Meet The Principal Feature. August 7, 2024

Meet The Principals

Renae Gentile, Mary Queen of Heaven, Greenvale

Natalie Kenny, St Dominic’s Primary School, Camberwell East

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NAME: Mary Queen of Heaven ADDRESS: 75 French Rd, Greenvale, Vic. 3059 PHONE: 7739 5600 WEBSITE: www.mqhgreenvale. catholic.edu.au EMAIL: info@mqhgreenvale.

NAME: St Dominc’s Primary School ADDRESS: 145 Highfield Rd, Camberwell, Vic 3124 PHONE: 9836 8300 WEBSITE: www.sdcamberwelleast. catholic.edu.au EMAIL: aconnell@sdcamberwell east.catholic.edu.au

mary school, Renae has dedicated her time and energy to build a school community based on the values of Love, Courage, Humility and Respect.

The welcoming, calm and inclusive feeling you experience as you enter the school is a direct reflection of these values.

"At Mary Queen of Heaven, every student matters. They are seen, heard and valued. Our programs deliver the curriculum in a rich and engaging manner.

We welcome a diverse cohort of learners and work towards ensuring that they each have every opportunity to excel and be their very best."

At Mary Queen of Heaven, learning sequences are designed by educators and leaders using student data.

These data sets inform practice, ensuring no child is left behind.

We offer a contemporary approach to learning with explicit instruction and high impact teaching strategies featuring in all lessons.

Our school is a warm, welcoming and inviting space to grow and learn.

Selecting a school for your child is a significant decision, so it is vital to visit prospective schools and encounter their learning culture and community, asking key questions to support your decision.

Our St Dominic’s school community is welcoming, inclusive and highly-engaged and our children are at the heart of all we do.

Wellbeing is fundamental to successful learning and our students are happy, confident, and supported to build meaningful connections and achieve positive learning outcomes.

This is at the core of our work.

Our Dominican Charism is based on the foundations of Prayer, Learning, Service and Community; this is real, lived and celebrated each day at St Dominic’s.

We provide diverse and engaging learning programs, offer excellent contemporary learning spaces, value student voice, target learning support and we are proud of our caring and professional staff.

I warmly invite you and your family to “Discover the St Dom’s Difference” for yourself!

catholic.edu.au

● Renae Gentile Meet Renae Gentile, the Foundation Principal of Mary Queen of Heaven Greenvale.

Renae is a personable and relational leader, whether it be at the front gate, in a formal meeting or addressing the community at an event, Renae always makes time for those in her community, it's the people that really matter.

As the foundation Principal of the newly established Prep to year 6 pri-

Delfina Pieri, St Oliver Plunkett Primary School, Pascoe Vale

● Delfina Pieri - Principal at St Oliver Plunkett Primary School Pascoe Vale Every day, I come to work with a smile, looking forward to the energy of our school community.

Greeting students and families at the gate, sharing updates about footy games or family events, and seeing children eagerly engaged in their learning at 9 am — all highlight what makes St Oliver Plunkett Primary School special: our strong relationships.

At St Oliver Plunkett Primary School in Pascoe Vale, we are committed to fostering a warm, inclusive, and faith-filled community.

Guided by Gospel values, we emphasise love, respect, and compassion in all aspects of school life.

Our vision is to inspire students to

● Natalie Kenny As a Catholic educator of over 30 years and parent of two, I deeply value the importance of selecting the right P-6 primary School for your child and family.

Ross Williams, Our Lady of Lourdes School, Bayswater

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NAME: St Oliver Plunkett Primary School ADDRESS: 1-33 Landells Rd, Pascoe Vale, Vic. 3044 PHONE: 9354 5130 WEBSITE: www.sopascoevale. catholic.edu.au EMAIL: principal@sopascoevale. catholic.edu.au

NAME: Our Lady of Lourdes School ADDRESS: 23 Orange Grove, Bayswater, Vic 3153 PHONE: 9729 3411 WEBSITE: www.olbayswater. catholic.edu.au EMAIL: principal@olbayswater. catholic.edu.au

achieve their full potential, both academically and personally, through a Christ-centered education.

Our dedicated team of teachers use evidence-based practices to ensure that each student receives a high-quality education.

The learning experiences are designed to engage and challenge students, tailored to meet their individual needs in core curriculum areas of English and Mathematics.

We offer a comprehensive and dynamic curriculum with specialist teachers in the areas of Visual Arts, Performing Arts, STEM, Physical Education and LOTE- Italian.

