New Principal St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Bundaberg 2021

Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton has announced that Mr Bill Goodwin has been appointed the new Principal of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Bundaberg, commencing in 2021.

Mr Goodwin is currently Principal of St Francis Catholic Primary School, Ayr. He has extensive school leadership experience having worked as Principal of St John Bosco Catholic Primary School, Collinsville and held Assistant Principal positions in a number of Catholic Primary Schools within the Archdiocese of Brisbane. 

Director of Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton, Miss Leesa Jeffcoat AM said that, “Bill has a relational style and seeks to make a real, positive difference to the learning outcomes students in the school community. He is known for working collaboratively, encourages the use of data and seeks to enable staff to provide the best possible learning experiences for students.”

Mr Goodwin is looking forward to working with the school community of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School. He and his wife Sharon are also very excited and looking forward to the move to Bundaberg.

When asked about his appointment, Mr Goodwin said that having started his teaching career in the Diocese of Rockhampton many years ago, it almost feels like a coming home with this appointment to St Mary’s.

New Principal St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Bundaberg 2021

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Bundaberg has a new Principal commencing January 2021. Mrs Monica White, current Principal of St Therese’s Catholic Primary School, Monto will take up the position next year.

When asked about her new appointment, Mrs White said, “I am very much looking forward to moving with my family to Bundaberg to take up my new position as Principal of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School. St Joseph’s has a long and proud tradition of providing quality education to the families of Bundaberg.”

In announcing the appointment, Director of Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton, Leesa Jeffcoat AM said, “Mrs White has a deep knowledge of curriculum and the teaching and learning process with a passion to assist children achieve their full potential. She works very hard to provide a positive learning atmosphere for both staff and students alike.”

Miss Jeffcoat went on to say that, “Mrs White has provided great pastoral leadership for her current school community through working closely and communicating effectively with staff, parents and students.”

Mrs White commenced with Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton in 1991 at St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School, North Rockhampton, moving to Gladstone in 2001 and taking up the position of Assistant Principal: Curriculum at Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School Gladstone in 2007. In 2018 Mrs White was appointed to her current position of Principal at St Therese’s Catholic Primary School Monto.

“I am very appreciative of my time as Principal of St Therese’s Catholic Primary School in Monto and feel well-prepared and supported to continue the excellent teaching and learning journey that has been occurring at St Joseph’s,” Mrs White said.

“I believe that it is important to support my school to enable staff to use high quality teaching practices to provide learning opportunities for children to achieve their personal best,” Mrs White said.

New Principal St Therese’s Catholic Primary School Monto 2021

St Therese’s Catholic Primary School Monto has a new Principal commencing in January 2021. Ms Doiya Knapman, currently on staff at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Bundaberg has been appointed to the position.

“I am very excited about my appointment as this is a community that I already have connections with through family members who have been in the area for many years,” Ms Knapman said.

In announcing the appointment, Director of Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton, Leesa Jeffcoat said that as an experienced teacher and leader, Doiya seeks to inspire and encourage others to reach their full potential. She has a deep knowledge of curriculum and the teaching and learning process which will enable the continuation of developments at St Therese’s Catholic Primary School, Monto.

Throughout her career, Ms Knapman has had a clear focus on the importance of relationships and working collaboratively with everyone within her school community.

Ms Knapman commenced her career with Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Wandal in Rockhampton and after working in a number of Catholic Primary Schools in Rockhampton was appointed to a teaching position at St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School Bundaberg in 2008 , moving to a leadership position at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Bundaberg in 2012.

“I have a passion for leadership and education and a desire to make a difference in the lives of all students,” Ms Knapman said.

When asked about her appointment as Principal to St Therese’s Catholic Primary School Monto, Ms Knapman said that, “ I am excited to be taking on this new position and look forward to providing the ideal learning environment for all students and teachers and with the community, a strong successful partnership.”

Ms Knapman is looking forward to the opportunity of working with the members of the St Therese’s Catholic Primary School staff, the wonderfully supportive school community and being part of the wider Monto community.

New Principal St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Blackall 2021

Samantha Suthers is returning to the school of her first teaching appointment when she steps into the role of Principal at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Blackall in 2021. 

With a rural background, teaching distance education as a governess on remote properties throughout Central and North Queensland, studying remotely with CQU (Bachelor of Learning Management- Early Childhood), Mrs Suthers brings personal experience to this appointment and a commitment to excellence for students in Catholic schools in the western region of the Diocese.  

In making the announcement, Miss Leesa Jeffcoat AM, Director of Catholic Education, Diocese of Rockhampton, said, “ As a leader, Samantha demonstrates a personal and approachable style and a love for teaching and learning that is obvious to the students, parents and her colleagues. Samantha has a passion for student learning and helping children achieve their potential.”

Miss Jeffcoat went on to say that,  “Samantha has a significant level of expertise in curriculum leadership and her exceptional Information Technology skills have been of great benefit to student learning in the challenging times that we have experienced this year due to the impact on our schools of COVID-19. Samantha grew up and attended school in rural areas prior to commencing her teaching career in Blackall and continues to demonstrate a clear commitment to working in rural and regional schools.”

Mrs Suthers commenced with Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton in 2006 moving into a full-time position at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Blackall in 2007. In 2009 she moved to Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Yeppoon, where she has held a number of positions including her current role of Assistant Principal: Curriculum, a position she has held since 2016.

When asked about her appointment, Mrs Suthers said that, she and her husband Stuart and young family are very excited about their move from the coast to the bush and are looking forward to being involved in the community of Blackall.