Former top runner new principal
A FORMER Australian Paralympian gold medallist will take over as principal at Livingstone Christian College after the shock resignation of Mark Laraghy this month.
Mr Laraghy cited mental health reasons for his sudden departure from the Ormeau school in a five-minute video message to parents and students on October 15.
The Christian Community Ministries said the principal handed in his official resignation on October 11.
The Queensland College of Teachers confirmed it had suspended Mr Laraghy’s teaching registration on October 14.
The private school’s founding principal, David Coates, is at the helm for the reminder of the school year.
In a letter to parents on October 21, Christian Community Ministries chief executive John Lyndon said he was “delighted” with the appointment of Stephen Wilson, OAM, as principal for 2022.
“Stephen is married to Corinne and together they have five children, ranging from eight to 19 years old,” said Mr Lyndon.
“Stephen grew up in Sydney in a strong Christian home, attending Newington College and St Andrew’s Cathedral School.
“During his first year of high school, Stephen, a promising athlete, was hit by a truck and lost his lower leg.”
After school Mr Wilson started a civil engineering degree but after three years sought a practical change and worked as a carpenter in the building industry.
“Stephen went on to represent Australia in athletics at the Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games where he was awarded two gold medals and was subsequently awarded an Order of Australia (OAM) medal for service to sport,” said Mr Lyndon.
Mr Wilson started a teaching degree in PE in 1999 and also studied Christian education and started teaching at Pacific Hills Christian school in Sydney before relocating to teach at Toowoomba Christian Outreach College in 2004.
In 2009 he started what would be a 13-year stint as principal of Dalby Christian College.
“Stephen continues to enjoy sport, in his spare time is a successful coach of national champions, and he continues to chase a personal milestone of a sub 20-minute 5km park run.”
Mr Lyndon said he looked forward to Mr Wilson starting his new role on the Gold Coast.
“I am grateful for his willingness to leave behind the significant legacy he has created at Dalby Christian College to, together with you (parents) create an enduring legacy at Livingstone.”