Executive Director’s Update to Principals #35 - 21 July 2025

Interim Principal Arrangements – St Joseph’s Penshurst and St Malachy’s Edenhope

Following the communication regarding the recent resignation of Lisa McDonald at the end of last term, Mr John O’Sullivan, Principal of St Malachy’s Edenhope, has been appointed as Interim Principal at St Joseph’s Penshurst for the remainder of the 2025 school year, effective from Monday 28 July.  

DOBCEL is deeply grateful to John for accepting this appointment in response to a wider system need. The request for his support was made after careful consideration and reflects our confidence in his leadership experience, steady presence, and commitment to Catholic education. 

While this change brings forward the conclusion of John’s full-time principalship at St Malachy’s, he will maintain a regular presence in Edenhope for the remainder of the year to support the leadership transition and remain connected with the community. His retirement will proceed as planned at the end of 2025. 

We are pleased to confirm that Gorgia Craig and Sherryn Simpson have agreed to take on the roles of Interim Co-Principals of St Malachy’s for the rest of the year. They will continue with the core parts of their teaching roles in the classroom while being supported in this shared leadership arrangement by Catholic Education Ballarat staff and John. 

Recruitment processes for substantive principal appointments at both St Joseph’s and St Malachy’s from the beginning of 2026 are well underway, and I look forward to advising you of the outcomes in the near future. 

As John takes on this new responsibility, I ask that you join me in offering him your support and encouragement. His willingness to step into this role at short notice reflects the strength and responsiveness of leadership across our Diocese. I am confident that both school communities will continue to thrive under the new arrangements.