Recognising that every child is unique, we build strong relationships with our students to understand their strengths, challenges, and interests.

This individualised approach allows us to support each student's growth and success, regardless of their starting point.

Our school community is a place where children are encouraged to grow in faith, knowledge, and kindness, preparing them to make a positive impact in the world.

community.

The school strives to provide a strong, inclusive community where partnerships between home and school are fostered.

Students graduating with secondary education are caring, thoughtful, resilient and display a strong understanding of Gospel values.

At Our Lady of Lourdes School, we have specialist teachers for LOTE (Italian), Music, Physical Education and Art/Wellbeing.

Over the last eight years, Mr Williams has overseen two building projects and a revamp of the model of learning within the classroom, and our dedicated teachers have a track record of success in building learning opportunities for every student.

Our Junior School classrooms feature a contemporary design and use of space to deliver rich, differentiated curriculum activities.

You are warmly invited to attend our Open Days or to book a tour with the principal to learn more about why Our Lady of Lourdes School is a wonderful learning environment for all children.

● Ross Williams As a dedicated teacher and leader of Catholic Primary School communities across the Eastern Suburbs, Principal Ross Williams strongly believes that Our Lady of Lourdes School provides a child-centred approach to learning.

The first statement of our school website states …”Where your child is known.” Respect for each individual is shown and expected of all in our

Meet The Principals

Kasey Easdown, St Scholastica’s Primary School, Burwood

● Kasey Easdown Kasey Easdown is a committed instructional leader, alumni and Principal of St Scholastica’s Primary School, Burwood.

She has an unwavering commitment to fostering student social and emotional growth which underpins the academic learning of all students.

Supported by an outstanding and committed staff, St Scholastica's is a

Clare Ryan, St Luke The Evangelist Primary School, Blackburn South

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NAME: St Scholastica’s Primary School ADDRESS: 348 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, Vic 3125 PHONE: 9808 7279 WEBSITE: www.ssbennettswood. catholioc.edu.au EMAIL: keasdown@ssbennettswood. catholic.edu.au

NAME: St Luke The Evangelist Primary School ADDRESS: 46 Orchard Grove, Blackburn South, Vic 3130 PHONE: 9877 4023 WEBSITE: www.slblackburnsth. catholic.edu.au EMAIL: principal@slblackburnsth. catholic.edu.au

school which provides explicit teaching and learning using direct instruction and guided by individual assessment to target to point of need teaching.

At St Scholastica's, we foster a strong sense of connectedness between students, staff and families, we create safe and positive learning environments where all students are known and valued, we ensure class sizes support opportunities for academic excellence and encourage opportunities to build confident learners who will question, challenge, respond and contribute positively to the world.

Choosing the right school for your child to begin their academic journey is a significant decision, one which we at St. Scholastica’s take very seriously.

Before you decide, I encourage you to walk through our school and experience the St. Schol’s difference and see why we are the school of choice for our families.

I welcome the opportunity to meet with you and discuss what we can offer your child and family.

We are not a super-big school and we love that! We make strong connections with our families because of their diverse cultural backgrounds and we work in partnership to develop the whole child.

This also allows us the opportunity to really focus on each child’s individual learning journey.

Our Victorian based curriculum and programs are dynamic and engaging because of the outstanding teaching and support staff we have and the incredible learning spaces we continue to develop.

Our children grow into happy, curious citizens of the world enjoying their own individual measures of success.

They develop their own voice and contribute to their learning in their own way.

Child safety is promoted, prioritised and celebrated so that every child feels safe. It’s where they begin making their own mark on the world.

I would love to show you around St Luke’s… l know you will be impressed.

Annie Engellenner, Our Lady’s Primary School, Surrey Hills

● Clare Ryan Welcome to our beautiful community of St Luke the Evangelist Primary School, here in Blackburn South.

I am so proud of what we offer our children, our families and our local community. l can honestly say we all have fun! It’s a heartspace where every child is known and loved for their unique gifts.

We are a faith filled community that is uniquely Catholic but embraces all faiths.

We also acknowledge and honour the sacred land of the Wurundjeri people of the Woi-Wurrung language whose story we continue to explore…

Trish Vandekolk, St Thomas The Apostle, Greensborough North

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NAME: Our Lady’s Primary School ADDRESS: 31 Erasmus St, Surrey Hills, Vic 3127 PHONE: 9898 7655 WEBSITE: www.olsurreyhills.

