Community
29 January, 2025
Primary principals prepared for 2025 school year
St Joseph's has a new principal, while St Kieran's welcomes back a familiar face.
Scott Murray will be a familiar face for many across the North West. The incoming principal at St Joseph’s Catholic School in Mount Isa has spent almost the entirety of his decade long education career in our region.
Originally trained as a PE and chemistry secondary school teacher, Mr Murray spent about six years at St Joseph’s Catholic School in Cloncurry, working as head of sport, before moving across to St Francis Catholic School in Hughenden in 2023 to serve as acting principal.
Following a short stint last year in Monto in Central Queensland in another principal role, Mr Murray and his wife Emma, another educator who will work at Spinifex State College’s junior campus, have returned to the North West.
“My wife and I love the west,” Mr Murray said.
“We have always had a strong connection to this region and the (Catholic) diocese.
“So when the opportunity arose to return to the North West we were very keen to take it with both hands. The community out here, whether it be the school or the parish, it is a real family.”
Mr Murray said he has always been a strong proponent of encouraging physical exercise and promoting the benefits of team sports among the children and families at his schools.
“I have always been a keen sportsman and getting the kids out and about, having run or kicking a ball around, has always been an important thing for me,” he said.
“I am fortunate that Townsville diocese in Cath Ed has always been a massive proponent of school sports also.”
Mr Murray said he believed the strong focus on technology in the classroom provided a solid learning experience for the students at St Joseph’s.
“The first week is always very busy but I am looking forward to the meet and greets with the parents coming up,” he said.
On the opposite side of Mount Isa, St Kieran’s Catholic School principal Peta Laffin is also returning to her campus this year, having spent most of last year on long service leave.
Ms Laffin, who will mark four years as principal this year, said she missed her time away from the school.
“It was nice having a break, but I did really miss the students and the entire school community,” she said.
Ms Laffin said she was looking forward to celebrating the 40 years since the founding of the school with a series of events this year, notably resurrecting the popular Mother’s Day fete in May.
