Dear Members of the Moreton Bay College Community,

It is with mixed emotions that I write to share some important news with you all. Mrs Janet Stewart has made the very difficult decision to conclude her journey at Moreton Bay College, tendering her resignation after accepting the position of Deputy Head of College at The Women’s College at The University of Queensland. There will be a period of transition from the College to her new role; however, she will continue working with us through till the end of the year. Mrs Stewart remains dedicated to concluding her tenure with the same energy and passion that she has exemplified over the last 20 plus years.

Mrs Stewart has addressed Primary and Secondary students today to share her news. 

Mrs Stewart's journey at MBC began in 1997 as a Secondary English Teacher. During her time at the College, she has served in numerous roles from Teacher to Head of Wesley House, Head of Students and most recently as Principal. Mrs Stewart’s passion and commitment to teaching and the wellbeing of students has always been evident. When applying for the role at MBC back in 1996, in her application Mrs Stewart wrote about ‘the privilege of teaching’, ‘being enthusiastic and positive’ and ‘committed to providing an education which inspires the students’ – I can honestly say that Mrs Stewart continues to demonstrate these attributes to this day.

Under Mrs Stewart’s consultative and impassioned stewardship, the College has led and collaborated on initiatives that have made a significant impact on our community. These include the development of the Mental Health Strategy and Positive Minds Program (PMP), the MBC Hearts and Minds Wellbeing Framework and most recently the Student Wellbeing for Learning Strategy. Mrs Stewart has always prioritised student wellbeing and pastoral care as cornerstones of our holistic educational ethos. All of this has solidified Moreton Bay College as international industry leaders in the wellbeing space.

As she embarks on the next chapter of her life, we want to express our deepest gratitude for the support, collaboration, and care she has provided to students, staff, and families. Mrs Stewart has epitomised the College values and those of the Greene sisters who founded the school on a holistic approach to educating girls.

Mrs Stewart’s leadership has been driven by a profound desire to nurture confident and competent girls and young women who will have a positive impact on their own community and on the global stage. She has sought to foster an environment where each student is able to realise her unique potential, empowering them to be ‘rebel girls’ and step forth from the safe shores of Moreton Bay with the skills and resilience needed to positively impact the world.

Mrs Stewart’s dedicated service as our Principal will leave a profound legacy, and we look forward to the continued growth and success of this exceptional community. Students’ academic outcomes have continuously improved year on year and co-curricular programs are similarly thriving, enriching the learning of our students, and providing another major source of pride for the College.

The recruitment for the next Principal of Moreton Bay College has begun, and I anticipate this expansive search will take several months. In partnership with the Board of Governors, Executive Leadership team and the College Leadership team, we are committed to selecting an outstanding leader who will build upon our strong foundation.

There will be a variety of opportunities throughout the rest of this year to celebrate and express our gratitude to Mrs Stewart for her significant contributions to the life of MBC and I hope that you take those opportunities to share your appreciation.

Mrs Stewart has consistently and passionately encouraged the students in her care to be inspired by the College motto of courage and hope and embrace these guiding principles so they can light their path while at MBC and for many years beyond. Please join me in extending our heartfelt thanks to Mrs Stewart for her visionary leadership and wishing her all the very best in her future endeavours.

Richard Henry

CEO & Executive Principal

The Moreton Bay Colleges