After 16 years of outstanding leadership, it is with sadness and deep gratitude that I announce the retirement of our Principal, Terry Muldoon, at the conclusion of 2023.
Terry came to St Columba from our sister school, Bishop Druitt College, after many years in independent education. His career focused on pastoral care, vocational education and he has held a range of leadership and executive positions.
Since his appointment in 2008, Terry has presided over sustained growth and has been responsible for embedding a reputation of excellence at SCAS. This is indicative of his unwavering commitment to every facet of school life.
Under Terry’s leadership, he has built a learning environment widely acclaimed as one of the most exceptional in Australia. His vision and energy have been transformed into innovative world-class facilities such as the Iona Performing Arts Centre, the Trade Training Centre and the Sustainability and Environmental Centre. The campus is a credit to his passion and vision for St Columba Anglican School.
Terry has introduced a structure that will ensure innovative and sustainable leadership of the school into the future. He has provided opportunities for staff development and has generously encouraged and mentored numerous staff to positions of leadership in other leading NSW Independent schools.
Terry has also facilitated and supported several key partnerships, including those with Grafton Diocesan schools, Charles Sturt University, the University of Melbourne, the Association of Independent Schools NSW, local business and industry and the wider educational community.
More importantly, Terry has created a welcoming and inclusive learning environment and has been responsible for developing a positive culture of enterprise, creativity, and collaboration. His ability to integrate 21st Century learning skills through the curriculum has been central to formidable levels of student achievement and teacher capacity. His friendly morning welcome has been a hallmark of his connection with students and his unique way of interacting with each member of the SCAS community.
During his time at St Columba, Terry has been supported by his wife Susanna, who has been instrumental in the development and leadership of the school as Executive Director of Columba Cottage Early Learning Centre and a member of the School’s Executive. Her extraordinary leadership has enabled our Early Learning Centre to be highly acclaimed throughout Australia.
Terry will conclude his leadership of the School at the conclusion of Term 2, 2023. He will take well-earned leave during Terms 3 and 4. There will be many opportunities to farewell him in 2023, and to recognise his leadership of our school. This will be a joyous time to reflect on Terry’s substantial and enduring contribution.
The School Council will engage an executive search company to undertake a national and international search for our new Principal. St Columba Anglican School is renowned in the Australian educational landscape and we are sure to attract many experienced candidates. It is planned that our new Principal will commence in Term 3, 2023.
I thank you for your prayers and support in this significant stage of our history.
Kind regards,
Heather Norton B.Ed M.Ed Admin
Chair of School Council