EMAIL: aengellenner@olsurrey hills.catholic.edu.au

NAME: St Thomas The Apostle ADDRESS: 251 Diamond Creek Rd, Greensborough, Vic 3088 PHONE: 9434 4565 WEBSITE: www.stgreensboroughnth. catholic.edu.au EMAIL: principal@stgreensborough nth.catholic.edu.au

warmth and confidence of the students they meet, as they walk around the grounds.

Our students are inquisitive, interested and respectful and kind.

We enjoy a strong reputation for the excellent pastoral care of our students.

Our staff are wonderful role models who value the dignity and worth of each and every student and strive to create a positive learning environment in which the personal needs of all students are catered for.

Students are encouraged to seek personal excellence and challenged to discover and develop their talents not only for themselves but in the service of others.

As a passionate leader and educator. with over 25 years of experience in schools and 7 as a Principal, I am committed to leading a school where the students sit at the heart of the decision-making process.

With the Staff of Our Lady’s School, I look forward to coming to know your child and trust that your association with our community will be a happy and positive experience for your whole family.

laborative and inclusive school culture.

St Thomas the Apostle School proudly upholds its strong tradition of a faith-based education, continually building upon this foundation to enrich our students' lives.

Our teaching methods are grounded in evidence-informed best practices, ensuring that each student receives personalised attention and is encouraged to reach their full potential.

Our dedicated staff work tirelessly to create a supportive and stimulating learning environment. With our Bush School, Vegetable Garden, Science Block, Food Technology Building, Basketball Stadium and Athletics Track, students benefit from stateof-the-art facilities and enormous opportunities.

Our small class sizes ensure all students are known and valued within a community that values personal growth alongside academic success.

Join us at St Thomas the Apostle School and be part of a community where every child is inspired to learn, grow, and thrive.

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● Annie Engellenner Our Lady's Primary School is an inclusive and welcoming learning environment where all our students are provided with the opportunity to thrive both academically, socially, and emotionally.

Our small class sizes allow for relationships to flourish and personalised learning to occur every day.

The first thing that people notice when they visit our school is the

● Trish Vandekolk St Thomas the Apostle School, Greensborough North, is a school where academic excellence, spiritual growth, and student well-being are our guiding principles.

Nestled in a vibrant community, our school provides a nurturing environment for students from Prep through to Year 6.

We are excited to introduce our new principal, Trish Vandekolk, whose vision and leadership promise to elevate our commitment to educational excellence.

Trish brings a wealth of experience and a passion for fostering a col-

Meet The Principals

Karen Jebb, Emmaus College, Vermont South

Sarah McDermott Our Lady of Fatima School, Rosebud

Fact File NAME: Emmaus College ADDRESS: 503 Springvale Rd, Vermont South, Vic 3133 PHONE: 9845 3209 WEBSITE: www.emmaus.vic.edu.au EMAIL: principal@emmaus. vic.edu.au

● Karen Jebb Discover the Emmaus College Difference As a parent, choosing the right school for your child is one of the most significant decisions you will make.

At Emmaus College, we offer an exceptional learning environment where students are inspired to be

come outstanding young men and women.

Recognised as a premier co-educational Catholic College, Emmaus boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a diverse curriculum delivered by experienced and dedicated educators.

Our students are encouraged to forge their own paths, developing their unique gifts and talents within the supportive and enriching environment that Emmaus provides.

Our College vision is to foster a community that nurtures the full flourishing of each learner, inspiring excellence as they come “To Know Christ” on their own road to Emmaus.

In 2025, we are excited to announce the integration of three schools into one, securing a bright future for Catholic education in Melbourne’s east.

For the first time, Emmaus College will offer a seamless education from kindergarten through Year 12, ensuring a guaranteed pathway into our highly regarded senior school, which has consistently seen high demand for enrolments.

Join us at Emmaus College, where your child’s learning journey is our priority.

Stefanie Harvey, St Martin de Porres Primary School, Avondale Heights

● Stefanie Harvey I believe that the best thing about St Martin de Porres Parish Primary School, Avondale Heights, is the people who make up our school and parish community.

It has been my privilege to be welcomed into this community as prin-

● Sarah McDermott Our Lady of Fatima is a small CathoFact File lic primary school that delivers evidence informed teaching and learning in a warm and supportive com- NAME: Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Primary School munity environment.

ADDRESS: 16 Hinton St, Rosebud, The school is situated in Rosebud Vic 3939 serving the communities of surround- PHONE: 5950 0400 ing areas.

