Head of School builds community of Faith, Hope, and Love

23/07/2024

©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Augustine's College, Augustine Heights (2024).​

"I became an educator to inspire children and watch their progress.” 

This is how Kimberley Clark’s journey in Catholic education began, and in 2024, she is embarking on her inaugural Head of School (Primary) role at St Augustine’s College, Augustine Heights. 

Launching into the leadership position earlier this year at one of Ipswich’s leading schools, Kimberley is taking her mission one step further as she continues to build a community of Faith, Hope, and Love this Catholic Education Week (21 to 27 July). 

Kimberley said she is focused on connecting students from Prep through to Year 12 to enhance the school’s united culture and build stronger relationships across the Catholic community. 

"I'm excited to see our progress in enhancing connectedness across all year levels, guided by this year’s Catholic Education Week theme, ‘Communities of Faith, Hope, and Love’,” she said. 

“By fostering connections between younger and older students, we create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and included. 

“The collaborative activities we have planned, from joint projects to cross-year level events, are designed to break down barriers and encourage a sense of belonging and wellbeing. 

"Our goal is to ensure that every student, regardless of their year level, feels connected to our larger school community.” 

When discussing her values, Kimberley said her four core values were “relationships, consistency, transparency, and clarity”. 

“It is important to make time for people, maintain consistent behaviour and timelines, communicate openly, and be clear about the reasons behind your actions,” she said. 

Kimberley also said that one of the many joys of being Head of School (Primary) is her daily duties of engaging with students on the playground. 

"I allocate myself morning duties to build relationships with my students,” she said. 

“It allows me the opportunity to engage with them and find out their passions, interests, and what’s happening in their lives. 

"It has been a fabulous learning journey being the Head of School (Primary) at St Augustine’s College and I look forward to continuing to work with the staff, students, and parents as the year progresses.” 

Kimberley’s leadership role comes after completing Brisbane Catholic Education’s (BCE) Women Breakthrough to Principalship program, now known as the Women in Leadership program. The program aims to empower, inspire, and elevate aspiring female Principals across BCE’s 146 schools. 

Kimberley said her participation in the Women Breakthrough to Principalship program in 2022 has empowered her to turn her aspirations of becoming Head of School (Primary) into reality. 

“The program gave me the confidence and skills needed to step into this leadership role and make a meaningful impact.” 

For more information about St Augustine’s College Augustine Heights click here. 

About Catholic Education Week:  

Celebrated annually in Week 3 of Term 3 (21-27 July), Catholic Education Week is an opportunity for all 312 Catholic schools in Queensland to celebrate and promote their distinctive mission and ethos.  

Catholic education strives to make a difference in the lives of those in our schools and the wider community by challenging young people to live out the message of Jesus and to reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society.  

About BCE’s Women in Leadership program:  

BCE’s Women in Leadership program has recently been reimagined and extends on the successful Women Breakthrough to Principalship Program. 

The new program was adapted to include women in leadership roles across the organisation, not just those with the aim of leading a school. 

The Women in Leadership program is designed to enable exponential change and empower aspiring BCE female leaders through interactive workshops, thought-provoking discussions, prayer, and reflection. 


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