Brisbane Catholic Education announced Ms Sharon Collins as the new Siena Catholic College Principal in 2023 and we were delighted to welcome Ms Collins from the commencement of the 2024 school year. Ms Collins is the fourth Principal to lead the school since its inception in 1997.
Ms Collins joins the Siena Catholic College community from St Saviour’s College, Toowoomba, where she was the Principal for 7 years. Her other senior leadership roles include Acting Principal at Our Lady of the Southern Cross Catholic College, Dalby, Assistant Principal – Mission and Identity, St Mary’s College, Toowoomba; Education Officer: Faith and Life, Toowoomba Catholic Diocese and Foundation Assistant Principal – Religious Education, Xavier Catholic College, Hervey Bay.
Ms Collins qualifications include a Masters of Educational Leadership, Master of Theology, Bachelor of Applied Science, Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary), Cert IV in Christian Ministry and Theology, Cert IV in Training and Assessment, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).
Prior to the school year commencing, Ms Collins had the opportunity to meet with Mrs Daphne Baker, wife of foundation Principal, Bryan Baker and Mr Graeme Hight (2004-2016 Principal) to gain a rich indepth history of the College and it's community. Sharon has also worked closely with Dr Michael McCarthy (2017-2022 Principal) and 2023 Acting Principal Mr Pat Toohey, who have also provided guidance, knowledge and insight into the direction the College has taken over the recent years.
Ms Collins addressed the staff and students in her beginning weeks and was officially welcomed to the Siena community at the first College assembly. "I feel very honoured to be joining you for the first time as Principal at Siena Catholic College." said Ms Collins. Ms Collins also reflected on our College's patron, St Catherine of Siena, woman of wisdom and said, "although St Catherine of Siena lived over 600 years ago, her writings are still recognised as some of the best religious writings ever written. Her famous quote - "Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire" is a quote I have referred to a lot over the past couple of weeks. I don't know about you, but my God wants me to be the best version of myself. This means that I will strive to turn up to work and give you the best version of myself and I encourage you to do the same."
Ms Collins has already been recognised by staff as a person with inspirational leadership and strong values grounded in the Catholic faith. We look forward to Ms Collins being part of the Siena community and to the future growth of the College under her leadership.
© Brisbane Catholic Education, Siena Catholic College (2024)