Roxby Downs principal recognised
Schools
St Barbara’s School principal Bernadette Lacey was named 2024 Roxby Downs Citizen of the Year on Australia Day.
Bernadette was born and raised in the Mid North of South Australia and commenced her teaching career in 1980. In 1992 she was appointed deputy principal of St Mark’s College, Port Pirie, followed by her appointment as principal of St Joseph’s School, Gladstone, in 2000.
After taking on the role of principal at St Barbara’s in 2006 she moved to St Joseph’s School Port Lincoln for three years in 2013 and returned to Roxby Downs in 2016.
Throughout her career, Bernadette’s focus has been on sustainable, quality education while always seeking continuous improvement for students in her care.
Bernadette said she was “truly honoured” to receive the award.
“The recognition of education is fantastic and I am thrilled to be a part of this acknowledgment,” she said.
“This award reflects the dedication of so many staff to education and serves as a testament to the collective efforts of everyone involved.”
Bernadette will leave St Barbara’s at the end of Term One, ending 15 years of service to the community.
“Working in education for 40 plus years in rural and remote locations has been an excellent opportunity to connect with hundreds of families, witnessing success and achievements despite the distance and transient population,” she said.
Bernadette will be replaced by Rebecca Fahey who had been in teaching and leadership roles in the Diocese of Port Pirie for almost 20 years and is currently principal of St Joseph’s School, Peterborough.
Bernadette said she was looking forward to retirement and spending some “much-needed quality time with my two beautiful granddaughters Ava and Zoe”.
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