From OLMC to OAM: College’s first lay principal recognised in Australian Honours
This year’s Australia Day Honours saw Ms Kathleen “Kitty” Guerin, a former teacher and educational leader in the Diocese of Parramatta, awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for her significant service to Catholic secondary education.
Date Posted:
18-Feb-2025
(L-R): Sr Margaret Jones rsm, Kitty Guerin OAM, Lucie Farrugia Principal of OLMC Parramatta, Sr Ailsa Mackinnon rsm (former Principal), Sr Margaret Sheppard rsm, and Sr Patricia Bolster rsm. Image: OLMC Parramatta (supplied)
"We will use our gifts as educators in all our ministries to assist those in need of support in their learning...."(Chapter Statement)
Kitty leaves a strong legacy as the first lay Principal of Our Lady of Mercy College, Parramatta, where she led the OLMC community for more than a decade. During that time, she was active in keeping the Mercy values alive in the College community, with a keen focus on academic excellence and social advocacy.
Her imprint in the College’s history is reflected by the success and positive wellbeing of female students who attended the College during her leadership...
Her legacy remains visible today, even as schools like OLMC have adopted new forms of governance; transitioning ministries to Public Juridic Persons, which is an entity established under Canon Law.
Today, Kitty remains highly involved in the governance of Catholic education.
She serves as the Chair of the Santa Sabina College Board, CRMNA, an organisation whose members are the Catholic RI and MPJP School Authorities in NSW and ACT and as a Trustee of Kildare Ministries. She has also been the Chair of the Boards of Brigidine College, St Ives and St Lucy’s School, Wahroonga.
Reflecting on her journey and achievements, Kitty emphasised the importance of teamwork in school leadership.
“You can’t do it alone,” she said.
“It’s the collaboration with your Executive Team, Board, staff and community that truly makes a school run successfully.”
- Read the complete article here
- Source: Catholic Outlook