STATEMENT FROM EDMUND RICE EDUCATION AUSTRALIA COLLEGES LTD. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, MR CHRIS WOOLLEY

23 April 2024

Dear St James College Community and Colleagues

I am writing to inform you that Ms Ann Rebgetz has advised Edmund Rice Education Australia Colleges Ltd that she intends to retire from her role of Principal at the end of 2024.

Ann’s contribution to Catholic Education has spanned an extraordinary 30 years, holding leadership roles in both the Northern Territory (NT) and Queensland (Qld). In Ann’s earlier years of teaching Mathematics, English, History, she taught in various locations, including Darwin, Bathurst Island, Jabiru, Innisfail, Toowoomba and the Gold Coast. It was in 1991 that Ann commenced at Aquinas College, followed by Marymount College in 1993, taking up Vocational Careers Leader (1997-2000) and Assistant Principal of the College (2000-2004). Ann was appointed as Deputy Principal at St Peter Claver College, Riverview (2005) and then relocated to the NT as Co-Principal of Thamarrurr Catholic College (2006-2008). Prior to Ann’s commencement at St James College in 2019, Ann held the role as Principal at St Columban’s College in Caboolture (2009-2018).

In providing notice of her resignation, Ann has provided the following statement:

I wish to express my gratitude to EREA for my appointment and the opportunity to lead such a vibrant and meaningful school which celebrates the 4 Touchstones of Edmund Rice. I also feel very appreciative of all the opportunities provided to me through EREA over many years. This also includes the support given to me in my role as a Director and President of CaSPA with the finish of this tenure in 2023.

My passion for gender equality and diverse inclusion, propagated through the bridging of the equity gap in achieving excellence in learning, culture, arts, sport, well-being, cocurricular, partnership and industry pathways, underpinned by building community in the spirit of Catholic inclusion, has been a guide in my leadership over many years – my opportunity to lead at St James, to grow and develop sustainability of the College as given as a mantra, has been such a privilege to be supported by EREA so well, and to help achieve the possible dreams for our students, who deserve the best.

Since Ann commenced at St James College in 2019, enrolment figures have almost doubled and in 2023 the College began entry of Year 5 and 6. Ann has led the College in acquiring a major building and renovation of facilities, including the new Arts Centre, Health Hub and Hairdressing Salon. The College is also considered a School of Innovation as evidenced by National Australian Training Awards in Vocational Pathways for students. Ann continues to advocate for the role of Principals and Schools across Queensland and Australia.

EREA Colleges has accepted Ann’s resignation, understanding her reasons and in the later months of the year, we will join with the St James College community in thanking Ann for her service to Catholic education.

In the coming weeks EREA Colleges will begin the process of recruiting and appointing a new principal in readiness for the start of the 2025 school year. This will commence with a community consultation process that will be advised to the whole school community in the coming weeks. Ultimately, EREA Colleges will seek to appoint the person who best meets the needs of the school community, building on Ann’s legacy and leading a new chapter in the history of St James College.

Live Jesus in our Hearts. Forever.

Yours sincerely


Chris Woolley
Chief Executive Officer
EREA Colleges Ltd.