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Meet Mr Harmer, Principal

01.01.25

What aspects of St Paul’s drew you to the role of Principal?

The St Paul’s community is rich in history and has achieved so much over its first 65 years. I am drawn to this opportunity because I see great potential in St Paul’s current context and what lies ahead. I look forward to working in partnership with students, staff, and families to shape an exciting future for the College.
The opportunity to work in a community grounded in the Edmund Rice charism, and to witness this every day, also drew me to St Paul’s. The way the community cares for and includes people from all backgrounds, offering them a liberating education, is truly inspiring. I am reminded of the quote from Archbishop Leonard Faulkner: “There is unity in diversity!” I am eager to contribute to and continue this legacy, ensuring that St Paul’s remains a place where every student can belong and thrive.

Where have you most recently been employed?

I have previously been the Deputy Principal at Cardijn College, a Reception to Year 12 Catholic school in the Marist tradition, located in the Southern Vales of Adelaide. Cardijn is a school comprising three campuses and an RTO (Registered Training Organisation), with nearly 2,200 students and over 300 staff. I have held this role since 2019 and had the privilege of acting as Principal on two separate occasions, including a six-month term in 2022. During this time, I worked closely with the incoming Principal to lead the school into its next chapter, fostering continued school improvement and community engagement. Prior to my time at Cardijn, I held leadership roles at Nazareth Catholic College, where I developed a strong understanding of leadership in a growing, diverse, and multicultural community.

What excites you most about joining the St Paul’s community?

I am particularly excited to be part of St Paul’s as it grows into a co-educational school from Reception to Year 12. Having led a similar transition in my previous role, I know firsthand the importance of nurturing both academic excellence and a strong, inclusive school culture during times of significant change. What excites me most about St Paul’s is the opportunity to contribute to this next chapter, where every student can be both challenged and supported to fulfil their potential.

What are your immediate priorities for the College in 2025?

I am committed to authentically acknowledging St Paul’s rich history, understanding the present, and working in partnership to enable an exciting future. I look forward to learning more about the St Paul’s story and listening to the experiences and hopes of those within our community.
A few immediate priorities include the ongoing transition to a Reception to Year 12 co-educational setting, updating the College Master Plan to ensure it meets the needs of our community, and progressing Stage 3 of the College’s building project—the technologies precinct.
Finally, I will work closely with staff and leadership teams to ensure that excellent learning outcomes remain at the heart of everything we do. These priorities will lay the foundation for a vibrant and successful future for St Paul’s.

Outside of work, what are your hobbies and interests?

I am the proud father of two beautiful children: my daughter Tully, who is almost three, and my son Finn, who is just eight weeks old. My wife, Kahli, is incredible, and I’m grateful for her support. Being ‘Dad’ keeps me busy enough outside of school, but I also enjoy being active and spending time with family and friends.


What message would you like to share with the students, staff, and families of St Paul’s College?

I feel truly privileged and excited to be joining the St Paul’s community. Please come and introduce yourself; I look forward to getting to know you and working in partnership to fight the good fight and ensure that the young people in our community are supported to thrive!