Executive Director’s Update to Principals #21 - 13 May 2025

Olga Lyons Retirement

Olga Lyons has indicated that she intends to retire from the position of Principal of St Patrick’s Parish Primary School at the end of this year.

I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge Olga for her exemplary contribution to Catholic education in the Diocese of Ballarat.

In a career that has spanned over 40 years, Olga has been a Classroom Teacher, Teacher Librarian, Reading Recovery Teacher, Music Teacher, Literacy Leader, Literacy Education Officer for Catholic Education Ballarat and Principal of All Saints Primary School, Portland and St Patrick’s Parish Primary School, Port Fairy. Olga has made many contributions at the local and diocesan levels throughout her career, and we are particularly grateful for all that she has offered to local, zone, and diocesan principal networks.

Olga joined the St Patrick’s school community in 2021 and has shown great dedication to the school and wider parish community. Olga’s passion as a teacher and leader has been in ensuring children are highly engaged in their learning, especially through the lens of literacy. Olga has made a difference in the lives of many children as an educational leader and Principal. Throughout her time at St Patrick’s, Olga has worked collaboratively with teachers and parents to bring about improved learning outcomes for all children.

In her time as a principal, Olga has been particularly adept at challenging and growing other staff members as leaders, which has assisted in building highly professional and productive staff teams.

Olga has coordinated two major building projects in her time as Principal, transforming her schools into vibrant contemporary learning environments.

The school and Parish community have benefited greatly from all that Olga has had to offer. We wish Olga well as she moves into the next phase of her life.

Ensuring a smooth transition to the next principal of St Patrick’s is a high priority, and a consultation and advertising process will commence shortly. We will share further information about this process over the coming weeks.

John O'Sullivan Retirement

John O’Sullivan has announced that he will retire from the position of Principal of St Malachy’s Catholic Primary School, Edenhope, at the end of the 2025 school year.

John joined the St Malachy’s community in 2021. His professional and calm approach has been instrumental in fostering a collaborative environment among staff. Under his leadership, St Malachy’s has flourished with strong enrolment growth, a well-supported teaching staff, and an environment where both students and staff have thrived. His ability to foster a deeply connected and supportive school culture is a testament to his outstanding leadership.

John’s sense of social justice has shone through in his interactions with families and the wider community, particularly in his compassionate support of those facing challenging times. His ability to build strong relationships and offer meaningful support to various community groups will have a lasting impact.

Beyond the school, John has been a valued contributor to the broader diocesan education community. His thoughtful insights and steady presence have been appreciated by colleagues at both zone and diocesan principal networks.

An active member of the Church, John has regularly attended weekly Mass at St Malachy’s and has supported both school and parish events. He is also a familiar face at local sporting and community events, generously offering his time and presence throughout a rich and varied career which includes schools across four states and in the UK, bringing a depth of experience and perspective to his leadership.

On behalf of DOBCEL, I extend our deepest gratitude for the passion, wisdom, and integrity John has brought to his role. We wish him every blessing as he prepares to embrace this next chapter of life.

We will begin the process of consultation and advertising, and further information will be shared in the coming weeks.

Please join me in offering our heartfelt thanks to John for his contribution to Catholic education.

Tony Perkins Announcement

I would like to share with you that Tony Perkins has made the decision to step down from his role as CEB Leader Wellbeing at the end of 2025.

Tony has worked as a teacher and leader in the diocese since 1988. He taught at St Mary’s Ararat and St Patrick’s Stawell before he commenced principalship in Stawell in 1998.  Following that he took up the Principal's role at St Mary’s Ararat in 2003 and then St Francis Xavier Primary School in Ballarat from 2007- 2012. He also led the Emmaus Catholic Primary School community in 2018. Tony began his system-level work in 2013 working as an education consultant for 6 years and transitioned to Wellbeing Leader in 2020. This has been a role he has fulfilled capably, notably navigating wellbeing supports throughout the COVID pandemic. Following careful reflection, Tony feels that the time is right to step back from team leadership responsibilities and begin exploring new opportunities in 2026.

Tony’s leadership has been instrumental in the success and continued growth of DOBCEL’s overall support of wellbeing. He has made a significant impact across Catholic education, and his dedication, compassion, and expertise have been deeply valued. Tony has expressed his sincere gratitude for the opportunities he has had at DOBCEL, and especially for the people he has worked alongside in DOBCEL schools and the wellbeing team.

We are pleased that Tony will remain with us throughout 2025, continuing to support and lead the important work of the Wellbeing team. Recruitment for Tony’s successor will commence in due course, and further communication will be shared as plans for 2026 and beyond take shape.

Please join us in thanking Tony for his outstanding contribution and commitment as a leader, principal, and diocesan leader, and in supporting him as he prepares for this next chapter.