A respected leader with extensive experience at schools around Australia and overseas has been revealed as the new principal of one of the Coast’s top independent schools.
After an extensive recruitment process, the board of Matthew Flinders Anglican College has appointed Michelle Carroll as its new principal.
Ms Carroll will commence at Flinders in Term 1, 2024, and takes over from the retiring Stuart Meade, who has held the role of principal for seven years.
Ms Carroll is returning to Queensland following 10 years’ service as the principal of St Catherine’s School in Melbourne. Previously she worked in the senior leadership teams of St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School in Brisbane and Ipswich Girls Grammar School, in addition to teaching at Brisbane Girls Grammar and the Japanese International School in Singapore.
“I am very much looking forward to returning to Queensland with the opportunity to lead Matthew Flinders Anglican College,” Ms Carroll said.
“I am certainly honoured to be joining this wonderful school with its contemporary programs and wealth of talent.
“It will be a privilege to follow in the footsteps of Mr Stuart Meade and to work with all members of the college’s community to build upon Flinders’ strong culture of excellence and achievement.
“I am truly delighted to be taking up a role that will allow me to continue, in another school context, the work of empowering young people to reach their potential.”
Board chair Peta Grenfell welcomed Ms Carroll to the role.
“Ms Carroll, an experienced school leader in accomplished high-performing schools, possesses a deep understanding of classroom learning cultures and staff professional development programs,” Ms Grenfell said.
“With her strong commitment to student wellbeing initiatives and enjoyment of supporting students’ endeavours in co-curricular programs, we are confident she will provide Matthew Flinders Anglican College with the ongoing leadership required to continue our ambitious vision.”
Related story: Why new principal is excited to take the reins
Mr Meade will retire from Flinders at the end of 2023 to spend more time with his family in Perth.
Ms Grenfell acknowledged Mr Meade’s strong leadership over the past seven years.
“Mr Meade has been instrumental in the reinvigoration of our Flinders vision and our strategic plans,” she said.
“He has led our seamless ATAR transition, provided inspired leadership through the disruption of COVID and enabled the continued delivery of our aspirational Flinders Masterplan.
“As Mr Meade leaves Flinders in great stead, the board is grateful for his unwavering commitment and stewardship of the college.”
The college has more than 1400 students and a waiting list for all intake years across its primary and secondary schools.
Earlier this year it was endorsed as Australia’s Primary School of the Year (Non-Government) at the Australian Education Awards.
Mr Meade will be thanked for his achievements and farewelled by students, staff and parents through a range of special events this term.
Help keep independent and fair Sunshine Coast news coming by subscribing to our free daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email. See SUBSCRIBE at the top of this article.
