Announcements

On behalf of the Executive Director of Schools, I wish to announce the following:

Following a recruitment and discernment process, I am pleased to announce that Lindsay Burns has been appointed to the substantive position of Assistant Principal at Holy Cross Catholic Parish Primary School, Helensburgh. As Lindsay is currently performing the position of Acting Assistant Principal, he will commence in the role immediately. 

In addition to his time in the role of Acting Assistant Principal at Helensburgh throughout 2025, Lindsay has also held the senior leadership positions of Acting Assistant Principal at Mary Immaculate Catholic Parish Primary School, Eagle Vale from August 2023 to December 2024 and Assistant Principal at Ss Peter & Paul Catholic Parish Primary School, Kiama from 2017 - August 2023.

Lindsay’s qualifications include a Master of Theology from the University of Newcastle and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Wollongong. Lindsay is an active member of the St John’s Catholic Parish in Dapto.   

Please join me in congratulating Lindsay on his appointment to this position. 

A recruitment process for the substantive position of Assistant Principal at Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Parish Primary School, Kiama, will commence shortly. 

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Following a recruitment process, Ashleigh Warton is the successful applicant for the substantive position of School Infrastructure Program Coordinator in the Schools Properties Office within Finance, Facilities and Planning which commenced on 14 July 2025.

Ashleigh previously held the position of Administrative Officer – Reception within the Wollongong Administrative Services team. Ashleigh holds a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction from the University of Wollongong, a Diploma of Business Administration and a Certificate IV in Property Services.

I take this opportunity to congratulate Ashleigh and wish her every success and fulfilment in this new appointment.

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Joanne Herring, Religious Education Coordinator at St Columbkille’s Catholic Primary School, Corrimal, will be taking leave from 6 August to 26 September 2025. Following a recruitment process, Libbie Tyrrell is the successful applicant for the position of Acting Religious Education Coordinator at St Columbkille’s during Joanne’s leave.

Libbie has been teaching in Catholic education since 2012 and has nine years of experience as Middle Leader 2, which has incorporated the role of Instructional Coach. Libbie holds a Master of Educational Leadership from the Australian Catholic University and a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education from the University of Wollongong.

Libbie is a member of St Columbkille’s Catholic Parish, Corrimal. 

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Following a recruitment process, Joanne Flanagan is the successful applicant for the temporary full time position of Acting VET/RTO Manager which commenced on 3 July until 5 September 2025.

Joanne previously held the position of Education Officer – VET/TaPS in the Learning K-12 Team with Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong, until September 2023.

Joanne holds a Masters in Education from the Australian Catholic University, a Bachelor of Vocational Education and Training from Charles Sturt University, and has completed her Certificate IV in Workplace Assessor and Training in 2018. 

I take this opportunity to congratulate Joanne and wish her every success and fulfilment in this temporary appointment. 

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Following a recruitment process, Marie Russo is the successful applicant for the temporary position of Junior In-House Legal Counsel in the Governance Assurance and Risk team commencing 4 August 2025 for a period of 12 months.

Most recently, Marie has been working as a solicitor with Access Law Group, Wollongong and she volunteers extensively with community-based organisations. Marie has completed a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws with UOW and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice with the College of Law.

I take this opportunity to congratulate Marie and wish her every success and fulfilment in this new appointment.

Natasha O’Donoghue
Director – People and Culture

Message of Condolence

With deep sorrow, we share the news of the passing of Michelle Crinnion.

Michelle passed away peacefully on Thursday 24 July 2025, surrounded by her loving family, following a brief and unexpected illness.

Michelle was a cherished member of the Nazareth Catholic Parish Primary School community since its foundation in 2000. In her role as school support officer and librarian, she served with exceptional dedication, warmth, and quiet strength. Her care and commitment have left an enduring legacy in the lives of countless students, families, and colleagues.

We give thanks for Michelle’s life and the many ways she contributed to the life of the school with grace, generosity, and kindness. Her presence will be deeply missed across the community.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May she rest in peace. Amen.