By Gabriella Payne
There may be some very large shoes to fill at Beaconhills College as longtime executive principal Tony Sheumack steps down from the role, but the school is excited to turn over a new leaf as they welcome current deputy headmaster Stephen McGinley to the helm.
Mr McGinley has been a part of the Beaconhills College community since 2009 and it was announced on Thursday 17 June that he had been chosen as the school’s next leader, set to succeed Mr Sheumack from the start of the 2022 school year.
The college board chair, Dr David Moseley said that after an extensive national and international search of an “exceptional field of educators”, the board chose Mr McGinley for his “outstanding capabilities” and were thrilled that he would be leading the school into the future.
“We are so pleased to have selected an executive principal of such outstanding capabilities, to continue our vision and mission to be leaders in personalised holistic education and give each student an opportunity to let their light shine and be a beacon in the lives of others,” Dr Moseley said.
“Throughout his career, Stephen McGinley has developed wonderful relationships with students, staff and the broader school communities where he has worked.
He is passionate about working in a school that is committed to providing programs that support positive student outcomes.”
In his time so far at Beaconhills College, Mr McGinley has applied the latest research and developments in education to progress student developments with a focus on academic, pastoral, co-curricular and spiritual programs.
A highly qualified candidate who previously held a number of positions at St Catherine’s School in Melbourne, Mr McGinley said it was an honour to have been chosen as Beaconhills’ next executive principal.
“Beaconhills is a wonderful college that has achieved so much for its community during its proud history of nearly 40 years,” he said.
“Our focus on holistic education resonates with me strongly.
I am a proud proponent of the importance of a broad and meaningful education, setting our young people on a path towards a full and rewarding life.”
Dr Moseley paid tribute to outgoing headmaster Tony Sheumack, who has led the college with distinction for 24 years.
“Under Tony’s leadership, Beaconhills College has achieved sustained excellence in academic results and become a leader of education and innovation in independent schooling.”
He said the community would have a number of opportunities to celebrate Mr Sheumack’s achievements before he steps down.
