Everybody in: Kerrie McDiarmid

A new chapter is unfolding at St Mary’s Cathedral College, nestled in the heart of Sydney. The college, one of the oldest in Australia and the oldest in the Sydney Archdiocese, has welcomed girls back to its student body, marking a significant shift in its long-standing tradition.

And for Principal Kerrie McDiarmid, this milestone represents more than increased enrollments. It’s part of a broader vision to create a future-focused learning environment that embraces inclusivity and opportunity for all students.

"We hit the ground running," she tells The CEO Magazine with a smile. "We once again welcomed young women to the College from Kindergarten to Year 7. And we've had such positive feedback from the community who are starting this journey with us."

Expanding for the future

Years 8 to 12 has remained boys only – but not for long. "From next year, we will be Kindergarten to Year 8, and then it will keep going up after that until we’re up to Year 12," explains McDiarmid, who also teaches Year 12 English.

The move to co-education is a part of a broader evolution at St Mary’s Cathedral College. It goes hand in hand with the opening of a second campus on William Street, which will host students from Year 9 through to Year 12. The main campus will cater to students from Kindergarten to Year 8.

"As a renowned chorister school, we also celebrate the transformative power of music, encouraging our students to explore their musical talents while deepening their appreciation for the arts," McDiarmid adds.

"This year marks a historical milestone as young women join the St Mary’s Cathedral Choir for the first time – the oldest musical ensemble in Australia."

With enrollment numbers expected to grow from 950 to 1,500 as the college expands across two campuses, McDiarmid is focused on creating pathways that equip students for life outside school.

"It’s about growing the opportunities through our pathways and partnerships, continuing to grow the leadership of our staff, the leadership of our students and providing creative and innovative opportunities for learning," she says.

"I ask and encourage the College staff to come to me with their creative ideas and thinking. We model success, and we model failure. We model the things that work well, and we have conversations with staff and students about their learning journey."

City as a classroom

A cornerstone of St Mary’s Cathedral College’s approach is its emphasis on real-world learning, which sees them making the most of its coveted location.

"We have an intentionally porous curriculum, and we actively encourage our teachers to take the students out into our surrounding areas," McDiarmid explains.

The school’s partnership with the Australian Museum is a prime example of this philosophy in action.

"Our students currently work from a classroom in the museum. It’s an amazing space," she enthuses. "It’s right next door to where the museum’s scientists work, so the students can see them in action."

During a recent project, students worked alongside museum curators to learn the art of storytelling through exhibitions. McDiarmid lights up as she speaks about the impact it had.

"The students brought that knowledge back to the school, turning our entire College Hall foyer into a working museum that tells the 200-year story of the College. That’s the authentic, real-world lens we have on learning," she says.

This immersive approach extends to other subjects as well. Students regularly head across the road to the Royal Botanic Gardens for lessons or visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

"It’s about activating the city as our classroom. It encourages and inspires lifelong learning."

Shaping future leaders

While academic excellence remains a priority, McDiarmid is perhaps most passionate about shaping well-rounded individuals.

"We’re not an ATAR factory," she points out. "We’re here to build the whole person. And that’s a really important part of what this school is and who we are."

This holistic approach is reflected in the college’s ‘In Residence’ and ‘In Partnership’ Programs, which includes Sydney Football Club (Sydney FC), where students have an opportunity to train with elite football coaches and learn about the business, marketing and nutrition aspects of professional sports.

"We make sure we have pathways for everyone, recognizing each of our students as unique," McDiarmid insists. "We have a cultural lens with the Australian Museum, but we also have a lens that allows our students to explore alternative routes – from Sydney FC to the University of NSW, Sydney University and more."

"This type of learning is a really important aspect of what we are moving towards – making sure there are opportunities for all of our students," she explains.

A purpose-driven mission

Perhaps even more important than the real-world learning is St Mary’s Cathedral College’s commitment to creating good citizens of the world.

"We want our students to see where learning can take them. It has to be authentic. We want them to make a difference when they move beyond the school gates," McDiarmid says.

She adds that this sentiment is at the heart of the College’s ‘Phronesis’ character education program.

"We want our students to act with civic intention, rather than selfish intent, now and when they move beyond the school gates. It’s not enough to know good. You have to do good," she says.

As the school day ends, McDiarmid, who considers herself a teacher first and foremost, keeps one final tradition.

"I like to get out there at three o’clock and say goodbye to the kids," she says.

It’s a simple gesture, but one that makes a difference, ensuring each student feels seen and valued.