The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle appointed Greg Ptolemy as principal of St Francis Xavier’s, commencing this year and at a significant time in the college’s history.
While the departure of the Marist Brothers from the direct leadership of the college will inevitably result in change, Mr Ptolemy says it is his desire to ensure the foundations of the Marist charism remain at the centre of the college’s undertakings.
“It is an enormous privilege to be granted the opportunity to undertake the role,” Mr Ptolemy said. “It is my hope that SFX will remain deeply committed to developing students holistically with a focus on excellence in learning, founded in a deep sense of our spiritual journey together. As a community, we will continue to use the traditions of the past as a catalyst for the exploration of future possibilities.”
Mr Ptolemy is a product of the Catholic education system, first with the Sisters of St Joseph in Cessnock, and then under the tutelage of the Marist Brothers at Maitland. He has spent almost three decades as an educator in Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Newcastle-Maitland and is acutely aware of the important role St Francis Xavier’s College plays in the Catholic school network.
“I anticipate the college will continue to undertake reflective practice in order to sustain the foundational principles that have allowed it to provide quality education for so long, whilst embarking on new learning that will drive it to remain at the forefront of educational practice for years to come,” he said.
Mr Ptolemy said he was “blessed” to have worked with so many wonderful communities throughout the Diocese that have helped shape his personal learning journey. He said these experiences shaped his understanding that learning is fundamental to living. He believes the ongoing process of renewal through learning invigorates us as human beings to grow and realise our potential, regardless of age.
Mr Ptolemy is one of three newly appointed principals in the Diocese. Joining him are Amy Maslen at Joseph’s Primary School, Gloucester, and Frank Jones at St Joseph’s Primary School, Taree.