For a love of Catholic education and community—Sarah McCarthy steps into Principalship at St Patrick’s Primary School

With 25 years of experience in Catholic education, Sarah McCarthy’s career has been deeply rooted in regional life and service. 

Now the Principal of St Patrick’s Primary School, Nanango, Sarah brings with her a deep understanding of regional contexts and strong partnerships with schools, families, and Parish communities of the South Burnett. 

In this Q&A, Sarah details her passion for regional communities and the importance of a Catholic education. 

Q: Why did you feel drawn to Principalship at St Patrick’s Primary School? 

A: At St Patrick’s, one of the great advantages of being a small school is the strong sense of community we share. In the mornings, our whole school gathers, and this has become a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements and learnings of our students. Whether it’s recognising academic growth, personal milestones, or moments of kindness, these celebrations allow every child to feel seen and valued. Over time, our students have also learnt to celebrate one another, which has been incredibly special to witness and has helped foster a culture of encouragement and connection. 

Q: How do you like to connect with your students? 

A: I genuinely enjoy being present with students throughout the school day whether that’s visiting them in their classrooms, chatting with them during playtimes, or celebrating their learning. I make it a point to have regular conversations with students, so they know I value who they are and the contributions they make to our school community. As a learning community, I want students to understand the importance of building strong literacy and numeracy skills, and I take opportunities to reinforce this in positive, everyday interactions. 

In a small town like Nanango, I see many of our students at local sporting events and community activities on weekends or after school. These moments outside the school gate help me connect with them through shared interests, and they often become great conversation starters back at St Patrick’s.

Q: Why do you believe in a Catholic education? 

A: Growing up in a Catholic family in a rural town, my parents allowed me to experience a Catholic education within a small community. This experience shaped my values and strengthened my belief in the importance of Catholic education. I now have a family of my own, and rural Catholic education continues to hold a deep personal significance for me.

I am passionate about ensuring that children in rural areas have access to the same high quality educational opportunities as their peers in larger centres. Living and working in the South Burnett has strengthened my commitment to nurturing strong, connected, faith-filled learning communities where every child is known, valued, and supported to thrive.  

For more information about St Patrick’s Primary School, Nanango or to enrol click here. 

Image caption: Principal of St Patrick’s Primary School, Nanango Sarah McCarthy with Prep student. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Patrick's Primary School, Nanango (2025).