WEBSITE: www.fatimarosebud.

Our School motto is Dream, Becatholic.edu.au lieve, Achieve, with a focus on meet- EMAIL: smcdermott@fatima ing each child at their point of need. rosebud.catholic.edu.au Student wellbeing is at the heart of what we do and our staff ensures that School Hall, substantial playgrounds your child is supported to make the and sporting fields, all while located very most of their academic poten- on a quiet street frontage that provides a sense of privacy and secutial.

With a rigorous teaching program, rity for our students and families.

Working together in partnership is our staff hold a common vision of academic success for all students, of utmost importance to our school, where teaching capabilities and re- where together we build the highest lationships are nurtured to support stu- possible level of care and trust bedents’ academic results, spiritual de- tween students, staff and families.

We place learning at the centre velopment and wellbeing.

With an extensive campus, Our of our everyday encounters, while Lady of Fatima offers spacious and ensuring that a strong sense of modern learning spaces, a dedi- wellbeing and community is maincated specialist learning area, Hub, tained.

Angela Romano, Marian College, Sunshine West

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NAME: St Martin de Porres Primary School ADDRESS: 158 Military Rd, Avondale Heights, 3034 PHONE: 9331 9000 WEBSITE: www.smavondaleheights. catholic.edu.au EMAIL: principal@smavondale heights.catholic.edu.au cipal in 2024.

The motto of our school is, 'Faith, Diversity, Learning' and our community places great value on fostering an environment where students feel welcomed, safe, curious and ready to learn.

We are a welcoming partnership of students, families and staff who together seek to live the teachings of Jesus.

Our students have access to many opportunities to grow in their faith, knowledge and social and emotional learning.

Our classrooms are vibrant places of learning, with staff, focusing on differentiating the learning experiences to meet the needs of the students.

Student voice shapes both our own community events and our wider Social Justice initiatives, with an active group of student leaders who work across the school, supported by staff.

We offer a range of lunchtime clubs such as gardening, art, choir and chess club.

We welcome you to come for a school tour to learn more about our multicultural community.

NAME: Marian College ADDRESS: 196 Glengala Rd, Sunshine West, Vic 3020 PHONE: 9363 1711 WEBSITE: www.mariansw.vic.edu.au EMAIL: cnicholl@mariansw. vic.edu.au in educational leadership.

Angela is known for her innovative approach to curriculum development and an unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Angela brings a fresh perspective and a future-focused vision to Marian College.

This new leadership will drive progress, embrace technological advancements, and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that Marian College remains at the forefront of educational excellence and prepares its students for a rapidly evolving world.

Under Angela’s exceptional leadership, Marian has enjoyed a transformative year, with the expansion of our vertical curriculum, enhanced pathways for our senior students, revitalised STEAM offerings and various capital works underway at the College.

Serving as a strong female role model, Angela inspires students to pursue leadership roles and break gender stereotypes.

We would love to host you for one of our tours or open days, please visit our website for more information.

● Angela Romano At Marian College Sunshine West, we specialised in girls’ education. We believe that learning and development should occur within a framework that values inclusiveness, justice, love, and forgiveness.

We recognise, value, and encourage the diversity of many cultures and religions within the College, reflecting the wider community and fostering a broader understanding of the world.

2024 marks a new era for the college, with the arrival of Angela Romano as Principal.

Angela brings a deep passion for education and extensive experience

Meet The Principals

Rita Grima St Columba’s College, Essendon

Daniella Maddalena, St Columba’s Primary School, Elwood Fact File NAME: St Columba’s Primary School ADDRESS: 24 Glen Huntly Rd, Elwood, Vic 3184 PHONE: 9531 6560 WEBSITE: www.stcolumbasprimary. org EMAIL: principal@scelwood. catholic.edu.au

● Rita Grima Rita Grima has worked in education for over 30 years and has held the Fact File principalship at St Columba’s College NAME: St Columba’s College since 2018.

Her immense leadership experi- ADDRESS: 2 Leslie Rd, Essendon, Vic 3040 ence has made her a great asset to the St Columba’s College community, PHONE: 9331 9498 and the programs and processes in- WEBSITE: www.columba.vic.edu.au troduced over the last five years have EMAIL: brookere@columba. pushed the College forward and convic.edu.au tinued the legacy of innovation.

