MacKillop has extended its heartfelt thanks to Michael Lee for his 18 years of outstanding leadership, which came to an end last week at the conclusion of the 2025 academic year.

At the staff farewells on Friday 19 December, Michael was officially farewelled by the Deputy Principal, Mr Lachlan McNicol, before giving one last speech of his own.

Mr McNicol’s speech included a number of anecdotes and stories, which looked back at some of the highlights of Michael’s leadership, and he included words of gratitude for what Michael had done for the College during his tenure. He also spoke about the way Michael would ‘agitate’ on behalf of staff, students, and families – a callback to Michael’s regular references to the American poet, Walt Whitman.

To end his speech, Mr McNicol also referenced a quote by journalist Ken Auletta – which Michael often used when talking about leadership – to highlight Michael’s impact at MacKillop.

“Michael has often referred to how the American Presidency had been described as being a ‘soft leather glove, and every once in a while, someone comes along and through their leadership, they stretch the glove; every once in a while, someone enhances the position beyond what it was when they came into it.’

“There can be no doubt that Michael has stretched the glove, and enhanced what excellence in educational leadership looks like, not just at MacKillop, and not just in Canberra, but beyond it.

“Michael, I hope that when you reflect on your time here, you realise the enormous impact you have had. I hope you realise the difference you have made to the lives of thousands of young adults who used to go to school here. I hope you realise the reassurance you have provided to so many parents and carers at this school. And I hope you realise, to use your words, the love and affection in which you are held by so many of us on the staff.

“MacKillop will be very different without you, but your ideas, your vision, your decisions, and your leadership will be recognisable, will be remembered, and will influence this school for a long time into the future. So, for all of that, and so much more, we all offer our gratitude and simply say: thank you, Michael.”

In Michael’s farewell message to staff, he reflected on the past 18 years and expressed his gratitude for his parents, all his teachers throughout school and university, to those who had left him messages after it was announced he was leaving, and to everyone he had worked with at the College.

“I thank God for my time here, and for all of you,” Michael said. “I’m very humbled and very grateful.

“It is a pleasure to lead a body of people whose ultimate desire is to keep people safe, to give them an education, and to know that they’re held in trust, love and affection. And that’s what you do every day. I’m so proud to be part of this community. 

“I have loved this place and I have given it a very great deal, because I thought it was worthwhile. I’ve lost skin in the game, and I’ve given it up freely.

“This redemptive community in the name of Jesus Christ and Mary MacKillop is what a Catholic education is all about. We are making a difference here.”

To conclude, Michael Lee paraphrased Thomas More’s response to the question, 'If I was a great teacher, who would know?'

“You would know; your pupils would know; your friends would know; God would know. Not a bad audience.”

Michael Lee joined MacKillop in 2008, taking over at a school that he described as being ‘five years ahead of its reputation’. He quickly set about enhancing the image of the College within the wider community, as well as ensuring that MacKillop would continue to set and meet high standards in providing its students with a safe environment and quality teaching and learning experiences. His vision and stewardship have strengthened the College’s Catholic identity, fostered a culture of excellence and care, and guided the community through times of growth and change.

Michael’s personal achievements during his time at MacKillop include being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2023 and being a finalist in the Australian Principal of the Year Award in 2011.

The College extends its deepest gratitude to Michael Lee for his 18 years of dedicated service. We are profoundly grateful for the legacy he leaves, and we wish him every blessing in the next chapter of his journey.

Listen to Michael Lee reflect on his time at MacKillop through either the MacKillop Podcast or the College YouTube channel: