General News
4 December, 2023
Highview College appoint Eryn O’Mahony as school principal
Highview College has appointed its new principal following the secondary school’s tumultuous recent history. Eryn O’Mahony will be the school’s new principal from term one next year, after spending the past six and-a-half years at...
Highview College has appointed its new principal following the secondary school’s tumultuous recent history.
Eryn O’Mahony will be the school’s new principal from term one next year, after spending the past six and-a-half years at Melbourne’s Genazzano FCJ College.
Ms O’Mahony’s appointment follows the resignation of Highview’s former principal Melinda Scash, who made national headlines after two students of African descent were unenrolled and suspended following a dispute about their hair not being tied up.
The school board initiated an independent review into workplace behaviour and school policies and procedures following the incident, however it is unclear whether this was a result of the suspensions.
Ms Scash announced her resignation before the review’s findings could be handed to the school board.
WorkSafe Victoria had previously issued the school with an improvement notice in response to a bullying complaint made by a staff member, according to the ABC.
In a statement announcing the new principal’s appointment, the board highlighted Ms O’Mahony’s emphasis on student and staff wellbeing.
“Her expertise spans various crucial areas, including community engagement, employment relations, contemporary learning, curriculum design, and a strong emphasis on staff and student wellbeing,” the statement read.
“Eryn’s vision for education reflects her strong belief in personalised and inclusive learning experiences for all students.”
Highview College board chair Miriam Codognotto welcomed Ms O’Mahony, who will begin at the school from term one, 2024.
“Highview College is delighted to announce the appointment of the new principal, Eryn O’Mahony,” she said.
“Ms O’Mahony is a respected educational leader with a proven ability to build a culture of trust and collaboration across the learning community.
“In welcoming Ms O’Mahony, the board would also like to thank Stuart Mandersloot who has been undertaking the acting principal role since the end of June this year.
“We look forward to Stuart continuing at Highview College in his executive role next year.
“We are all excited to have Eryn commence at Highview College at the beginning of term one in 2024.”