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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07 Aug 2025
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16 Sep 2026
From Facebook
⚽️🌞 New Soccer Nets at St Canice’s! 🌞⚽️ What a beautiful day at St Canice’s! 💚 Our students are loving our upgraded soccer nets, adding even more fun to playtime and giving our budding soccer stars the perfect place to practise their skills! ⚽️🥅 There’s nothing better than seeing our students running, playing, laughing and enjoying the sunshine with their friends. ☀️💛 A big thank you to everyone who helped make our new soccer nets possible! Let the games begin! ⚽️🙌 #StCanices #StCanicesKatoomba #SchoolLife #Playtime #Soccer #BeautifulDay #LearningThroughPlay

16 Sep 2026
From Facebook
🍳🥐 Brekky Club – This Thursday 17 September! 🥐🍳 All St Canice’s students are invited to join us tomorrow morning for Brekky Club in the Hall from 8:20am–8:40am. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our students to enjoy breakfast together and start the day with our school community. 💛 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parent volunteers wanted! We would love some parent/carer helpers to assist with Brekky Club on the morning. If you are available to lend a hand, please complete the Google Form in your Compass Parent Portal. We look forward to sharing breakfast and a lovely start to the day together! 🌟 See you in the morning!