As a mother of three daughters, ing up against injustices; Rita’s commitment to girls’ education Our Sisters of Charity heritage that runs deep. Her belief in challenging challenges us to always put the other students to think big and to be women at the centre; of change, is imbued throughout the The staff who are committed, genCollege. erous, creative and are focussed on When asked what makes St delivering the best learning and Columba’s College special? Rita re- wellbeing outcomes for our students; sponded: And the special connection that suc“Our students and their commit- cessive generations of women within ment and positive attitude, apprecia- a family have to the College. tion of being challenged to be their They are proud that St Columba’s best and using their voices in stand- is a part of their family’s history.”

Holy Family School, Mount Waverley Holy Family School Mount Waverley is a faith filled learning community that is committed to excellence.

Our hard-working and innovative staff are exemplary models to our students as they continuously work on their craft. I feel extremely privileged to lead such a dedicated group of educators.

As principal of Holy Family, I see the growth of both my students and staff as paramount. I began at Holy Family in Term 4 2018 and during this time, I have had the opportunity of leading our school towards evidence informed practices, which have seen an increase in student engagement, a decrease in students requiring intervention and an overall sense of predictability. I am an avid reader and enjoy staying abreast of the latest educational research is a passion of mine.

Holy Family School is a multicultural community and everything that we do at Holy Family is centered around our students. The focus for our teachers and Learning Support Staff is to ensure that we deliver effective Tier 1 instruction, so that each student can reach their full potential. This is achieved by explicit direct instruction and setting high expectations for all students.

As a school that is always striving to do better, we frequently review student data to refine our practice.

Analysis of student data has resulted in positive changes over the last few years.

• Tier 2 Interventions in Literacy (MultiLit) and Mathematics (Extend Mathematical Understanding) • Explicit Direct Instructioning

● Daniella Maddalena Welcome to St Columba's Primary School! I am Daniella Maddalena, the proud principal of this vibrant learning community.

At St Columba's, we believe every child is at the heart of education, ensuring each child experiences success through a significant, relevant, challenging, and engaging curriculum.

Our approach is rooted in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), offering a broad, inquiry-based curricu-

lum that prepares students for a globalized world.

We promote diversity and international-mindedness, fostering respect and understanding across cultures.

We educate the whole child— physically, socially, emotionally, and academically—helping them develop essential skills for lifelong success.

Our learning environment encourages critical thinking through a mix of direct instruction and facilitated learning.

Programs like "wellbeing weeks" and the St Columba’s Kids program create a safe, inclusive environment where children feel a sense of belonging.

Sustainability is integral to our culture, with students participating in community initiatives to protect our environment.

We value strong home-school partnerships, keeping parents involved and informed.

At St Columba's, we empower children to thrive in a constantly changing world, equipping them with the skills to inquire, act, and reflect.

Dean King, Elisabeth Murdoch College, Langwarrin

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NAME: Holy Family School ADDRESS: 250 Stephensons Rd, Mount Waverley, Vic 3149 PHONE: 9807 3300 WEBSITE: www.hfmw. catholic. edu.au EMAIL: jdaviod@hfmw.catholic. edu.au • Synthetic Systematic Phonics (UFLI in P-2 & PhOrMes 2-6) • Sensory Room • Routines (Behaviour Curriculum) The weekly Specialist Programs that we offer are – • Auslan • Performing Arts • Physical Education • Library • Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) Extracurricular opportunities include – • FIRE Carriers (Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education) Promoting reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in Victorian Schools • The Music Bus • Soccer Skill Training • Prep-Year 6 Camp program • Student Clubs • Gardening Club • Running Club We have supportive families who not only get together to raise funds, but also to connect with each other through ‘friend raising’.

We look forward to welcoming you to our community. Please phone our administration staff to book a tour of our incredible school.

NAME: Elisabeth Murdoch College ADDRESS: 80 Warrandyte Rd, Langwarrin, Vic 3910 PHONE: 9788 2600 WEBSITE: www.emc.vic.edu.au EMAIL: Elisabeth.murdoch.co@ education.vic.au

● Dean King Our college is based on a strong vision of creating an inclusive environment that supports our community to realise their potential.

At EMC we provide tailored educational pathways to support every student's success.

Our VCE and VM pathways offer flexible and comprehensive options, ensuring students can pursue academic and vocational goals aligned with their interests and career aspirations. In addition to these pathways our college offers middle school specialist programs that cater to students with unique interests and talents, allowing them to delve deeper into specific fields and enhance their skills.

Student wellbeing is a top priority, reflecting our commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching environment.

We understand that academic success is intrinsically linked to overall health, and we strive to provide comprehensive support across various dimensions of wellbeing.

