St Thomas More College farewells beloved Principal of almost 10 years

After nearly three decades in education, including 26 years with Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE), Les Conroy is preparing to retire from Principalship. 

For the past nine and a half years, Les has led St Thomas More College, Sunnybank, through a period of significant growth and achievement. Under his leadership, the College strengthened academic performance, expanded enrolments, and nurtured a culture of wellbeing, belonging and opportunity. 

As he reflects on his career, Les shares the highlights, challenges and lessons from his years in education, the changes he has witnessed along the way, and the enduring legacy he hopes to leave for future generations of students and staff. 

Q: How did you begin your career in education? 

A: I didn’t start my career in education, it was a mid-career change. Initially, I spent time in the insurance and finance industries while also serving in the Australian Army Reserve. Two things really influenced that decision. My wife was a teacher, so I found myself increasingly involved in school life through her. Then, when our son was born, I took 12 months’ leave to be a stay-at-home dad. I really enjoyed that time. From there, I went back to university full-time for four years to become a teacher. 

Q: What did you find most rewarding about moving into education? 

The biggest difference for me was purpose. In the commercial world, it’s all about profit. In education, it’s about people, what you can give back and how you can grow together.

Q: What are you most proud of in your career? 

A: I’ve spent around 30 years in education, including 26 with BCE, and I’m incredibly proud of my time at St Thomas More College. 

To move the College forward, we focused on wellbeing, making sure staff felt supported and students felt a strong sense of belonging.

We didn’t change how we taught. Instead, we created the conditions for people to thrive, and the results followed. 

The College is in a good position, with strong academic outcomes placing it among Queensland’s top 50 schools, high staff retention and enrolments secured through to 2030. 

We’ve also worked hard to deliver value for families by keeping fees affordable while continuing to invest in the College. 

We also made a conscious effort to strengthen parent engagement, introducing simple but meaningful changes, from reserved parking just for parents and clearer signage that welcomed them onto our campus. 

These small things made a big difference, helping families feel more connected to the College. 

Q: What was school like for you as a student? 

A: I was a BCE student myself. I went to Our Lady of Fatima Primary School, Acacia Ridge. 

School life back then was quite different. We had Josephite Sisters, three or four of them, and a Sister of Mercy who was our Principal.
 
Some of my fondest memories come from those days. One that always makes me smile is Sister Lesley Harris. She’d take off her habit and come out and play rugby league with us boys. Not only that, but she also taught us how to play properly! 

It was a very different time in education. 

Q: What changes have you seen across the education industry? 

A: A lot has changed, but how we approach wellbeing stands out as a significant one. 

I feel like St Thomas More College was ahead of its time. In 1974, pastoral care was already a major focus there, which was quite innovative at the time. 

Now wellbeing is central to everything we do. 

Technology is another big shift. When I was at school, there were no computers. In fact, in secondary school, only the librarian had one, and it took up half the desk! Today, technology is in the hands of students from Prep onwards. 

Even in my early days of teaching, I was teaching coding to Year 11 and 12 students as a new subject. Now, students are exposed to coding in Prep. 

Q: Is there anyone you would like to thank as you retire? 

A: Absolutely. First and foremost, my wife. She not only encouraged me into teaching, but three years ago, she quite literally saved my life by donating a kidney to me. I just hope she doesn’t ask for it back! 

I’m also incredibly proud of our children, Nicky, who is an ICU nurse and paramedic at Gold Coast University Hospital, and Alex, who is a managing consultant with KPMG specialising in AI and technology. 

Professionally, I’ve had the privilege of working with an incredible group of people, a truly cohesive and dedicated team with a shared vision to serve our community. 

I’d particularly like to acknowledge: Frank McCullagh, Stacey Readman, Terri Saunders, Stephan Undery, Sharon Williams and Julie Redmond.

Q: Finally, what’s next for you?

A: A bit of rest to start with! It’s been a busy and fulfilling career, so I’m looking forward to taking some time to reflect and enjoy the next chapter. 

For more information about St Thomas More College, Sunnybank, or to enrol click here. 

With more than 146 Catholic schools across South East Queensland, BCE offers families a wide choice of primary and secondary schools for students from Prep to Year 12.

Find a school near you today! Click here.

Image caption: Les Conroy restires as Principal of St Thomas More College, Sunnybank ©Brisbane Catholic Education (2023).