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  • High performing staff
  • Secondary school
12 Feb 2026
Stepping into her new role as Principal of St Mary’s College, Ipswich in 2026 Alison Gilbert brings with her a genuine desire to connect to the community that has helped shape young women in Ipswich for 163 years.

In this Q&A, Alison speaks about the importance of being known by name, learning with curiosity, and the ways in which her students inspire her every day.

Q: How do you hope to foster a strong sense of community in your new role?

A: I have a genuine desire to be a true part of the St Mary’s College community. Last year I was warmly welcomed by students, families, and staff and I was touched by how openly people received me, not just as a professional, but as a person.

Being known and named is important, especially for young people, and I deeply appreciated the way the community embraced me.

St Mary’s is a strong and vibrant community, full of life and connection. I hope to contribute through my presence, open dialogue and genuine engagement with all members of the College and the wider Ipswich Community.

Community is built through relationships, and I am looking forward to continuing to build those strong and positive connections every day.

Q: What lasting impact do you hope to accomplish?

A: I hope my time at St Mary’s is long, meaningful and fruitful for the community. I want to be a visible, engaged, authentic presence in every part of College life. I am passionate about education for young women and committed to supporting the College in offering a learning environment that empowers every student to discover her strengths and pursue her dreams.

My hope is to help shape a College that continues to educate, uplift and inspire young women for many generations to come; so that when they leave our gates, they do so as confident, compassionate contributors to the world around them.

Q: What is one piece of advice you would give to every student?

A: This year is the Year of Wisdom, one of our six core values. Wisdom is more than the acquisition of knowledge. It requires commitment, courage, curiosity and reflection. It is not easily achieved, and it grows through action.

I encourage our girls to continue being curious and collaborative in their learning. Ask questions. Think deeply. Engage with others. Learning that leads to true understanding helps develop lasting wisdom. Learning is not passive so I trust that the girls will lean into the journey and hope that wisdom will grow along the way.

Q: What is your favourite place on campus? What stands out to you?

A: The Mercy House is a truly beautiful space. Its heritage and its connection to the Mercy Sisters make it an iconic part of the College. It has housed our Sisters of Mercy, borders and is now dedicated staff areas. Every day I am reminded of the generations of women whose dedication built the foundations we stand on.

But truly, my favourite place is wherever the students and staff are. Spending time with people in deep listening, laughing, learning and supporting them, is at the heart of my work. The energy of the young women and the commitment of the staff bring the campus to life. That is where I feel most inspired and grounded.

Q: What makes a school within Catholic Education special?

A: St Mary’s College is blessed with more than 160 years of Mercy tradition and charism. This rich heritage shapes who we are today. Our strong partnerships with the Sisters of Mercy, Ipswich Catholic Community, St Mary’s Primary School and St Edmund’s College reinforce our shared faith story and collective purpose.

Catherine McAuley continues to inspire us as people of action and service. The story of Jesus moved Catherine and the Mercy Sisters into courageous, compassionate mission and we aspire to live that same mission daily. Our faith calls us not only to believe, but to put belief into action with compassion, respect, integrity, courage, hospitality and wisdom.

For more information about St Mary’s College, Ipswich or to enrol click here.

 

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