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  • High performing staff
12 Mar 2026
John Christie was appointed Principal of Marymount College, Burleigh Waters this year. While this is John’s first role in a BCE school, he brings extensive leadership experience, most recently serving as Dean of Teaching and Learning at Villanova College, Coorparoo.  In the lead up to the College’s Open Week activities, John outlines below how his leadership style focuses on being present and approachable with his staff, students and broader school community. 

As a Principal, what inspires you in your role?  

What inspires me most is the privilege of being present with students and staff each day. I get energy from being out and about, listening to students, celebrating their successes and seeing firsthand the passion our teachers bring to their classrooms. Across all the communities I’ve been fortunate to be a part of, I’ve learnt that great schools are built on strong relationships, and that will always be at the centre of my work here at Marymount College.  

What are your hobbies or interests outside of work and how do you share these with your students and community?   

Outside of work, I enjoy staying active. I love running, swimming and riding in order to keep fit and as a way to disconnect from work. Coaching, and particularly coaching volleyball, is a passion. Seeing young beginners develop into skilled athletes gives me great satisfaction. Travel is another interest; put me on a plane and I’m a happy man. I enjoy going back to places I’ve been before or exploring new destinations. When I talk with students about balance, wellbeing or resilience, I often draw on these personal experiences.  

 How do you like to connect with students on a personal level?  
 
My approach is simple; be present and be approachable. I spend as much time as possible in the playground, chatting with students about their day. Classes they’ve enjoyed, teachers they are loving, sporting highlights, music, performing arts or anything else they’re excited about. Genuine connection comes from being available and listening.   

 What is your favourite way to celebrate student achievements?  

I take great enjoyment from celebrating achievements publicly and personally. Assemblies are great times to acknowledge success as a community. However, congratulating students in the yard or recognising leaders, as they step into their roles where recognition is done a little more personally is also rewarding.   

 How will you foster a strong community in your new role?  

First and foremost, I focus on presence and relationships. Across the four school communities I’ve previously been a part of, the strength of the school always came back to the strength of the people.  

 How do you hope to be remembered by the students and staff you’ve led?  

I hope to be remembered as a Principal who was present, who listened and someone who invested time in people. Someone who helped students grow in confidence and helped staff develop professionally. Ultimately, I hope people remember that I believed in them.   

What do you hope to accomplish here that will leave a lasting impact?  

In terms of teaching and learning, I want to contribute to a culture of high expectations. I’d be very happy if each and every student left the College each day achieving some sort of 'personal best’. If I do get a chance to be involved in improving school infrastructure, my hope would be that it improves student wellbeing, has a positive impact on academic outcomes or provides an area that brings people together. In general, if I can be part of shaping a community where staff feel valued and students feel proud to belong, I’ll be a happy principal.  

Do you have an inspiring quote or phrase you use in your interactions as a leader?  

“The standard you walk by, is the standard you accept".  

 What do you think makes your school and Catholic education in general special?  

Catholic education in general provides a great place for the formation of the whole person; it is very much about mind, heart and spirit. And it is done through many avenues - through academics, through co-curricular activities, through cultural experiences and through service opportunities. I have only been at Marymount for a short time, however, I can already feel a sense of welcome, see our commitment to service and I have seen many examples of community. Families who I have spoken to speak about the warmth of our staff and the way relationships shape the learning environment.  

 Who or what inspired you to take on this leadership journey?  

I remember fondly my own school experiences, all being in Catholic schools. I often say to teachers that students will remember their teachers (not necessarily subjects) long after they have finished school. This was certainly my experience. I am still regularly in touch with teachers who taught me as a student and teachers who guided me as an early career teacher. I’ve also been fortunate to work in several outstanding school communities, each one giving me opportunities to work in a leadership capacity. And of course, the students and the staff I work alongside each day are what motivate me every day.  

How will you welcome the community during the BCE Open Week? 

We warmly invite parents and future students to tour the College and gain a better understanding of the Marymount College Burleigh Waters difference.   Discover what makes our College a place where young people feel known, supported, and inspired to thrive. Our guided tours offer families the chance to share in our College's mission and values, explore our learning spaces, and meet members of our Leadership team. 

Register your interest for Open Week


The College Open Week tours will run on Wednesday, 29 April 2026 at various times.  As part of Brisbane Catholic Education's Open Week, our tours will offer a showcase of our Hospitality, Sport and Music offerings, so you can experience the vibrant culture that shapes daily life on campus. Register here.  

Marymount College Burleigh Waters is located in the Gold Coast region of South East Queensland. Click here to learn more about enrolling your child in a BCE school in the region. 
 

 

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