We are proud to introduce one of our new Principals for Catholic Schools Broken Bay who will be serving the MacKillop Catholic College community.
MacKillop Catholic College’s new Head of Junior School (EL - Yr 4), Ms Chris Shilling extensive professional experience gained over two decades of teaching and leadership in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Since joining MacKillop in 2012, she has served as Curriculum Lead, Leader of Literacy, Collaborative Coach for K–6 and is currently Acting Deputy Head of Primary. She has led English across the primary years and oversees K–2 operations, contributing to significant improvements in literacy, including outstanding 2024 NAPLAN results with more than
90% of students achieving strong or better in writing.
To help our community get to know Ms Shilling a little better, we asked our new Head of Junior School (EL - Yr 4), a number of questions about her journey and vision for the school.
What inspired your path into education?
I started Kindergarten in the same year the Diocese was founded, so in many ways I’ve grown up alongside Catholic education. As a child, I was always the one playing “teachers” at home, so the interest was there early. More importantly, I was fortunate to have some excellent teachers who set a strong example and showed me what a well-run, purposeful classroom looks like. That stayed with me. Over time, my experience working internationally also broadened my perspective, reinforcing that while contexts may differ, strong teaching, clear expectations, and positive relationships are what make the difference everywhere.
What are you most looking forward to in your role as Principal?
I am excited to build on the strong foundations already in place and to work collaboratively with staff to ensure clarity and consistency across the school. This role provides an opportunity to support teachers in their work while maintaining a clear focus on learning and student wellbeing. I am committed to ensuring that all students and their families experience a genuine sense of belonging throughout their journey at MacKillop - academically, emotionally, and socially.
How do you engage parents, carers, students, and staff?
I think engagement comes down to being visible, clear, and consistent. For staff, that means support and direction. For students, it’s about strong relationships and high expectations. I want every student to feel known and part of both the Junior School community and the wider MacKillop community. With parents and carers, it’s open communication and being approachable. When those things are in place, partnerships tend to develop naturally, and this leads to better outcomes for our students and their families.
What do you hope to achieve as Principal at your school?
I’m looking forward to building on the strong foundations already in place and working alongside staff to bring clarity and consistency to our work as we embark on our new Junior, Middle, Senior school structure. Schools function best when expectations are clear and aligned, and I see this role as an opportunity to support that within the context of a K-12 community.
I’m also looking forward to being part of the daily life of the school, working with students, supporting staff, and ensuring that the focus remains on quality teaching and student wellbeing.
What do you hope to leave as your legacy in education leadership?
A school grounded in clear purpose and thoughtful leadership, where consistency is guided by care. I want staff to feel supported and confident in their work, and students to feel known, valued, and encouraged to grow. When students leave the Junior School with a strong sense of belonging, pride in their learning, and readiness for what comes next, then we have done our work well. I hope to contribute to strong, sustainable foundations that continue to shape positive experiences and outcomes for students long into the future.