MEd (Leadership & Administration), GCertTH, BEd, Dip Tchg, TTC, MACEL, MAICD

Maria McIvor is the Principal of St John’s Anglican College in Forest Lake, Brisbane, where she leads with purpose, compassion, and a deep sense of service. Commissioned as the College’s sixth Principal on 1 February 2019, she brought with her five years of principalship at Whitsunday Anglican School Mackay, seven years as Deputy Principal at St Hilda’s School, Gold Coast and rich experience, for more than 30 years, of leadership in both Australian and international educational contexts.

A hallmark of Maria’s leadership is the promotion of servant leadership. She believes leadership is an opportunity for service, not destiny, highlighting the collective responsibility to nurture young minds and hearts with purpose, hope and humility, values deeply grounded in the Anglican tradition.

Maria actively fosters a learning environment that champions empathy, inclusive engagement, and meaningful relationships in a manner that celebrates diversity, and affirms the value and the sacredness of each person.

Beyond school culture, Maria is equally committed to academic excellence.  She is proud to see St John’s staff and students recognised internationally for their research and educational innovation.

Guided by her personal motto to embrace opportunities with courage and optimism, Maria champions life-long learning – whether summitting Mount Kilimanjaro, or ‘Toss the Boss’ skydiving community fundraiser. Married to Tony, she is the mother of four and Bibi (Swahili for Grandmother) of five, roles that continue to shape her perspective on education and community.

‘As a leader, I have always believed that actions speak louder than words. That is why I choose to meet life with open arms and a bold heart—stepping beyond the familiar, not because I have to, but because I want to. Growth lives on the edge of comfort, and I have learned to lean into that edge’.