New challenge marks 30-year career
Schools
Brian Schumacher has been appointed as the new principal of all boys’ Catholic school Rostrevor College, effective January 2018. He will make the move following eight years as principal at Cabra Dominican College and four years at Sacred Heart College Middle School, following roles in Sydney and Newcastle NSW.
With four children in their 20s, three of whom are boys, and a career which began 29 years ago in a boys’ boarding school in Sydney, Mr Schumacher knows a thing or two about boys.
He said he was looking forward to the challenge that relocating to a new school brought, particularly as it also marked a significant milestone in his 30-year education career.
“I began my career as a teacher in a Sydney boys’ boarding school when I was 23 years old so it’s great to come full circle, back to an all boys’ college with a strong boarding community,” Brian said.
“In fact, it was the sense of pride, community and camaraderie among the students that I witnessed while attending football matches at Rostrevor when I was with Sacred Heart that stuck with me, and appealed to me when considering joining the College.
“I believe it’s important to immerse yourself in a community, to witness first hand the boys following their passions and sharing in those moments alongside the students, parents and staff. It’s about being present as a leader during school hours and beyond. That’s where I get a lot of joy from, in my job as Principal.”
Brian said he believed the things that happened outside of school hours played an important role in the overall wellbeing of boys.
“You see the relationships that are developed with the coaches, instructors and volunteers and how that input into their overall wellbeing then plays out positively in the classroom,” he explained.
“It’s clear to me that Rostrevor has a team of people who love working with boys and that’s what makes a difference – in fact, it’s a game changer, and boys respond to that. Likewise, the benefits they get from the connectedness with one another can’t be underestimated. They are strongly committed to their mates and their community – and that’s something that’s really special and lives with them for a long time.”
Rostrevor College Board chair Dr Vin Thomas says the appointment of Brian presents an exciting time for the college, as it heads toward its centenary in 2023.
“We are looking forward to welcoming Brian into our community next year and extend our sincere thanks to Damian Messer, who has done an exceptional job in his acting principal role over the past year.”
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