By Mitchell Clarke
A new principal has provided a fresh start to the staff and students at St Thomas the Apostle Primary School in Cranbourne East.
The school community came together to farewell former principal Brendan Marrinon at a special Mass in late December last year.
Mr Marrinon was the principal at St Thomas’ when the school opened seven years ago, and had been a principal at Catholic schools in the Diocese of Sale for a total of 19 years.
Kate Dourley, who had been acting principal at St Thomas the Apostle since Mr Marrinon announced his retirement mid-2020, was recently appointed principal at the school.
Prior to her promotion, Mrs Dourley was the principal at St Laurence O’Toole Primary School in Leongatha for four and a half years.
She has worked in Catholic education since 2002 and also holds a Masters in Educational Leadership.
Mrs Dourley said that she is passionate about her new role and about the school community in the south east.
“I will strive to see the environment at St Thomas the Apostle prosper as we support the academic, social and emotional needs of every student,” she said.
“I look forward to encouraging exploration, adventure and imagination with the children, while building the capacity of our staff to become expert teachers.”
The Diocese of Sale’s Director of Catholic Education, Maria Kirkwood, said the change in leadership at St Thomas the Apostle was a time for “both reflection and celebration”.
“I would like to thank Mr Marrinon for all the valuable work he has undertaken in his time at St Thomas the Apostle and for his commitment to inspiring faith and inspiring learning within our Diocese,” Ms Kirkwood said.
“Mrs Dourley has quickly become part of the heart of the school, especially during the uncertainty of 2020.
“I look forward to supporting her on her leadership journey in the coming years.”
