In a surprising development just days before students return to classrooms, St Edmund's College in Canberra has announced the resignation of principal Tim Cleary after only one year in the role.
A Sudden Departure Before the New School Year
The timing of Mr Cleary's resignation has created significant disruption within the school community, coming just over a week before students were scheduled to return for the 2026 academic year. The announcement was made through a letter to parents from Edmund Rice Education Australia Colleges CEO Chris Woolley, who confirmed Mr Cleary would not be returning to his position.
An Impactful Year Despite Brief Tenure
Despite his short time at the helm, Mr Cleary's leadership proved remarkably effective. During his twelve-month tenure, the college attracted 130 new students, bringing the total school population back above the significant milestone of 1,000 students. This enrollment growth represented a substantial achievement for the institution.
Mr Cleary also demonstrated crucial leadership during one of the school's most challenging periods. Last March, two students were seriously injured when struck by a speeding stolen car, creating a traumatic situation for the entire college community. His handling of this crisis earned respect from staff, students, and parents alike.
Strategic Planning and Personal Reasons
Before his departure, Mr Cleary completed both a new college strategic plan and masterplan, expressing disappointment that he would not be able to implement these important documents. The 60-year-old educator had originally signed a five-year contract to lead St Edmund's but cited personal issues, including health challenges, as reasons for his early departure.
"I love the boys, love the community, the staff - everyone has been wonderful to me," Mr Cleary said. "I've loved my time at St Edmund's. There's been no dramas."
Transition and Interim Leadership
In response to the sudden vacancy, Edmund Rice Education Australia Colleges has appointed John Couani as interim principal. Mr Couani previously served as principal at St Pius X College in Chatswood, another boys' school, bringing relevant experience to the temporary role.
The organization has committed to beginning an immediate appointment process for a permanent replacement, promising consultation with the community, staff, and all stakeholders. Mr Woolley acknowledged the shock the announcement would cause but assured parents that the college remained focused on providing the best possible teaching and learning environment.
A Career Dedicated to Education
Mr Cleary's connection to St Edmund's College extends beyond his recent principalship. He began his career as a teacher at the institution and later returned as deputy principal from 1997 to 2001. His extensive educational background includes:
- Headmaster at St Augustine's College in Sydney's northern beaches from 2002 to 2016
- Principal at All Saints College in Maitland
- A director role in the Sydney Catholic Education Office
- Running his own consultancy business
During his fourteen-year tenure at St Augustine's College, Mr Cleary demonstrated remarkable growth capabilities, expanding enrollment from 400 to 1,200 students while managing significant campus expansion projects.
Looking Forward and Saying Goodbye
Mr Cleary has committed to returning to the school early in the new academic year to personally say goodbye to students and has promised to visit often. He expressed confidence in his interim replacement, stating that he could not think of anyone better to lead the college during this transitional period.
"Having known John Couani for a long time, I am reassured that he will be a strong and guiding presence in the college," Mr Cleary said.
The departing principal reflected on his decision with mixed emotions, acknowledging the difficult timing but emphasizing family priorities after twenty-one years in principal roles across various schools. "I'm proud of what we've done in 12 months," he concluded, expressing his enduring connection to the St Edmund's community.
Students at St Edmund's College will return to classes on February 2 and 3, beginning the new school year under interim leadership while the search for a permanent principal continues.
