St Euphemia College principal Penny Pachos appears to have been reinstated following a high-level meeting between His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia and the Board of Saint Euphemia Parish in Bankstown on Friday, June 5.
The development comes just days after St Euphemia College publicly confirmed Ms Pachos’ departure amid growing speculation and concern within the school community over the circumstances surrounding her sudden exit.
In a statement released following Friday’s meeting, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia confirmed that Archbishop Makarios and the Saint Euphemia Parish Board had welcomed “the continuation of Ms Penny Pachos in her role as Principal of Saint Euphemia College.”
The statement strongly suggests a dramatic reversal after the College Board’s earlier communication to parents appeared to confirm she had left the position.
Last Friday, in a statement circulated through the College newsletter, the Board of Directors acknowledged that Ms Pachos’ departure had “raised many questions” among parents and the wider school community.
“We wish to address the recent departure of Mrs Penny Pachos,” the Board stated at the time.
The statement, however, provided no explanation regarding the circumstances surrounding the leadership change, which sources had described as sudden.
Over the past week, the situation prompted significant discussion within sections of the St Euphemia community, with parents and staff seeking clarity over what led to the development and what it meant for the future direction of the College.
Friday’s Archdiocese statement said discussions between Archbishop Makarios and the Parish Board focused on the future and progress of both the Parish and the College, expressing confidence that Saint Euphemia College would continue to “grow and flourish” through education grounded in “the values of the Orthodox faith and Greek cultural heritage.”
The apparent reinstatement marks a significant development in a story that has generated intense interest across the Greek Australian community over the past week.
Ms Pachos was appointed Principal of St Euphemia College in November 2023, succeeding Father Peter Mavrommatis, who had served as interim principal since September 2019.
Before joining St Euphemia College, Ms Pachos held positions at Mount Saint Joseph Catholic College in Milperra, St Patrick’s College in Strathfield, and MLC School in Burwood.
