From the incoming Principal

From the incoming Principal – Mr Ian Elder

PRINCIPAL ADDRESS – Monday 11 August 2025

I would like to thank Annette Morey, Executive Director of Catholic Education for a conversation we had last week. This was followed up with my meeting with Father Peter Porteous, who I also thank for appointing me as Principal of Servite College during this period of transition.

Any change in leadership, particularly, mid-term, will cause mixed feelings and emotions. This is true for political parties, sporting clubs and all large organisations. When this happens, it is essential that the organisation maintains momentum and keeps moving forward. This reminds me of a quote from a Netflix series that I enjoyed where the main actor said:

“Do not look backwards – we are not going in that direction.”

It is a time to continue the excellent work that has been taking place at Servite College over the past years. While I have not worked here, I know a lot about your history. The building program, successes in the academic, sporting, cultural and religious domains, and in particular, the strong sense of community are well known in the wider education sector.

Servite College is a sought after, school of choice for this region.

One of the vital roles for all schools is to develop resilience in their students. They need to realise that life is full of difficulties, and they will experience joys and sorrows along the way. Learning how to cope with any crisis is essential for wellbeing. My personal philosophy on wellbeing for everyone, including yourselves, is to “always look for the good” when things appear bad. As we move from Term 3 until the end of the year, we need to reflect on the many good things that have been put in place over recent years and continue to seek improvement and innovation.

What can you expect from me? As your Principal I will be highly visible. The two main goals I have set relate to staff and students. For staff, do not be surprised if I appear in your classroom or your workplace. This is not to check on you. We never stop learning, and I can learn from the graduate teacher and the graduate teacher can learn from me.

In terms of the students, and particularly the Year 12s, they need to see me as someone who is accompanying them on their journey. I have a habit of sitting with them at lunchtime and having a chat. They usually find this embarrassing to begin with – but then they look forward to it.

Below is a summary of my career path for those who would like to know more.

Best wishes and God bless.

Ian Elder
Principal

Recent career

I have taught and had leadership roles in all educational sectors i.e. Government, Independent and Catholic. I have led coeducational schools, single gender schools and composite schools (K-12). I have served twenty years as Principal in three quite diverse schools.

2023-2024: Regional Manager – Edmund Rice Education Australia
Oversee the operations of Aquinas College, Trinity College, CBC Fremantle, and Edmund Rice College (0.4FTE).

2021-2022: Principal – The King’s College, Wellard (Independent K-12 coeducational school)
Appointed to restructure and bring about school improvement.

2018 – 2020: Education Consultant and Principal mentor – Catholic Education WA
School and Principal reviews.

Fogarty Foundation
Working with schools in low socio-economic areas to mentor the leadership team for school improvement

2010 – 2017: Principal – Santa Maria College, Attadale (Catholic girls’ school for day and boarding students. Years 5-12.)

2000 – 2009: Principal – Sacred Heart College, Sorrento. (Catholic coeducational school. Years 8-12.)