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Mount Gambier's David
Mezinec Announced as New College Principal
 A familiar face in the region’s education fraternity has
been appointed as the new principal of Tenison Woods
College.
The Director of Catholic Education South Australia, Jane
Swift, announced today that Mount Gambier’s David Mezinec
would be the second Principal of Tenison Woods College,
succeeding Pam Ronan after her appointment as principal to
Saint Francis de Sales College in Mount Barker.
Currently Acting General Manager of TAFE SA, Mr Mezinec is
responsible for the Business, Information Technology and
Service Industries Division as well as for the Limestone
Coast, Murray Mallee and Riverland regions and will take up
his post as principal at the beginning of 2011.
Mr Mezinec said he was humbled and excited by the
appointment. “It is a role that I will take much pride and
pleasure in, and I am acutely aware of the responsibility
entrusted to me by the community”.
“Tenison Woods College is an outstanding school community
and to be a part of such a progressive community is truly
exciting” Mr Mezinec said.
As well as working within the Government training sector for
the past five years Mr Mezinec also brings over 30 years of
extensive background and experience in education and
leadership to the role and is looking forward to what the
next five years will bring.
“To work with such dedicated, generous and spirited staff,
students, parish and families reassures me that our future
will be a dynamic and prosperous one”.
“I think it is an ideal opportunity to carry on the
outstanding work that the school community has achieved, and
evolve it further” he said.
“In my role as principal it is my hope to build many
significant partnerships between the school and our local
and global communities.”
“Thirteen years is a substantial time to care for and
nurture our young people. During this time we have a
significant opportunity to support them and their parents
through our efforts but also through the partnerships we
build” Mr Mezinec said.
Born and raised in Mount Gambier, Mr Mezinec is no stranger
to the Mount Gambier community attending North Gambier
Primary School and later graduating from Mount Gambier High
School in 1981.
At the conclusion of high school he moved to Adelaide where
he gained a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Languages (German,
French and Italian) from the University of Adelaide and
later in teaching from Uni SA, subsequently gaining a Master
of Education from Uni SA and Masters of Business
Administration from the University of New England.
Mr Mezinec began his teaching career at Adelaide’s Parafield
Gardens High before moving back to Mount Gambier teaching
languages and Religious Education at Tenison College, later
taking on the role of Religious Education Coordinator,
Curriculum Coordinator and Acting Deputy Principal from 1992
to 1998.
With a strong faith and Catholic upbringing he decided to
pursue a career in the Catholic Education system which has
seen him take on significant leadership roles within
Catholic Education South Australia.
During the period from 1998 to 2005 Mr Mezinec served in the
roles of firstly Deputy Principal and then Principal of St
Joseph R-12 Catholic Day and Boarding School in Port
Lincoln, followed by Principal of St Mark’s R-12 College,
Port Pirie, before taking on the role of Acting Director of
Catholic Education in the Diocese of Port Pirie.
On returning home to the South East, but still with a real
passion for learning and education, Mr Mezinec decided to
try his hand at tertiary education and take on the position
of Regional Education Manager and then Business Development
Manager with TAFE SA.
Acting Principal Amanda Parslow said the school community
was delighted and highly confident with the appointment,
anticipating Mr Mezinec will serve the school and wider
community with his outstanding leadership qualities, vision
and drive for the future.
“David brings a wealth of experience in both educational and
faith leadership and we are confident he will continue to
build on the strong foundations that Pam Ronan has
successfully built during her tenure as Principal.” Mrs
Parslow said.
As Mr Mezinec prepares to join the staff of Tenison Woods
College, current Principal Pam Ronan is preparing to say
goodbye.
Having arrived in Mount Gambier in 2001 as the first
principal of the newly formed school following the
amalgamation of St Paul’s Primary School and Tenison
College, Ms Ronan considers herself very privileged to have
led such a great school, and she admits her position at
Tenison has been “one of the most interesting and engaging
roles” she has filled throughout her career.
“The South East is a strong, vibrant community where parents
are very passionate about their children’s education. It
really is a privilege to have lived and worked in such a
dynamic community,” Ms Ronan said.
It is planned that Mr Mezinec will visit the campus to meet
students and staff on a number of occasions before formally
taking up his position in January.
In the interim, he will work closely with the Principal Pam
Ronan, Deputy Amanda Parlsow, College Board, leadership team
and staff to ensure a smooth and seamless transition for the
school community.
“I am confident that he will lead Tenison Woods College into
a new era of achievement and excellence for our students,”
Mrs Parslow said.
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