22 November 2018

Mark Murphy, Principal of Marcellin College, Bulleen, is one of the recipients of Principals Australia Institute’s annual John Laing Professional Development Awards, which recognise principals in every state and territory who demonstrate outstanding leadership in providing professional learning in schools.

Mr Murphy empowers and builds capacity in staff and students for taking on roles and responsibilities. Upon receiving the award Mr Murphy stated, ‘I feel very humbled but a little bit unworthy to receive this award, from the perspective that there are many people in the Marcellin community who have contributed to the development of a strong learning culture in our college’.

Mr Murphy commenced as principal of Marcellin in 2009 and has actively supported structures and processes to assist all teachers and leaders at the school to deliver quality education.

Over the past four years in particular, the college has seen the successful roll-out of an Emerging Leaders Program, a (Middle) Leaders in Learning Program and a Senior Leaders Program in partnership with local and international leadership program organisations. A key feature of these programs has been the opportunity for staff to engage in a professional learning plan, supported by a peer coach.

The college has also heavily invested in sponsoring teaching staff, each year, to undertake post-graduate studies in partnership with Catholic Education Melbourne and the Australian Catholic University.

Mr Murphy remains committed to the ongoing growth of all staff in the Marcellin community, ‘I am very grateful for the many opportunities I have received to grow and develop as a learner throughout my career and it’s my desire to continue to support our community in accessing quality learning opportunities’.

Mr Murphy has just been appointed the new President of the Principals Association of Victorian Catholic Secondary Schools (PAVCSS).