Leading one of Sydney Catholic Schools’ 150 diverse primary and secondary school communities is a highly rewarding experience, as the system’s newest principals can attest.

Here four principals share how they embrace leadership with focus, empathy and a deep love and respect for the profession and those whose lives they touch.

Our new leaders

David Hurley, St Therese Catholic Primary School Sadleir-Miller

David Hurley’s move from assistant principal to principal of St Therese Catholic Primary School Sadleir-Miller in 2022 is the latest in a 30-year teaching career centred in Sydney’s south west.

As the school’s former assistant principal he has the advantage of knowing its staff, parents and students – and its holistic approach to learning – very well.

His Sydney Catholic Schools’ peer network has bolstered his confidence to lead.

“Our greatest strength is our wonderful teachers” – David Hurley

According to Mr Hurley, a high level of emotional intelligence is an important trait of a school leader.

“It’s one of our key values that we know and grow the learner; not just academically and from what the data is telling you, but to know their interests and what makes them tick,” he said.

“The children, of course, pick up on that. They sense the interest that teachers have in them.”

Rachel Baker, St Aidan’s Catholic Primary School Maroubra Junction

Rachel Baker’s journey to principal was a textbook example.

She went from classroom teacher, to coordinator, to religious education coordinator. She then completed a five-year stint as assistant principal (AP) at St Andrew’s Catholic Primary School Malabar before being appointed as principal of St Aidan’s.

“The whole way along I learnt more and more and built my skills as a leader to give me the confidence and knowledge to move into this role” – Rachel …