Executive Principal appointed to GSSC

PRINCIPAL APPOINTED TO SECONDARY COLLEGE... Barbara O’Brien has been officially appointed as the new principal to Greater Shepparton Secondary College. Photo: Steve Hutcheson

One of Shepparton’s most experienced and respected educators has been formally appointed to lead Greater Shepparton Secondary College (GSSC) as its Executive Principal. 

Ms Barbara O’Brien, who has acted in the role all year, has formally taken on the position from the end of Term 2. Her appointment caps a stellar career spanning more than three decades of service to Greater Shepparton students and teachers. Ms O’Brien’s appointment followed a national search to find the best educator to lead the school. 

Apart from her initial year of teaching in Melbourne, Ms O’Brien has always worked locally – as a classroom teacher at Mooroopna, Tallygaroopna and Gowrie St Primary Schools, progressing to Leading Teacher, Assistant Principal and Principal at Wilmot Road Primary School, followed by Principal at Grahamvale Primary School. 

Ms O’Brien’s experience saw her working with multiple schools as a network leader before spending five years as Principal of Benalla P-12 College, where she oversaw a successful merger of schools. She has been working with GSSC as its Senior Education Improvement Leader since 2020. 

“I am thrilled to be taking on the leadership of GSSC at such an historic and exciting time for our secondary students,” Ms O’Brien said. 

“With the Shepparton Education Plan and the development of amazing new college facilities at Hawdon St, we have never had such investment in improving the educational outcomes of our young people,” she said. 

Ms O’Brien said her focus will continue to be building a strong, inclusive and caring culture at the school, which will be enhanced with the new House and Neighbourhood design of the new GSSC.

PRINCIPAL APPOINTED TO SECONDARY COLLEGE… Barbara O’Brien has been officially appointed as the new principal to Greater Shepparton Secondary College. Photo: Steve Hutcheson