This month we spoke to Deanne Garrett, Principal of Our Lady Help of Christians School, Earlville. Deanne shares what she hopes to achieve as Principal and the best thing about living and working in tropical Far North Queensland.

What do you hope to achieve in your role as Principal?

My hope is that all students leave Our Lady Help of Christians with a strong understanding of self, confidence in their ability and a strong social conscience. My hope is that all students reach their full potential so they can live life to the full.

What makes you most proud to be the leader of your school community?

The commitment of the staff to continue to improve and be best version of themselves so our students can achieve. Even though it has been an unusual start to the year and a new school, the staff have been warm and welcoming, and this gives me great confidence in quality of this beautiful community.

What were you like as a child? Did you have any passions or hobbies?

I was rather quiet as a child. I loved sport and music and engaged in many extra-curricula activities that the school provided.

If you could give any advice to your childhood self, what would you say?

I think it would be to stop worrying about what other people think. It is quite liberating to just be you and realise that most people don’t even give you a second thought!

How did your education shape you to be the person you are today?

To be honest, I wasn’t a fan of school. I often felt invisible, so my motivation to be an educator was to make sure every student in my care knew that I loved them just as they were, and that I was interested in more than their academics.

What motto, affirmation or prayer do you live by?

Mary MacKillop: “Never see a need without doing something about it”.

What is the highlight of your career so far?

The appointment as Principal at Our Lady Help of Christians. Also being selected to attend the LA Congress in 2020. We arrived home in the March, just as the pandemic took off in Australia!

What’s the best thing about living and working in FNQ?

How could anyone not love living and working in paradise?! To think that every day, I can enjoy this very special part of the world. This is God’s work at its best!

To find out more, head to Our Lady Help of Christians School, Earlville