As the newly appointed Principal of Siena Catholic College Sippy Downs, Sharon Collins will bring wellbeing and engagement to the forefront to foster a connected and thriving learning environment for all students. With emerging challenges such as technological advancements and the influence of social media platforms, Sharon said it was important to support students through these obstacles.
"As the educational landscape undergoes continual transformation, I am prepared to confront emerging challenges directly,” she said.
“My goal is to cultivate a sense of connection, wellbeing, and challenge within the learning environment.
“I want students to come to school feeling connected, engaged and inspired to be the people God intends them to be.”
Sharon, who began her leadership journey with the College this year, said to support this, each Year has a Pastoral Leader, counsellors, and peer support contacts.
She said she was committed to building upon the already solid foundation of excellence in teaching and learning that has been established at Siena Catholic College.
“I have a keen focus on fostering student achievement and holistic development, where I aim to improve academic pathways for senior students by tracking their progress in partnership with parents,” she said.
"This will ensure that every student, regardless of background or academic ability, can flourish at the College.”
Thriving in her new coastal surroundings after moving from Toowoomba, the transition to Siena Catholic College has been marked by warmth and familiarity, as she connects with colleagues, students, and families within the close-knit Catholic education community.
“I have been very lucky to receive such a warm welcome to this wonderful school community. I have been blown away by the passion and dedication of staff and parents caring for our children, and I am looking forward to getting to know everyone,” she said.
Prior to her appointment at Siena Catholic College, Sharon served as the Principal of St Saviour’s College in Toowoomba for seven years, where she also attended as a student. Born and raised in Toowoomba, Sharon's educational journey at Saviour’s College led to her developing a love for learning that would guide her path forward.
Reflecting on her own academic endeavours, Sharon recalls her time in school, remarking, "I loved learning and helping those around me on their learning journey.”
Her professional journey in education has taken her across diverse landscapes, from teaching roles at St Francis College Crestmead, an Assistant Principal of Religious Education at Xavier Catholic College in Hervey Bay and contributed her expertise to schools in Cairns and Toowoomba, before joining Siena Catholic College.
"I have a strong Catholic faith and find it immensely rewarding to work for an organisation where I can practice and live by my beliefs,” Sharon said.
For more information about Siena Catholic College Sippy Downs or to enrol click here.
About Siena Catholic College
Located in the Sunshine Coast Siena Catholic College is a dynamic educational community serving approximately 900 students from years 7 to 12. Established in 1997 to address the growing need for Catholic education in the region, Siena takes pride in its co-educational setting.
Named after St. Catherine of Siena (1347 – 1380), revered by the Dominican Sisters as a mystic, theologian, and influential figure in the Church's history, Siena Catholic College embodies a tradition of academic excellence and social engagement.