Executive Director’s Update to Principals #9 - 27 February 2023
Cathy Grace - Announcement of Resignation
I write to inform you that Mrs Cathy Grace has received approval to take Long Service Leave for Terms 3 and 4, 2023. Following her leave, she will resign from the position as Principal of Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Primary School, Murtoa. Cathy is currently studying a counselling course through the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors and is looking forward to pursuing this interest as the next stage of her professional career.
Cathy has ministered in Catholic Education in the Ballarat Diocese since 1991, first in casual positions and then at Ss Michael and John’s Horsham, from 1994 to 2017. Cathy took on many leadership roles during her time at Ss Michael and John’s and was appointed to the Deputy Principal position from 2004 through to 2016. During this time Cathy also stepped in as Acting Principal both at Ss Michael and John’s and St Mary’s Primary School, Warracknabeal.
Cathy began her time in Principalship in 2017 at Our Lady Help of Christians Murtoa, with passion and drive. Cathy has worked tirelessly to ensure that the OLHC community has a strong presence in Murtoa and in the surrounding communities.
Cathy has served as Principal in a professional and generous manner. During her time at OLHC, she has focused on empowering students to take responsibility for their own learning. She has supported staff in this endeavour through the implementation of strategies to develop independent and self-regulated learners.
Community engagement has also been a strength of Cathy’s. She has developed a strong sense of community, not only with the families at the school, but within the Murtoa community.
As a result of Cathy’s contribution, OLHC is a school that is friendly and welcoming and has strong community connections. It is a school in which teachers work collaboratively to provide wonderful and robust learning opportunities for all students. Cathy has also been instrumental in securing a significant building grant; the benefits of which will be seen for many years to come.
Our wider education community is grateful to Cathy for her commitment, passion and contribution to Catholic education and her contribution to students in the Diocese of Ballarat.
To support the transition for the next Principal of OLHC, consultation and advertising for a replacement will commence shortly. We will share further information about this process over the coming weeks.
I ask you to join me in wishing Cathy all the best as she concludes her time as an educator and leader in our diocesan community.
As Executive Director of Catholic Education Ballarat, I offer my congratulations and gratitude to Cathy for her wonderful contribution and wish her every blessing for the next stage in her life journey.