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.

07 Aug 2025
St Canice's Brekky Club
All students are invited to join the St Canice's Brekky Club. Brekky Club will now run on Thursdays – 7th, 21st, and 28th August.

30 Jul 2025
Little Lyrebirds Playgroup
Little Lyrebirds Playgroup is a FREE event for all little ones aged 0 - 6. Held at St Canice's Primary School every Wednesday of the school term, 9am-10:30am. Everyone is welcome.

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23 Mar 2026
From Facebook
🌿 Uniting Against Poverty this Lent 🌿 Dear Parents and Families, This Lent, our school community is proud to support Project Compassion, standing in solidarity with communities around the world facing poverty and hardship. Together, we can help provide access to life’s essentials—clean water, healthcare, and safe shelter—while empowering people to build sustainable futures with dignity and hope. 📅 Wednesday 25 March (Week 9) 🕦 11:30am – 1:20pm We warmly invite you to join us for a special event: 💧 Living Water – A Holy Week Pilgrimage and Harmony Feast ✨ Pilgrimage (11:30am–12:20pm) Students will journey through key moments of Holy Week, reflecting on Christ’s love and the reality of communities who walk daily for water. 🍽️ Harmony Feast (12:40pm–1:20pm) Celebrate the beautiful diversity of our school by sharing food and culture together. Families are invited to bring a plate that represents their heritage or a meaningful tradition (ingredient list appreciated). Food can be dropped to the hall from 8:30am. 💛 Support Our Fundraiser Every dollar raised helps create real and lasting change for vulnerable communities. 👉 Donate here: https://www.projectcompassion.org.au/fundraisers/stcanicesprimaryschoolkatoomba?utm_source=qr&utm_medium=print Thank you for standing with us as we unite against poverty this Lent. Together, we can make a difference.

22 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Brekky Club got off to a great start, thanks to our fantastic volunteers and a great turnout from our families. Don't forget! Last Brekky Club of Term 1 is on Thurs 2 April:)