Get to know: College Principal

College Principal

Mr Troy Francesconi has been Principal at Mandurah Catholic College since 2022

Brief summary of professional career:

I have been in Catholic Education for 24 years. Taught mainly HASS subjects throughout teaching career, specialising in Economics and History. Have taught at four WA schools - John Paul College, Corpus Christi College, Santa Maria College and Mandurah Catholic College. Have enjoyed a variety of leadership roles: Head of House, Head of Year, Head of Learning Area, Dean of Staff, Deputy Principal and Vice Principal.

What are you most looking forward to, in your role this year?

Consolidating our Vision for Learning to create exciting learning opportunities for our students. Continue to build upon our relationships with our families by providing new opportunities to interact and connect.

Professional passion, or educational philosophy:

I am passionate about Catholic education and the important role we play in forming our young people. I believe that our students need a broad range of learning opportunities to trial to enable them to find their niche. As a College, we need to work hard to build capacity within our students so they can develop the life skills necessary to be in control of their own destiny and to become positive future contributors. As educators we need to create an environment that is supportive and nurturing whilst also instilling Catholic values and a strong work ethic. 

What is a fun fact about you?

I have recently have got back into swimming. I am really enjoying swimming laps and am finding that it is very meditative and relaxing - gets a little bit harder to do in winter though!

Key responsibilities of your Role:

“The principal is responsible to the CEWA Executive Director for the design and safe delivery of the educational programme to each student in their community of faith by building relationships with students, staff, and the school community. This duty takes precedence over all others.” CEWA Policy Preamble (link). 

Key responsibilities include the College’s Strategic Plan and Vision, College Mission and Values. The Principal oversees staffing and appointment, staff leadership development and registration requirements. They also conduct enrolment interviews, oversees the College Advisory Council, fiscal management and annual budgeting, capital development and facilities planning, and the College’s legislative compliance.