St Aloysius College is proud to announce that Principal Mary Farah has been named an Excellence Awardee in the Secondary School Principal of the Year (Non-Government) category at the 2026 Australian Education Awards.
This national recognition acknowledges Mary’s leadership during one of the most significant periods in the College’s 139-year history.
Since joining St Aloysius College, Mary has guided the community through a profound transformation, leading the transition from an all-girls school to a thriving co-educational college with clarity, courage and a deep commitment to the Mercy Education values of Compassion, Justice, Hospitality, Respect, Service and Courage.
Under Mary’s leadership, enrolments have more than doubled, the College’s Strategic Intents toward 2028 have been shaped with clear purpose, and the new Senior Years Campus, Ad Altiora, is set to open later this year.
Mary’s leadership is distinguished by evidence-informed decision-making, a strong commitment to relationships, and a deep belief in the potential of every student and staff member. Through expanded learning opportunities, strengthened community partnerships and a contemporary approach to student wellbeing, she continues to shape a future-focused vision for the College.
Mary is also deeply committed to professional learning and continuous improvement. Alongside programmes completed at Oxford and Harvard universities, she attained the Executive Certificate in Cultural Leadership from the Culture Institute of Australia in 2025. She continues to champion professional learning across the College and participates alongside staff in learning and development opportunities.
Reflecting on the recognition, Mary shared:
“The heart of leadership is hope. It is about seeing what is possible, believing deeply in people, and creating the conditions where every individual is empowered to grow, to lead with compassion, and to contribute meaningfully to the world.”
Grounded in Mercy Education values and contemporary educational practice, Mary’s leadership continues to shape a College community where young people are known, challenged and inspired to lead with integrity and purpose.
St Aloysius College congratulates Mary on this outstanding national recognition and wishes her every success at the Australian Education Awards in August.
