Mark Geerligs Announces Retirement

2019MarkGeerligs

After 33 years of Principal leadership, 29 of those in the Diocese of Parramatta, St Canice's Principal Mr Mark Geerligs has made the decision to retire at the end of the 2019 school year. The School would like to acknowledge the outstanding contribution Mark has made as a Catholic educator and leader.

Beginning his teaching career in 1981, Mark became a Principal in only his seventh year as a teacher when he accepted the role of Principal of St John’s Catholic Primary School Trangie in 1987. In 1991, Mark was appointed Principal of Our Lady of the Nativity Primary Lawson. In 1996, he was appointed Principal of St Finbar’s Primary, Glenbrook and Our Lady of the Rosary, St Mary’s in 2003. Mark has been the Principal of St Canice’s since 2014.

Mark is a caring, supportive and faith-filled leader. In each of his leadership roles, Mark has built strong and enduring connections with the school community. He is a passionate educator who has always sought out opportunities to enrich the students’ learning, whether that has been within the school or in the broader community.

Mark has championed the role of the creative and performing arts in enhancing students’ learning. He is widely recognised for the many exceptional projects he has led in the school and the Blue Mountains community. The creative and performing arts could have no stronger advocate.

Mark has made a significant difference to the lives of young people in the schools he has led and served. He is a relational and inclusive leader who sets high expectations of students and encourages them to be the best they can be.

The St Canice's school community is keen to acknowledge Mark’s work and achievements in months ahead. The process of recruitment for a new Principal of St Canice’s will commence shortly.

Finally, we wish to express our appreciation to Mr Geerligs for the support provided for Catholic schooling as, together, we give witness to the Gospel that enriches the lives of our children and the communities in which we live.

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24 Jun 2026
From Facebook
⚽💚💛 Go Australia! World Cup Fever at St Canice’s! 💛💚⚽ This Friday, St Canice’s is excited to cheer on Australia as they take on Paraguay in the World Cup Soccer Match! 🔥 Our students will be watching the first half of the match in their classrooms as we come together to support the Aussies. Students are invited to wear a splash of green and gold to show their team spirit! 💚💛 To make the celebration even more special, our wonderful Stage 1 students will be preparing a fun treat for everyone to enjoy. ✨ We understand that big events can feel different for every child, so there will also be a quiet space available with alternative craft activities for students who would prefer a calmer environment. 🎨🌈 It’s shaping up to be a fantastic day of fun, community spirit, and cheering on the Socceroos together! #GoAustralia #WorldCup2026 #StCanicesKatoomba #SchoolSpirit #GreenAndGold #CSPD

24 Jun 2026
From Facebook
🌟 Congratulations to our Lyrebird Award recipients! 🌟 At St Canice’s, our Positive Behaviour Support for Learning (PBS4L) program is an integral part of who we are as a school community. Our students strive to Love Selflessly, Live Responsibly, and Learn Purposefully, and these values are nurtured and encouraged every day by our dedicated staff and students. At our recent whole school assembly, we celebrated a group of students who have consistently demonstrated these qualities and were recognised with a Lyrebird Award. 🎉👏 Well done to all the recipients—we are so proud of you! #StCanices #LyrebirdAward #LoveLiveLearn