Tenison Woods College Principal David Mezinec last month received one of two Excellence in Leadership Awards offered by Catholic Secondary Principals Australia at its biennial national conference.
The two-day conference enabled Catholic school leadership teams to gather in Canberra and reflect on the themes of the conference as expressed in the title: “Unity, Voice, Service.”
Catholic Education South Australia director Dr Neil McGoran said Mr Mezinec was a worthy recipient of the Excellence in Leadership Award.
“David is a passionate leader who inspires others. He prioritises the importance and dignity of each member of the college community through leadership that values them as a learner, staff member or community member,” he said.
“He fosters collaboration, inquiry and innovation – qualities that see teachers and students thrive at Tenison Woods College.
“David has a commitment to rural and remote education having worked not only in Mount Gambier but also in Port Pirie and Port Lincoln. He also plays a vital role in the leadership of the wider work of Catholic education, serving as a member of the South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools.”
In accepting the award Mr Mezinec said it was not his style to be playing in the space of individual awards.
As such he accepted the award as an acknowledgement of all the “wonderful, life-giving work that occurs in Catholic schools across Australia through dedicated staff as they invite young people to a relationship with our God and become the thriving people, capable learners and leaders for the world God desires”.
Mr Mezinec also accepted the award as a way of recognising and putting a spotlight on the leadership in Catholic schools across Australia and the work of his talented, committed colleagues who shared the vocation of principalship.
He offered thanks for the opportunity to give 16 years of service in South Australian Catholic schools as a principal. During his four years in the Diocese of Port Pirie and 12 years in the Diocese of Adelaide Mr Mezinec has had the pleasure of working alongside of many students, staff and families.
“We have been so fortunate to have been supported by committed Bishops, priests and parishioners who have nurtured and inspired our work in Catholic schools,” he said.