Central to our approach is our commitment to continuous improvement through professional learning.

Our excellent professional learning program empowers teachers with the latest strategies and insights, directly translating into enhanced teaching practices and improved student outcomes.

Our college continues to achieve outstanding results in VCE and NAPLAN which have been accomplished through setting high expectations for student learning and behaviour and by instilling our college values, REACH Respect, Empowerment, Aspiration, Courage and Honesty.

At Elisabeth Murdoch College we strive for our students to be the best version of themselves.

Meet The Principals

Marco Di Cesare, Marcellin College, Bulleen

Jason McBean, Laurimar Primary School

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NAME: Marcellin College ADDRESS: 160 Bulleen Rd, Bulleen, Vic 3105 PHONE: 9851 1589 WEBSITE: www.marcellin.vic.edu.au EMAIL: info@marcellin.vic.edu.au

NAME: Laurimar Primary School ADDRESS: 1 Armidale Rd, Doreen, Vic 3754 PHONE: 9717 7100 EMAIL: laurimar.ps@ education.vic.gov.au We have a rich and thriving culture, knowledge and experience of our First Nations People who are celebrated by all within our community.

We have universal support that is inclusive, responsive and respectful of Koorie People, at every stage of their learning and development.

We offer specialist subjects, including PE, Art, Social & Emotional Learning, Chinese, and STEM. Laurimar Primary School is filled with opportunities, engaging programs, and inclusive classrooms that cater to the academic needs of each child.

Additionally, we provide an excellent on-site Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) program to further support our families.

I invite you to book a tour to see our vibrant learning environment firsthand.

Meet our dedicated staff, explore our programs and discover why Laurimar Primary School is the perfect choice for your child’s education.

Experience the community, innovation and opportunities that make our school a standout choice for your family. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

● Marco Di Cesare Marcellin College, a leading Catholic secondary school for boys in Melbourne’s east, was founded by the Marist Brothers in 1950.

Starting with just 170 students in Camberwell, it expanded to Bulleen in 1963.

Today, the College boasts a stunning 14-hectare campus, providing

top-tier education to more than 1200 students.

Marcellin College remains committed to its Marist roots, celebrating a legacy of graduates excelling in diverse fields such as medicine, science, business, politics and engineering.

Marco, a dedicated Marist, has been part of Marist education since Year 7, both as a student and a teacher for 19 years.

His deep connection to the Marist characteristics and extensive leadership experience in Catholic schools have prepared him well for his role as Principal of Marcellin College, a position he assumed in 2021.

Marco’s impressive academic credentials include a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) from RMIT, a Graduate Diploma of Education, a Master of Business Administration (Executive) from ACU, a Master of Education Policy from the University of Melbourne, a Graduate Certificate in Theology, and a Master of Theolological Studies .

His leadership at Marcellin College is marked by a commitment to lifelong learning and the Marist tradition of educational excellence.

Marisa Matthys, St Mary’s Primary School, Greensborough

● Marisa Matthys It is an absolute privilege to be the Principal of St Mary’s Greensborough.

We are a dynamic community of empowered learners engaging justly in the world.

Our philosophy is to be a welcoming, inclusive community by following Jesus’ teaching and genuinely caring for others.

● Jason McBean At Laurimar Primary School, we are dedicated to nurturing every child’s potential in a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment.

As one of the largest primary schools in the area, each cohort is a community within a community, providing ample opportunities for social development and friendships to flourish.

From my perspective as Principal, we emphasise a well-rounded education that supports student growth and fosters a love of learning.

We encourage student leadership through roles such as School Captains and Junior School Council members, building confidence and community involvement.

Wayne Smith, St Mary’s Catholic College, Seymour

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NAME: St Mary’s Primary School ADDRESS: 210 Grimshaw St, Greensborough, Vic 3088 PHONE: 9433 4000 WEBSITE: www.smgreensborough. catholic. edu.au EMAIL: jbaker@smgreensborough. catholic.edu.au St Mary’s is a place where students and their families truly have a sense of belonging.

As an innovative school which values excellence, all decisions are based upon what is best for our students, deeply underpinned by research.

Our ‘cognitive sciences’ approach caters for all students and increases student engagement and participation. Explicit teaching, daily review and consistent practice supports our students to flourish.

We are extremely proud of our colearner functional language approach to teaching Italian. Our aim is for students to be able to speak fluently in Italian.

We are a Positive Behaviour for Learning school aligning behaviour and academics.

