Leadership Forum – “Leading Full and Flourishing Lives”

All principals in the Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Schools gather together each term to work with executive and senior leaders of Toowoomba Catholic Schools.  The focus is primarily alignment, consistency and developing the collective capacity for us to deliver a liberating education to over 10000 students that we educate. 

On Monday night we were welcomed into the Mary Mackillop Catholic College (MMCC) community through prayer and gathering together around a table to share a meal.  It was inspiring to be engaged in another college community to celebrate mass and see the wonderful contribution of the students and staff.  Beyond this it also gives insight into the leadership of the college and some shared wisdom regarding plans for the future.  It has been a few years since I have immersed myself at MMCC and it was wonderful to see an exciting leadership structure and culture, as well as the facility development over the past few years.  It was also a highlight to witness one of our middle years students and his father engaging in the High Country Community Orchestra – well done Xavier and Matthew Skerman – it’s wonderful to see you engaging in wider networks to embrace your passion for music!

Today we engaged in various learning regarding changes to the way we operate across many fields, though a highlight was the keynote presentation by our executive director Dr Patrick Coughlan.  He spoke of “Playing to our strengths – Being the difference makers” and his message and delivery were very aligned to the work we are doing at OLSCC.  Our focus as principals is always on making better leaders in our school to enhance our collective capability and create greater opportunity for our students.  Dr Pat also exemplified our work in the development and delivery of our Strategic Plan, something which he noted as an aspirational goal for all of our Colleges.

Though beyond this, this time of gathering allows Principals to delve further into our networks, engage in challenging professional dialogue, and challenge our own ideas as well as giving feedback to others.  I look forward to a wonderful week of working alongside our wonderful leadership at Toowoomba Catholic Schools, as well as my colleagues, to enhance the work being done at the College as we consolidate our work for 2024, and begin the planning for 2025.

Thank You!

Over the past few weeks we have had a full calendar of events.  We have engaged in our beginning of the year ceremonies, masses and assemblies, as well as the successful launch of our strategic plan.  In addition, we have been focussing on Wellbeing with Sue Chandler from Transformative Schools, as well as beginning the development of our new Master Plan with Stewart Bagley from Bold Architecture.  I know that families are receiving ample communication from the College at present, with information regarding classes, instrumental music, fees and account balances, curriculum overviews, and much more.  Amongst this noise was multiple surveys from the College.   I sincerely value each and every piece of feedback that has come back to the College regarding both wellbeing and facilities, and appreciate that the time taken by our community to have their say in these matters will mean that the collective voice of the community will be heard, and the results delivered over coming years. 

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to attend the College, support our gatherings, strategic plan launch, commencement mass or simply complete the surveys that are sent out from time to time.  We cannot act on the voice of the community without giving it the opportunity to be heard.  Thanks again!

Mr Peter Cuskelly

Principal