A Legacy of Leadership, Learning and Lasallian Values: Celebrating Bron Kemp

After more than three decades in education, including almost 20 years of dedicated service to St Michael’s College, Deputy Principal Learning and Achievement, Bron Kemp, retired at the end of Term 3, 2026.

Bron’s contribution to Catholic education has been both extensive and profound. Beginning her teaching career in 1992 as a Physical Education teacher at Mercedes College, she went on to hold numerous leadership positions at Gleeson College and Mount Carmel College before joining St Michael’s College in 2006. Over the past two decades, Bron has played a pivotal role in shaping the educational journey of countless students while helping guide the strategic direction of the College through period of significant growth and transformation. Throughout her time at St Michael’s, Bron has led with wisdom, integrity and an unwavering commitment to student learning. Her roles have included Head of English, Research Project and Italian Coordinator, Acting Deputy of Pastoral, Director of Teaching and Learning, Acting Deputy Principal across several portfolios, and most recently, Deputy Principal Learning and Achievement. Her impact has extended beyond St Michael’s, also serving as Acting Deputy Principal at Mary MacKillop College.

We reflect on her remarkable career as she shares some memories, insights and advice from her years in education.

Looking Back

Can you take us back to your first day at St Michael’s College? What are your favourite memories from those early years?

Starting at St Michael’s in 2006 was special for me. I was employed by Principal, Steve Byrnes, and became St Mick’s first female member of the College Leadership Team in my role as Director of Curriculum, and also as its first female Physical Education teacher. At that time, St Mick’s was basically a boys’ school with a handful of girls entering in Year 11 and 12, mostly from Siena College and a smattering of other schools. I was always amazed at the resilience of these young women; at times, there would be just one or two girls taking their place amongst 20 boys in a Physics or Specialist Maths class, and doing very, very well. It was a time of transition and growth at the school with a significant building program extending the gall into the double space it is today, as well as expanding upon the number of general learning areas. This expansion enabled the initial intake of Year 8 girls in 2008, and they too, were an exceptional group of young women. I am also thankful for the strong sense of community that is core to St Michael’s; it is indeed a special place, the best in the west.

A Commitment to Innovation

During Bron’s tenure, St Michael’s evolved into the thriving co-educational Catholic school it is today. She has been a strong advocate for innovation and educational excellence throughout this period of change.

What has made St Michael’s College such a special place to work throughout your career?

Even with its changing makeup, the SMC Leadership Team have always striven to be on the front food in terms of improving the outcomes for its young people. With the intake of girls in 2008, considerable time was given to the development of single-sex classrooms across all subjects through Years 8 to 10. This enabled us to identify teaching approaches that supported the learning of both genders and was a first in South Australia, and one of only a handful of schools in Australia who supported this model of education. Nothing ever stays the same, and now St Michael’s is proudly a Catholic co-educational school in the Lasallian tradition. Innovation continues to be a focus, and I am sure that the new STEAM building with reflect state of the art learning programs for our young people for years to come.

Championing Teaching and Learning

As Deputy Principal Learning and Achievement, Bron has remained focused on ensuring every student has the opportunity to achieve success through high-quality teaching and learning.

The role of Deputy Principal involves many responsibilities. What aspect of the role have you found the most rewarding?

My focus area has always been around teaching and learning. The anticipation of the Year 12 SACE results release at the end of the year cannot be under-estimated. Whilst there have been some absolutely standout years, such as the time we had six College Duces who all achieved an ATAR of 99.45 (in 2010), I am proud to say that the data continues to reflect ongoing academic improvement. This does not happen without an amazing team of educators across all year levels who pride themselves on delivering engaging, innovative, and challenging learning programs, and who instill the desire to learn in young people.

The Connections That Matter Most

While Bron’s leadership has influenced curriculum development, academic achievement and school improvement, it is the relationships formed throughout her career that she treasures most.

What will you miss most when you retire?

I will definitely miss those touchstone moments you have with students. Having spent 34 years as a teacher of young people, I cannot underestimate the impact that students have had on me as well. These were often spontaneous, serendipitous interactions that resulted from a casual conversation in the yard of the classroom. You do not necessarily see the impact you have has on others until a chance encounter maybe years after the student has graduated. These are the special moments that provide the validation that you have made a difference. One of the hardest things about considering the timing of my retirement was just wanting to see the next lot of Year 12s graduate. I eventually had to pull the band-aid off.

Celebrating Milestones

Across the years, several College traditions have held special significance for Bron, particularly those marking the culmination of students’ journeys at St Michael’s.

What is one school tradition or event you’ve always looked forward to each year?

I cannot narrow it down to just one. There are three college events that move me to my core. The first is the Year 12 Graduation Mass where I reflect on just how far the students have come, and the respect and reverence shown. Many tears have been shed on this night by students, parents, and teachers alike. The second one is the Year 12 Graduation Dinner which is a total celebration full of joy, laughter, pomp, ceremony, and dress-ups, and lastly, the Academic Assembly celebrating the results of the graduating Year 12s. All very special and unique in their own right.

As Bron prepares for the next chapter, she leaves the St Michael’s community with a message that reflects both her character and the Lasallian values she has embodied throughout her career.

What is one piece of advice you would like to leave with the SMC Old Scholar community?

Each and everyone of you have gifts and talents that have been honed by your experiences at St Michael’s. Be kind, express gratitude, be forgiving of others, and pay acts of kindness forward, as encouraged by the Founder’s legacy.

As a respected colleague, mentor and Lasallian educator, she has helped shape generations of young people and leaves an enduring legacy at St Michael’s College. On behalf of the entire College community, we thank Bron for her remarkable contribution and wish her very happiness, fulfilment and success in retirement.