Deputy. Both Mr Messer and Mrs Wilson-Haffenden are well known and loved in the Tasmanian Catholic school community, bringing a wealth of experience to our College. Mr Messer will be best known for his leadership at ‘brother school’, St Virgil’s College, where he was Principal from 2010-2021 and Deputy Principal from 2006-2009, as well as through the shared St Virgil’s College and St Mary’s College Rowing Club. He has a passion for working collaboratively with all members of the community, and a strong track record in leading positive change in curriculum, in teaching and learning, and innovation, which positions him well to steer the College into its next phase. Mr Messer’s connection to St Mary’s College runs in the family. “I’ve been an invested member of the St Mary’s College community for a long time now,” he says. “My daughter, Meg, and son, Tom, attended St Mary’s, my wife, Josephine is an alumna of the College and so is my mother-in-law. “It’s a huge part of my family and now it’s time for me to play a new role in the 153-year-old story of St Mary’s College and be part of something special.” Joining Mr Messer on the College leadership team for 2022, Mrs Wilson-Haffenden says it is an exciting time to be a leader in the Senior School.

“It is a privilege to be working alongside Damian, our staff, students and their families,” she says. “This year, the College launches a new strategic plan which guides our vision for the next three years, one that is inspired by Jesus Christ, Gospel values and the Presentation Charism.” A dedicated educator with 18 years of experience in girls’ schools, Mrs Wilson-Haffenden has worked across both primary and secondary settings. “I am looking forward to building on the achievements of the past as we collectively look forward with hope to meeting the challenges of educating our students so that they become women of faith, compassion, learning and leadership,” she says. On behalf of our school community, we congratulate Mr Messer and Mrs Wilson-Haffenden on their appointments and wish them both every success in their new roles. We are excited about the future of the College as they build upon the strong foundations we already have in place.