Tenison Woods College principal, David Mezinec has received national recognition for his outstanding leadership.
The Mount Gambier leader has been presented with an Excellence in Leadership Award by Catholic Secondary Principals Australia (CaSPA).
As part of its commitment to promoting excellence in Catholic Secondary Education, CaSPA conducts an awards ceremony at its biennial two-day National Conference in Canberra.
The Excellence in Leadership Award recognises and celebrates the pursuit of excellence by principals in Secondary Schools within Catholic Education in Australia. It is awarded to principals who have demonstrated high levels of leadership across a broad range of areas related to Catholic secondary education.
In accepting the award, David thanked the Association for instituting the awards and acknowledged the Directors on the National CaSPA Board for their service to the profession and specifically advocating for Catholic schools and the leadership in Catholic schools across Australia.
David also extended his appreciation to his principal colleagues and the Executive the South Australian Association of Principals in Catholic Secondary Schools (APCSS) for nominating him for the award and acknowledged the support and inspiration of his South Australian Catholic principal colleagues, something which he greatly values.
“David is a very worthy recipient of the Excellence in Leadership Award,” said Dr Neil McGoran, Director, Catholic Education South Australia.
“David is a passionate leader who inspires others. He prioritises the importance and dignity of each member of the College community through leadership that values them as a learner, staff member or community member. He fosters collaboration, inquiry and innovation – qualities that see teachers and students thrive at Tenison Woods College.”
Dr McGoran added that David has a commitment to rural and remote education, having worked not only in Mount Gambier but also in Port Pirie and Port Lincoln.
“He also plays a vital role in the leadership of the wider work of Catholic Education, serving as a member of the South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools.
“I’m sure I join with every member of the local school community in congratulating David on this public acknowledgement of the gifts, inspiration, and dedication he brings to the role of principal and leader.”
In accepting the award David humbly said that the success of Tenison Woods College is due to the diverse and collaborative efforts of staff who are committed to serving families, and he thanked staff for their efforts.
He also said the award is an acknowledgement of all the wonderful, life-giving work that occurs in Catholic schools across Australia through dedicated staff and the committed leaders who share the vocation of principalship.
In offering thanks for the opportunity to give 16 years of service in South Australian Catholic schools as a principal, 4 years in the Diocese of Port Pirie and 12 years in the Diocese of Adelaide, David said the highlight has been working alongside many students, staff and families.
“We have been so fortunate to have been supported by committed Bishops, priests and parishioners who have nurtured and inspired our work in Catholic schools. I am energised by the unfolding exciting horizon of education in school communities across Catholic Education South Australia and indeed Australia.”
Congratulations David on this greatly deserved recognition of your hard work and dedication to Catholic education.
As South Australians continue to feel the impact of COVID, Catholic Education SA has announced there will be no increase in school fees at our 86 Diocesan schools for the 2023 school year.
