Welcome Trish Biok Principal of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School.

Trish, Principal appointed to Our Lady of the Rosary in Waitara, brings over 25 years of unwavering dedication to Catholic Education. Her commitment spans various roles, including Acting Principal, Assistant Principal, Religious Education Co-ordinator, and, most recently, as an Innovation Lead, Compliance Partner, and Collaborative Coach Lead at the Catholic Schools Broken Bay (CSBB) office.

Trish’s passion for education extends beyond conventional boundaries; she has contributed to Notre Dame University, assuming teaching roles, and excelled as a tertiary supervisor. A truly passionate educator, Trish fosters a sense of community in her leadership style and fosters partners with students and staff to enhance their capabilities for personal and professional growth.

What inspired your path into education?

Growing up, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher from the age of about nine. It was not uncommon for me to go home and set up a ‘pretend’ school for my siblings and neighbourhood friends and teach them! My love of learning and the enjoyment of being around children, watching them grow and develop, led me into a career in education. I have experienced inspirational and dedicated educators and leaders throughout my career, which has also driven my desire to make a difference in the lives of children and their families.

How do you engage parents/ carers, students and staff?

Building strong relationships and partnerships with parents, students and staff is paramount to the success of a school. As a Principal, it is essential to be present, an active listener, honest and a good communicator and to critically reflect. I am open to feedback and problem-solving in collaboration with key stakeholders to achieve the desired outcome. Establishing an environment for staff to be supported and challenged with quality, evidence-based professional learning with a focus on continuous improvement, is essential for building the capacity of all staff members. Celebrating successes is equally as important as the journey to achieving them.

If we asked your closest friends, how would they describe you as a person?

Loyal, kind, hardworking, enthusiastic, calm and measured, empathetic, love of learning and enjoys a challenge.

What do you hope to achieve as Principal at your school?

I feel incredibly passionate and driven to lead a Catholic school community, particularly one such as Our Lady of the Rosary, that is focused on quality education in a faith-centred environment. I am committed to continuing to develop a positive and respectful culture at the school, where there is a strong focus on working in partnership and as a team. Being a leader who drives data-informed decision-making processes and engages with evidence-based practices to guide and lead improvement will also be an area of focus I want to achieve in. I aim to achieve the delivery of an authentic Catholic education delivered with care and compassion for all students.

What will you hope to leave as your legacy in education leadership?

I hope to leave a legacy that our Catholic schools are welcoming communities which embrace and are inclusive of all people. Creating a supportive environment where each person can grow in faith, surrounded by a loving and compassionate community. I would like to have played a role in developing respectful future citizens, who will be lifelong learners, with the ability to problem solve and be critically reflective. Being a leader who educates the mind, heart and spirit will be a legacy I hope to leave.