Spotlight on Staff
Welcome to New Staff Clarissa Tebbatt Psychologist
Leone Smyth Director Administration Leone Smyth has come to Brigidine as Director Administration and Year 11 Economics teacher. Prior to this appointment Leone spent 12 years at Mater Maria Catholic College, Warriewood, in a variety of teaching, administration and IT roles. Leone has had experience as Administration Coordinator, Timetabler, Student/Learning Management System Administrator and Learning Technologies Coordinator. Leone has a Master of Business (Industrial Relations) from Charles Sturt University, a Diploma of Business Administration, a Graduate Certificate in ICT Education, a Graduate Diploma in Education majoring in Business Studies and Economics with a minor in Computing.
Clarissa is an alumnus of Brigidine College St Ives and is therefore especially excited to have returned in her role as College Psychologist. She is passionate about wellbeing and encouraging girls to flourish in all aspects of their lives. Her position is one of trust as the counselling office is often a place girls come when times are tough, and professional support is needed to help them get back on track at home, school or with their peers.
Melissa Dooley Social Sciences Melissa is a passionate Social Sciences teacher with a love of teaching and learning in all capacities. Melissa completed her five year BA/BEd degree at the University of Sydney and then taught Geography at The Hills Grammar School.
Clarissa completed a Bachelor of Liberal Studies at The University of Sydney and postgraduate study at Macquarie University. On completing university, she accepted an internship in Tamworth, regional NSW. Here she gained experience in a range of settings, including with the Department of Human Services and most recently at McCarthy Catholic College.
Melissa has travelled extensively in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa. She is a very active sports person who coaches and participates in softball, baseball, hockey, netball, swimming and skiing. Melissa’s other major interests are history, and design and technology. She was invited to showcase her D&T invention in the final series of the ABC’s The New Inventors. This invention led to her being runner-up Young Inventor of the Year which further led to her being invited to mentor Distance Education students in Queensland.
In 2016 Leone was also appointed by the Board of Studies as Chief Examiner Information & Digital Technology and is the Convenor of the Catholic Schools’ Trial examination Committee in Information Processes & Technology. She has also worked as an HSC Senior Marker and Judge.
Pip Lees Mathematics Pip Lees has joined the Mathematics Department this year. She has had experience teaching in a range of schools. In 2015 Pip taught at Monte Sant’ Angelo and was at an International School in London for four years prior to that.
Leone is passionate about helping both students and teachers develop practical skills and confidence in internet literacy and efficiently integrating technology into their daily lives – as these are useful no matter which career path they choose.
Pip’s first teaching role was at Marrickville High School. This variation of educational contexts has been valuable in the development of her expertise and career. In addition to her skill in teaching, which, incidentally extends to PDHPE, Pip is also a volleyballer who loves playing and coaching.
The Bridge
12
May 2016