St Andrew’s Anglican College on the Sunshine Coast has officially welcomed its new principal, Ms. Karen Gorrie, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for the leading independent school.
Ms. Gorrie, the third principal since the school’s founding in 2003, succeeds Reverend Chris Ivey, who led the college for 18 years. Her commissioning service was officiated by The Most Reverend Jeremy Greaves KCSJ, Archbishop of Brisbane, and was attended by former principals, educators from the Sunshine Coast, and other dignitaries from South East Queensland.
With over 25 years of experience in education, Ms. Gorrie brings a passion for fostering academic excellence, community engagement, and holistic student development. Previously the Deputy Principal of St Margaret’s Anglican Girls’ School in Brisbane, she has held leadership roles in top Anglican schools since 2002.
“I strongly believe the people within a community are what makes it special,” Ms. Gorrie said. “I’m excited to get to know the students, teachers, staff, and parents to understand the school’s values and accomplishments.”
She emphasised her commitment to building on St Andrew’s existing strengths and fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered.
“One of my key goals is to continue nurturing positive relationships within the school and ensure students feel ‘noticed.’ In an age of digital interactions, meaningful engagement is more important than ever,” she said.
New principal at St Andrew’s Anglican College welcomed by students
A new era at St Andrew’s Anglican College
Ms. Gorrie is dedicated to creating an environment where students can thrive academically and personally. She believes resilience and learning from mistakes are essential life skills.
“Students thrive when they’re challenged but also supported socially and emotionally. It’s crucial that every student feels they have a voice and can achieve their goals,” she added.
Her educational philosophy aligns perfectly with St Andrew’s mission to build personal capacity and prepare students for confident futures.
“All students have the right to learn, and it’s our job as educators to support their individual potential,” she said.
As the school embarks on its next phase of growth, Ms. Gorrie is focused on fostering a culture of high expectations balanced with collaboration and support.
“Strong school culture happens when students, teachers, and staff work as a team, continuously learning from each other,” she said.
St Andrew’s Anglican College on the Sunshine Coast, known for its academic rigour and a strong sense of community, looks forward to building on its outstanding reputation under Ms Gorrie’s leadership.
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