Mount Alvernia College has appointed Sharon Collins (pictured) as Principal for 2027, while St Columba Anglican School has named Elissa Strahley (inset) as its new Head of Primary.
Two Independent faith-based schools have announced new senior leadership appointments, with Sharon Collins set to become Principal of Mount Alvernia College in Queensland and Elissa Strahley appointed Head of Primary at St Columba Anglican School in Port Macquarie, NSW.
Ms Collins will take up the Principal role at Mount Alvernia in Term 1, 2027, succeeding Samantha Jensen, who has led the College for the past six years.
Ms Collins joins the Independent Catholic girls’ college from Siena Catholic College on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and brings extensive leadership experience across Queensland.
Mount Alvernia said Ms Collins was appointed for her commitment to Catholic education, educational and faith leadership, and understanding of the College’s Franciscan tradition.
In announcing the appointment, the College said Ms Collins’ educational philosophy centres on ensuring young people feel known, safe, challenged and inspired to reach their potential.
Mount Alvernia is an independent Catholic secondary girls’ college in Kedron, Brisbane, educating students in Years 7 to 12. The College was established in 1956 and is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2026.
Ms Collins will take over from Jensen, who Mount Alvernia acknowledged for her leadership and contribution to the College community since becoming Principal six years ago.
At St Columba Anglican School in Port Macquarie, Elissa Strahley has been appointed Head of Primary.
Ms Strahley has been part of the St Columba community since 2012, when she joined the school as an English teacher. She has since held a range of teaching and leadership positions, including Year Patron and K–12 Educational Director, a position she has held since 2018.
Her experience also includes acting as both Head of Secondary and Head of Primary, with the school saying she most recently led the Primary School on a day-to-day basis.
In announcing her appointment, St Columba said Ms Strahley had contributed to teaching and learning across the school through work in curriculum, pedagogy, assessment and student growth. She has also worked with Primary students through English extension, writing, public speaking and debating.
Ms Strahley holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and Master of Educational Leadership. She has also served as a NESA Curriculum Adviser and contributed to state senior assessment development panels.
The appointment gives Ms Strahley responsibility for the Primary division at a school where she has already spent more than a decade developing her teaching and leadership experience.
St Columba Principal Allan Guihot has been Principal since July 2023, while Emma Bylsma has served as Deputy Principal since the same year.