Bishop Druitt College, an independent co-ed school located on the North Coast of New South Wales, has announced the appointment of a new Deputy Principal.
Suzanne (Sue) O’Connor, who has served at the College since 2000 in a variety of roles, including classroom teacher, Year Coordinator, Director of Student Wellbeing (K–12), and most recently Acting Assistant Principal – Head of Secondary, will commence her new role from Term 1, 2026.
O’Connor’s appointment marks the second major leadership transition at the College this year, after the appointment of Simon Doyle, who succeeded Nick Johnstone as the College’s Principal in Term 2.
In a statement, Doyle said O’Connor brings “a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to student wellbeing, and a clear vision for the future of Bishop Druitt College”.
“She has been an integral part of our community for more than two decades, and her leadership has shaped initiatives such as the Wellbeing Hub, the Wellbeing Dog program, the driving force behind the Waratah Project, leading on-country learning experiences and strengthening cultural understanding, student voice and leadership opportunities across the college,” he said.
“We are excited to see Sue continue her outstanding work in this new capacity.”
In a statement following her appointment, O’Connor said she is “deeply honoured” to take up the role of Deputy Principal at the College where she has worked for more than 25 years.
“I look forward to working with staff, students, and families to build on our strong foundations while embracing innovation, equity, and inclusion,” she said.
“My passion has always been ensuring that every student feels a sense of belonging and is equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world.”
In a statement, the College said O’Connor’s leadership has also been marked by her commitment to cultural responsiveness and community connection.
‘Through projects such as the Waratah Project and the Stronger Smarter Leadership Program, she has worked closely with Indigenous communities and supported staff in developing high-expectation relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students,’ the statement read.
As one of his final responsibilities as Chair of College Council, outgoing Chair Mr David Ford said the decision reflects the Council’s commitment to strong, future-focused leadership.
“By appointing Sue, we have built a strong leadership team with Simon as Principal, Sue as Deputy Principal, and Shane Oxley as Chief Operating Officer,” Ford said. “The leadership of BDC has never been stronger.”