Prof. Cert. in Instructional Leadership, M. Ed. (Student Wellbeing), MBA (Educational Management), Grad. Cert. in Guiding Meditation, BA, Grad. Dip. Ed. (Secondary), Grad. Cert. in Religious Education, Prof. Cert. in Primary ESL, Cert. IV in Workplace Training & Assessment

Lisa Harkin is the Principal of Marist-Sion College, bringing over two decades of experience in Catholic education and a deep commitment to faith-inspired leadership. Her career spans senior roles across multiple schools, including Deputy Principal at St Francis Xavier College and De La Salle College, and Director of Learning and Wellbeing at MacKillop College. Lisa’s leadership style is characterised by strategic clarity, instructional excellence, collaboration, service and a relational approach that fosters trust, inclusion and high expectations.

At Marist-Sion, Lisa has led transformative initiatives in Catholic identity, learning and teaching and community engagement. She has reshaped the College’s vision, developed a cohesive Executive Team and embedded a culture of feedback and continuous improvement. Lisa champions evidence-informed practice, student voice and authentic engagement with families and the wider community. Her leadership is grounded in Gospel values and aligned with the strategic priorities of the Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL).

Lisa’s commitment to service and global citizenship extends well beyond the school gates. She has undertaken faith-based and educational travel across the world, including pilgrimages along the Camino de Santiago and Japan’s Kumano Kodo Trail, immersion work in Bangladesh with Caritas Australia and volunteer service at an animal refuge in Bolivia. These experiences, alongside independent travel through India, Morocco, Europe, South East Asia and South America, have enriched Lisa’s worldview and deepened her commitment to justice, inclusion and intercultural understanding. Lisa has previously volunteered with Catholic Prison Ministry, Caritas Australia and the St Vincent de Paul Soup Van.

Lisa nurtures a vibrant and connected community through respectful, transparent communication. She leads with openness and positivity, recognising the unique needs of adolescents and inspiring students to become courageous, curious and compassionate learners who live purposeful lives.

She is passionate about empowering others to flourish and honoured to lead a community that actively shapes hope-filled futures for every student in her care.