Executive Director’s Update to Principals #56 - 20 October 2025

St Joseph's Primary School, Warrnambool Update

I am pleased to announce that Nick Murrell has been appointed as Principal of St Joseph’s Primary School, Warrnambool, commencing at the beginning of the 2026 school year. We extend our congratulations to Nick and express our appreciation to Matthew O’Brien for his outstanding leadership as outgoing Principal.

The selection panel was highly impressed with Nick’s vision for St Joseph’s, his commitment to improving educational outcomes for all students, and his extensive leadership experience within Catholic primary schools in our Diocese. Nick’s active engagement with his local parish and his service on the Parish Leadership Team further demonstrate his dedication to our faith community.

Nick is a highly qualified educational leader, holding a Master of Educational Leadership, a Graduate Certificate in Educational Interventions, and a Bachelor of Education (Primary). He is committed to lifelong learning and has participated in various leadership programs, including the Country Diocese Leadership Program. Nick has contributed significantly to our Diocesan education community as a member of the DOBCEL Family and Community Engagement Committee.

During his tenure at both St Pius X and St Patrick’s Primary School, Koroit, Nick has fostered a positive, inclusive, and innovative learning culture grounded in Gospel values. He has prioritised student wellbeing through the School Wide Positive Behaviour Support framework and enhanced Catholic identity through recontextualised prayer, meaningful liturgical celebrations, and an engaging religious education program.

Nick is well respected by his staff and is known for his authentic and supportive leadership style. He has worked collaboratively with his leadership team to implement Annual Action Plan goals aligned with the School Improvement Plan and has supported the DOBCEL Strategy 2035 – Pursuing fullness of life for all.

Nick has served the community of St Pius X since the beginning of 2024 as a professional and effective leader, and prior to this appointment, Nick was Principal of St Patrick’s Primary School, Koroit, for four years. He has also taught at and held various positions of leadership at St Joseph’s after beginning his teaching career at All Saints Primary School, Portland.

Please join me in congratulating Nick on his new appointment and wishing him every success as he leads the St Joseph’s community into the future.

Consultation and advertising for a new Principal for St Pius X Primary School, Warrnambool West will commence shortly, with the successful applicant to begin at the start of the 2026 school year.