An experienced leader in Catholic secondary schools in New South Wales, Mrs Smith will begin her new role in Term 1, 2017.

Mrs Smith is currently Assistant Principal (Secondary Welfare) at St Catherine's Catholic College in Singleton, a K-12 coeducational school with over 800 students in the Diocese of Maitland.

She has also held the Assistant Principal's job at two other Catholic coeducational secondary schools - St Joseph's High School in Aberdeen and All Saint's College in Maitland.

Mrs Smith brings with her extensive experience in professional development and curriculum planning for Catholic school staff which will be a great asset to La Salle Academy in Lithgow.

Her appointment comes after the retirement in August of long-standing Principal, Mr John Emms who had worked in Catholic education for 40 years.

Mrs Smith received a warm welcome at a whole school assembly this week, led by the two Acting Principals who have led La Salle Academy in Terms 3 and 4, Mr Vince Connor and Mr Paul Menday and Parish Administrator Fr Greg Bellam.

At the assembly Mrs Smith was introduced to the entire school community and she took the opportunity to speak about her excitement of working together during the next stage of our learning journey.

Mrs Smith is keen to build on the proud history that La Salle has held within the local community, with the current coeducational secondary college opening its doors in 1968, initially as a junior secondary school.

La Salle Academy has subsequently grown to now enrol over 300 students across Years 7-12.

The school would like to warmly congratulate Mrs Smith on her appointment and looks forward to her arrival in Term 1 2017.