Experienced leadership
Our leadership team manages the day to day operations of the school, and is led by our headmistress.
This highly experienced group of professionals represents every aspect of the outstanding education we provide, from teaching, support and guidance, music and sport, to finance and our wider community.
All have equal importance in our planning and delivery, ensuring we offer a balanced and considerate environment in which students can flourish.
A passionate, dedicated team
Executive Staff
BA in Mathematics and Physics(Hons), Master of Educational Leadership
Mrs Judith Poole is the 13th headmistress of St Catherine’s. She joined the school in 2023 to act as Interim Head for two years.
Mrs Poole has a distinguished career with over 35 years of educational experience on 3 continents. Most recently, she served as the Head of Abbotsleigh for 12 years. Her specialty area is in girls’ education and leads to promote rich educational experiences that empower young women to develop their passions.
She is committed to embracing diversity and building a community where members flourish as they grow in character. Mrs Poole emphasises the importance of servant leadership as the backbone of trust and the building of strong relationships.
Mrs Karen Merrick is a dedicated educator with
over 30 years of experience in education.
At St Catherine’s, she plays a pivotal role
in shaping the academic and administrative
landscape of the St Catherine’s community.
With a passion for student success and holistic
development, Karen actively fosters a positive
learning environment where students feel
empowered to find their own great.
Karen collaborates closely with teachers,
staff, students and parents to implement
innovative educational strategies to cater to
diverse learning needs. She is committed to
upholding high academic standards.
B.Mus.Ed, MALPE
Elizabeth has over 30 years’ experience as an educator. With a Masters in Applied Leadership in Positive Education, Elizabeth heads the junior school with distinction.
Originally trained as a secondary school music teacher, she has combined her training in the arts with her passion for encouraging creative flair in individuals.
Elizabeth acknowledges student wellbeing is of great importance and understanding, supporting and guiding our children is an essential ingredient in all schools.
Bachelor of Arts (Social Science), Bachelor of Education (secondary).
Rebecca has always demonstrated a passion for the development of the whole person in a school setting.
Rebecca has been at the school for 18 years and loves the diversity each day brings.
She relishes being able to spend time with both day girls and boarding students and enjoys working collaboratively with others to ensure that students find a place to belong in order to thrive.
Rebecca has always had a passion for schools and knew early on that’s where her vocation was heading.
Rebecca is respected for her down to earth, practical, flexible, compassionate, approachable and warm personality by both day and boarding students.
CA MCommerce
Andrew brings 20 years’ experience in professional services and ten years’ experience in the NFP and education sectors.
Andrew has served on the board of a children’s charity and has a wealth of experience in governance, risk and business operations.
For the past 18 years, Ben McCloghry has worked in the field of publishing, communications, community engagement, marketing, events, brand development and education.
Ben brings a wealth of experience in community engagement, fundraising and communications. He was previously the Director of Marketing and Communications at The Glennie School, an Anglican all-girls boarding and day school in Toowoomba and has also held roles at St Joseph’s College Hunters Hill, The King’s School and St Aloysius College.
Senior Staff
Chelsea oversees the boarding house and is responsible for all boarders, their welfare and development. She is also our Indigenous Student Coordinator.
She strives to develop our boarding and Indigenous student communities, so that these girls leave St Catherine’s as confident and optimistic young
adults with character and grit.
BSc/BA, MTeach, BDiv
Kylie is passionate about teaching God’s great love for all students as seen in Jesus. She aims to help them understand their value and significance to Him.
BA (English and Semiotics), BVSc, B.Ed, MEd (Language and Learning) due end of 2024
Before teaching, Mrs Cassandra Pride worked in publishing and as a veterinary surgeon. A lifelong love of learning saw Cassandra shift her professional focus to teaching English.
She taught in a small performing arts school, Newington College, and was the Head Teacher of English at Sydney Boys High School before arriving at St Catherine’s.
In education, she is driven by a profound belief in the power of education to enact social justice. Cassandra is committed to supporting teachers in robust, evidence-informed pedagogy that avoids fads and focuses on the science of how the human mind learns.
B.Ed (Primary)
Mrs Christine Gray has over 30 years’ experience dedicated to creating dynamic teaching and learning opportunities that foster wellbeing and empower students and staff to reach their potential.
Chris’ commitment to the development of a collaborative, cooperative and respectful learning environment has enabled her to lead and implement strategic innovation and change initiatives with a focus on developing a rigorous, inclusive curriculum through the research of best practice, and employing service-learning initiatives that nurture a culture of belonging and instil the traditions of St Catherine’s.
