Dear Aquinas College Community

I am pleased to announce that Mr Robert Henderson has been appointed to the position of Principal at Aquinas College, Perth, effective from January 2023. This appointment follows an extensive national recruitment search and a thorough discernment by a panel comprising educational leaders from Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA), Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA) and representation from the Aquinas Advisory Council.

Robert is widely regarded as an outstanding leader in Catholic education and a very experienced Principal. Currently, he is Principal at John XXIII College, a role he has held since 2016. His previous leadership experience includes Headmaster at Ipswich Grammar School, Principal at Christian Brothers’ College Fremantle, Acting Principal and Vice Principal at Trinity College, Perth and Deputy Principal at St Norbert College.

Robert complements his leadership experience with a sound academic record that includes a Master of Religious Education from Notre Dame University, a Master of Education and a Diploma in Education from Murdoch University, a Bachelor of Commerce from University of Western Australia and a Professional Certificate in Instructional Leadership from Melbourne University.

An Old Aquinian, Robert describes his priorities in life as his family, his faith and his work. He and his wife Robyn have three daughters, Mia, Zoe and Abbey. Robert is committed to Pater Noster Parish, Myaree. In conjunction with his educational leadership, he has a strong background in sport and an interest in Music and the Arts. The following comment from Robert captures the significance of this appointment for him and his family:

“My parents built a house around the corner from Aquinas to enable their sons to attend the College and for our sister to attend Santa Maria College. It is an honour and a privilege to return to Aquinas and become part of a vibrant Catholic community in the tradition of Edmund Rice. I look forward to meeting students, staff and parents and becoming immersed in a school with a wonderful heritage and a very exciting future.”

I am also pleased to announce that Mr Brian Schumacher, the current EREA Director of Schools (WA, SA & NT), will be the Acting Principal in Term 4, 2022, once David McFadden concludes his term. Brian is a highly experienced educator and has been principal at three large Catholic schools in South Australia. In his current role he has worked closely with the College and knows the community well.

We look forward to welcoming Robert to the Aquinas community. On behalf of all members of Edmund Rice Education Australia, I warmly congratulate Robert on this significant appointment.

Yours sincerely
Dr Craig Wattam
Executive Director
Edmund Rice Education Australia

Click here for the official announcement letter from EREA