St Mary’s committed, highly expert teachers, explicitly teach the knowledge and behaviours we expect to see.Students are respectful and responsible, letting ‘learners learn and teachers teach’.

I look forward to meeting with you, supporting your child and building in them a love for learning.

NAME: St Mary’s Catholic College Seymour ADDRESS: 90 High St, Seymour, Vic 3660 PHONE: 57902 2611 WEBSITE: www.smseymour. catholic.edu.au EMAIL: office@smseymour. catholic.edu.au

● Wayne Smith At St Mary’s College we are guided by the Mercy Values of justice, compassion, respect, hospitality, service and courage, as illustrated in the story of Catherine McAuley, the Founder of the Sisters of Mercy.

We are an inclusive College and our motto, ‘Protect and Care for Us’ values every member of our College.

We believe all things are possible when students understand their Godgiven gifts and abilities and never

give up on their dreams.

Academic success, student wellbeing and faith formation empower students to grow from curious Foundation students into responsible, respectful and capable young adults who have the confidence to take the next step to a rewarding future.

Wayne joined St Mary’s College in January 2019 and we have seen ongoing growth throughout the College.

After 38 years returning to Year 12 in 2025. Returning to Year 12 since the mid 1980’s has required a huge College effort and the journey that began in 2022 is now the College’s reality.

A new building for F-2 students Primary Learning Centre.

Extension to the current Administration Centre and an additional primary classroom.

Stage 1 construction of a new VCE and Senior Learning Centre Stage 2 extension to Monsignor Toms Science wing Stage 3 Plan to build a new Secondary Building

Meet The Principals

Brian Hanley OAM, St Monica’s College, Epping

● Brian Hanley OAM St Monica’s College, Epping is a coeducational Catholic College that was established in 1964 and is based on four campuses, the two main campuses located in Epping.

The College offers a modern curriculum with a wide choice of sub-

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NAME: St Monica’s College ADDRESS: 16 Davisson St, Epping, Vic. 3076 PHONE: 9409 8800 WEBSITE: www.stmonicas-epping. com EMAIL: e.attie@stmonicas-epping. com

NAME: Viewbank College ADDRESS: Warren Rd, Viewbank, Vic 3084 PHONE: 8458 2811 WEBSITE: www.viewbank.vic.edu.au EMAIL: viewbank.co@ education.vic.gov.au

jects.

Our cocurricular activities are highly regarded with many options in sport, arts and STEM. We welcome a diverse cohort of students with the assurance that we will ensure that each and every one has the best opportunity to be their best. At our College, no student is left behind.

Our principal, Mr Brian Hanley OAM, commenced as principal in 1991.

He has overseen the ongoing development of the College infrastructure as well as ensuring our curriculum meets the challenge to give our students the education they need to take them forward in life.

“I am committed to ensuring that we provide the best education we can to the youth of the northern suburbs of Melbourne, supported by the best staff and state-of-the-art facilities. At St Monica’s College every student matters and we leave no student behind,” Mr Hanley said.

Brian was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his services to secondary education in 2021.

Loretta Wholley, Genazzano FCJ College, Kew

● Loretta Wholley Loretta Wholley is the principal of Genazzano FCJ College, Kew. A welcoming contemporary Catholic school for girls that redefines individual academic success, the College prepares girls in Prep to Year 12 and co-educational ELC students for a hope-filled global future.

Loretta has enjoyed an outstand-

Sharon Grimes, Viewbank College. Viewbank

● Sharon Grimes It is a great privilege to be Principal of Viewbank College.

My central focus is to provide a quality learning environment where all students can thrive.

We place our values at the heart of everything we do as a community, and our pledge reinforces the key

value of respect.

Equally, we understand that student wellbeing is crucial to their growth and learning outcomes.

We have an extensive wellbeing team and a house structure that ensures all students feel known, connected and supported.

At our school, we offer a dynamic range of programs designed to engage and challenge our students.

The college has developed a strong ethos around rigor, effort, respect for learning and ensuring all students can succeed.

Our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) program encourages critical thinking and innovation, preparing students for future careers in a rapidly evolving world.

Our performing arts and instrumental music programs nurture creativity, talent and build confidence and self-esteem.

Our strong sports program provides a breadth of opportunity for competition, participation and teamwork.

We are committed to providing an excellent education for all our students and invite you to join us on this journey.

