New Principal for Avila College

Avila College is delighted to announce that Dr Michelle Cotter has been appointed to the position of Principal of Avila College to commence in Term 2, 2017.  

Dr Cotter is currently the principal of Mercy College Coburg, a community that she has led as Principal for six years with a focus on building its Catholic identity and continuous school improvement in the most holistic sense.  She brings a long history of engagement in Catholic education having worked at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College (Head of History), Siena College (Head of Technology and Director of Learning Technologies) and Mercy College (Director of Curriculum, Deputy Principal and Principal). Michelle has also demonstrated a strong commitment  to lifelong learning having completed a Master of Religious Education (2000), Master of Educational Leadership (2002), Doctorate of Education (2010) and Master of Business Administration (2015).

Michelle’s leadership has been characterised by her strong faith, her enthusiasm, energy, strategic thinking and care for the College as a learning community that enables every student and staff member to be known, valued and to flourish. In her years as Principal, Michelle has enacted a vision for the College that has strengthened the Catholic identity and leadership culture of both staff and students, built the capacity of teams to work together collaboratively and ensured that decision making is driven by what is best for students at the College.  A vibrant culture of student leadership and student voice has been developed under her leadership that encourages the young women at the College to believe they can positively influence the world, and that they can and should take up life’s opportunities.

Avila College looks forward to welcoming Dr Michelle Cotter in Term 2, 2017. In the interim, Madeleine Franken will continue in the role of Acting Principal.