St Michael’s appoints new principal
Schools
Experienced educator Tony Daley has been appointed principal of St Michael’s College, commencing January 2023.
Currently in his sixth year as principal of St Patrick’s College, Launceston, Mr Daley has held a range of senior leadership roles in schools in Queensland, including St Hilda’s School and John Paul College.
His appointment, which follows the resignation of John Foley, followed a national recruitment campaign and consultation with members of the St Michael’s community.
Mr Daley holds a Master of Education from Australian Catholic University, a Bachelor of Science from Griffith University, a Graduate Certificate in Theology from Charles Sturt University, a Graduate Diploma in Teaching from QUT, and an Executive Leadership Certificate from Notre Dame University.
Announcing the decision, Marie Dorrington, College Board chair, said the board was confident that Mr Daley would lead the western suburbs college to “not only embrace the challenges of the future but to flourish as it continues to grow and develop in the years ahead”.
“We look forward to welcoming Tony and his wife Tina to Adelaide and especially to the St Michael’s College community,” she said.
“We acknowledge and thank Mr Foley for his contribution to the College as principal from 2014-2021, and acting principal, Mr Damian Patton during 2022.”
Br David Hawke FSC, on behalf of the De La Salle Brothers, said Mr Daley was well placed to lead St Michael’s as an excellent Catholic school in the Lasallian tradition.
College captains Massimo Cavallo and Avah Topp had an online hook-up with Mr Daley on the day his appointment was announced.
“On behalf of students, families and staff of both campuses, we would both like to extend a warm welcome to you and congratulate you on your appointment,” they said.
“We know we speak for everyone when we say we look forward to working closely with you towards the new, innovative and exciting ideas that you will bring to our college.
“We truly hope that you enjoy being a part of our inclusive community as much as we do.”
Mr Daley said he and Tina, and their dog Max, were excited to be coming to Adelaide. He has three adult children, a son living in Melbourne, a daughter in the Navy in Sydney and a daughter in Brisbane.
Born and raised in Brisbane, where he attended Iona College, Mr Daley said he had enjoyed the past six years at St Patrick’s, which is a Year 7-12 co-educational college of 1560 students, and living in a “beautiful part of the world”.
“It’s been fantastic,” he said.
“But this is a new challenge and I certainly like R-12 schools. St Michael’s has a great reputation and the prospect of living in a warmer climate by the beach is definitely an attraction.”
He described his leadership style as “relational” and “collaborative” with “plenty of consultation with the people around me”.
To date, Mr Daley’s association with the De La Salle Brothers has been playing rugby league against their school in Redcliff.
His involvement in the community and the parish in Launceston included a close relationship with the St Vincent de Paul Society and its soup van, which resulted in the college taking over the soup making.
“When you take on the job (of principal) there is a lot that goes with it and that’s what I love doing – knowing and being part of the community,” he said.
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