Sacred Heart School’s new principal, Jarrod Mullavey
From Rutherglen to a “dream location” in Yarrawonga, it’s almost full circle for Sacred Heart School’s new principal.
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Jarrod Mullavey went to school at Rutherglen, university in Albury, and after 20 years in Catholic education, he and his family are settling into their new life here.
Mr Mullavey calls himself an ‘accidental principal’ who, as a young teacher, never imagined himself leading a school, let alone a staff of 57.
“All I wanted was to have my own class; that was enough for me,” he said.
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Les_Garbutt
His first job was in Numerkah from 2006, under principal Tim Moloney who empowered his teachers to enjoy the love of teaching and making a difference in the kids’ lives.
Mr Moloney gave his teachers the freedom and support to work with the kids and framed Mr Mullavey’s idea of what made a good principal.
After four years he’d met Georgia, another teacher who would become his wife, and the young couple moved to Melbourne.
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Les_Garbutt
Melbourne provided opportunities for leadership roles, like religious education coordinator, maths coordinator, and deputy principal under the inspired leadership of St Kevins Templestowe Lower principal, Francis Matisi.
“I’m naturally introverted so presenting to staff didn’t come naturally, but it’s good to do things that aren’t comfortable,” Mr Mullavey said.
“I missed the classroom, but I enjoyed imparting knowledge in a greater sense and having an impact on the school.
“I knew Francis had my back and that if I ever got to be a principal that would be my number one role, to make sure the teachers know I’m there to support them.
“The flow-on effect is they support the kids; the parents are happy and the community benefits.”
When Francis Matisi moved on, she asked Mr Mullavey to apply for her job.
“I’d worked under some inspirational leaders who showed me the kind of leader I wanted to be, but I wasn’t sure if I was ready,” he said.
“I wanted to be a Chris Fagan (Brisbane Lions coach), someone who did a huge apprenticeship before getting the top job, not a Nathan Buckley or Michael Voss who went in too quick and didn’t quite have the grounding.”
Francis Matisi believed in him though, and so did his wife Georgia who encouraged him to apply.
At the same time, a position was advertised in Cohuna and for family reasons he accepted the job, then eventually the principal’s role at Yarrawonga was advertised.
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Les_Garbutt
Principal Jarrod Mullavey with some of this year’s new students at the 2025 ‘meet and greet breakfast.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
With son Patrick in year one and twins Patrick and Michael eight months old, the timing was right to move closer to their families and “a dream lifestyle by the lake”.
My Mullavey knew Sacred Heart’s former principal, Arn Gorman as someone he aspired to be like.
“When Arn spoke, everyone stopped and listened,” he said.
“I knew the school was well-run and in the back of our minds, this was a dream come true.”
Now Sacred Heart’s footy-loving new principal is settling into town and the school.
He runs 10kms every morning and marathons when he can.
“Most of what we deal with you can laugh at down the track but, in the moment, it can be intense,” he said.
“Running shifts the problems of the world from my shoulders.”
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