St Ursula’s College, Yeppoon, officially welcomes new Principal, Mrs Deborah Ryan, to the campus, and to the Capricorn Coast.

Mrs Ryan, formerly the Assistant Principal – Identity and Culture at St Ursula’sCollege Toowoomba, was appointed by the College Board to commence as Principal in 2021, after the retirement of the College’s long-serving Principal, Mrs Catherine Dunbar, in 2020.

Mrs Ryan said she was honoured to have the opportunity to lead St Ursula’s, well-known as the only all girls Catholic Boarding and Day Secondary College in Central Queensland, with rich tradition and heritage in the Presentation charism.

“This year, St Ursula’s will focus on the value of Compassion, and our theme for the year will be, ‘When compassion meets action, lives change.’”

“Along with the teachers and staff of the College, I will work diligently to continue the legacy of success established by the Presentation Sisters,” Mrs Ryan said.

“I thank Mrs Catherine Dunbar for her extraordinary leadership of the College.”

Mrs Ryan and her husband, Brendan, relocated to Yeppoon during the Christmas/New Year period, after spending the past 13 years in Toowoomba.

“I look forward to fostering, in collaboration with students, staff and families, an environment where personal spirituality is developed in order to nurture young women who are strong and confident in being change agents in their world.”

“At St Ursula’s College, students feel comfortable, self-assured and supported in their learning, and grow as young women of the 21^st century; students and staff are encouraged to be bold in their choices and aspirations, and are nurtured to develop a positive growth mindset to achieve personal excellence,” Mrs Ryan said.

Mrs Ryan said her vision for the staff and students of the College was to foster an environment that empowered students to engage authentically in the learning process.

Mrs Ryan understands the importance of being a lifelong learner and holds a Bachelor of Education (Hons) and Master of Education from USQ, a Bachelor of Applied Science (Hons) UQ, and is currently completing her studies in a Master of Theology and Leadership at the Broken Bay Institute.

“In 2021, I encourage the College community to look beyond ourselves and strive to develop a sense of concern for others and a spirit of service,” Mrs Ryan said.

“May we personally and collectively take to heart the values and strengths of Nano Nagle as we venture forward, continuing to live, love, learn and lead with her vision guiding us.”