Career-long goals fulfilled and expanded at Trinity
As the Deputy Head of Junior School at Trinity, Miss Kat O’Malley sees exactly how each facet of Trinity life works in tandem to create a strong community where students, staff, and families are included and empowered.
When the position became available just over two years ago, Miss O’Malley saw the opportunity to take the next step in a leadership journey she had been nurturing for most of her career so far. With roles as a classroom teacher across K-6, Grade and Stage leadership, as well as Curriculum Coordinator at her previous schools, she knew she was ready for a new challenge.
“A huge part of my decision to apply at Trinity was the leadership of [Headmaster] Tim Bowden and [Head of the Junior School] Mark Dunn,” she says. “I knew of both men and their reputations as strong Christian leaders and the opportunity to work with them meant a willingness to cross Sydney every day in traffic! As soon as I saw how they lead and their priorities, I knew this was the school I wanted to be a part of.”
Now, she says that her previous experience across different schools and different roles is constantly informing her current position.
“Having taught from K-6 assists in my role as Deputy as I understand the pressure points of the year for a classroom teacher and have been able to step in and take classes where necessary.”
Miss O’Malley notes that she does miss the classroom, but she does get to “dip her toe in” for a few hours each week teaching Christian studies.
It’s this connection, plus her involvement coordinating all the Junior School Co-curricular activities – as well as attending sport at various locations each Saturday – that she says gives her an extra layer of connection with students and their families.
“I cannot express enough how vital this has been in my role when, on occasion, I need to speak with a parent. Already having that relationship means I have parents’ trust in dealing with behaviour or welfare issues.”
Despite having always had her sights set on leadership throughout her career, Miss O’Malley says that she’s not immune to imposter syndrome.
“Stepping up into senior leadership is always going to be challenging and a bit daunting. Imposter syndrome is real. Trinity has empowered me from the very first day that I am in this role for a reason.
“The amount of professional learning I have been privileged to attend and the opportunities for growth have been incredible. The ability to work alongside such excellent and experienced educators has been a highlight. Having a ‘seat at the table’ where my thoughts and opinions are heard and appreciated has been so empowering.”
Narrowing down the stand out moments of her role can be tricky but she cites two of her highlights as being a part of the hiring process – and to subsequently watch selected candidates “shine” in their positions – and attending conferences like the International Boys’ School Coalition (IBSC) Regional Conference in Perth.
“It was a rewarding experience, networking with so many experienced and passionate boys’ educators and learning just how vital our role here at Trinity is in educating boys.
“It was also a fabulous opportunity to collaborate cross-campus with Miss Jess Ford, Mr Nick Pay, and Mr Kai Ikeuchi, gaining different perspectives on how we are supporting boys in our roles.”
As she looks towards 2026, she is excited for whatever happens next, particularly with opportunities to take on additional leadership opportunities.
“Being afforded the opportunity to step up excites me as it feels like a 20-year goal fulfilled.”
