St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Blackall welcomes New Principal

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Blackall has this year rolled out the welcome mat for their new Principal, Paul Poutney.

Mr Poutney said he felt honoured and privileged to take up the position at St Joseph’s and was full of praise for the school’s strong community.

“I feel truly blessed to be working with such dedicated and talented staff, with students that are eager to learn, with parents who are so supportive and with a community that embraces the fortitude of the school,” Mr Poutney said.

“I’m so fortunate to be joining amazing educators who are striving to provide enriching learning experiences to our remote students.”

Mr Poutney said he also took great inspiration from the story of Saint Mary of the Cross Mackillop, whose Josephite Sisters founded the school over a century ago.

“I am inspired by Saint Mary Mackillop’s commitment to provide a quality education in the Catholic tradition regardless of circumstance. St Joseph’s is a wonderful Catholic school in Western Queensland that really bears witness to Mary’s legacy and continues that work every day,” Mr Poutney said.

Moving to remote western Queensland with his wife, Lia and two sons from Melbourne, Victoria was a big change for Mr Poutney and his family. Prior to moving to Blackall, Paul was the Director of the Don Bosco Camp and Centre in Melbourne, where he was responsible for the coordination of school programs and youth ministry.

Mr Poutney previously served in the positions of Assistant Principal, Religious Education Leader and Acting Principal in Catholic schools in the Kimberley, Western Australia, and has held various leadership positions such as Student Wellbeing Coordinator and District Sports Coordinator in Catholic schools in Melbourne.

Mr Poutney said he had a great passion for education and believed that a Catholic education provided the foundation for a young person’s spiritual, academic and social growth.