Tess Dwyer, St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School, Healesville

Fact File

Fact File

NAME: Genazzano FCJ College ADDRESS: 301 Cotham Rd, Kew, Vic 3101 PHONE: 8862 1000 WEBSITE: www.genazzano. vic.edu.au EMAIL: Tamara.Barth@genazzano. vic.edu.au

NAME: St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School ADDRESS: 1 High St, Healesville, Vic 3777 PHONE: 5962 4200 WEBSITE: www.sbhealesville. catholic.edu.au EMAIL: principal@sbhealesville. catholic.edu.au

ing career in education as a principal, deputy principal and educator across Australia, with qualifications including a Master of Educational Leadership, Master of Religious Education, Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts.

Loretta's dynamism in leading innovation and passion for all-girls education translates to working with families and staff leadership to support girls' academic, social and emotional well-being.

Honouring the wisdom gained from over 135 years of educating girls, the College embraces all students' talents, potential, and dignity - day, boarding, and international - to grow in excellence.

Genazzano FCJ College provides girls with an opportunity to be immersed in a culture of inquiry that fosters compassion, courage, and confidence, developing critical thinkers who actively respond and contribute to a more just and peaceful world.

At Genazzano, we want to empower our students to have a voice in designing their learning journey and not be limited in any way.

● Tess Dwyer I am proud to be the Principal of St Brigid’s School, located in Healesville.

I commenced at St Brigid’s in November 2022 and have enjoyed getting to know this wonderful school community over the last 18 months.

Healesville has always been a place of retreat for me, I do not live locally but enjoy the beautiful drive to work each day.

I am a mother of four sons and my husband and I live in Greensborough.

Family is one of my key values and I consider my school community to be an extension of my family.

I am a passionate educator, always looking for ways to improve and support our students. I have worked in many different roles from classroom teacher, many varied leadership roles, to Deputy and Acting Principal at St Thomas in Greensborough North.

I love to learn and have recently graduated from Australian Catholic University having achieved a Masters of Business Administration and am now commencing further studies in the area of Phonics Assessment and Instruction.

I believe that we are all learners and encourage everyone I encounter to seize opportunities to learn every day.

St Brigid’s is a wonderful commu-

ity, one where learning and wellbeing are paramount. The students are at the centre of all of our decision-making and an essential part of this is our relationship with parents.

Another key unique feature of our school is our strength in student leadership and voice, we focus on the ministries of School Spirit, Sustainability and Social Justice with one student representing indigenous perspectives across each of these ministries.

Being located in a small rural town provides us with many opportunities to engage with the local community at events such as ANZAC Day, Vietnam Veterans Day and through our strong connection with the St Brigid’s Parish Care Group.

We aim to create a Christ-centered community, learning from the past, challenging the present and creating a future for all those in our care.

Every day is an open day at St Brigid’s so feel free to drop past for a tour or call the school office for further information.

Meet The Principals

David Mutimer St James Primary School, Vermont

Tracey Kift, Penola Catholic College, Glenroy and Broadmeadows Fact File NAME: Penola Christian College ADDRESS: PO Box 3233, Broadmeadows, Vic 3047 PHONE: 9301 2743 WEBSITE: www.penola.vic.edu.au EMAIL: ecampbell@penola. vic.edu.au

● David Mutimer St James Vermont is a medium-sized Fact File primary school with 350 students and 14 classes, including two classes per NAME: St James Primary School grade.

ADDRESS: 51 Centre Rd, Vermont, The school also boasts a farmyard Vic 3133 featuring six chickens and two goats.

PHONE: 9874 1830 Specialist subjects offered include WEBSITE: www.sjvermont.

Auslan, Physical Education, STEM, catholic.edu.au Performing Arts, and Visual Arts.

EMAIL: emir.bajcic@sjvermont.

The vibrant school culture is evident catholic.edu.au as soon as you enter the grounds.

Students appear relaxed and highly respected and valued by the cheerful, staff are friendly and ap- staff for his leadership and camaraproachable, and parents are actively derie. involved, creating an environment David prioritises building lasting rewhere everyone genuinely enjoys lationships with parents and families each other's company. to effectively meet each student's Since taking on the role in 2018, needs and support them in reaching Principal David Mutimer has been instrumental in nurturing a strong sense their full potential.

His goal is for every St James comof community. munity member to experience a The school's Vision Statement, “At St James, together, we are Seeking deep sense of belonging within the the Spirit, Learning to Love, Loving to school.

In his free time, David enjoys Learn, and Living Life to the Full,” is central to the school’s ethos and spending time with his wife, four chilguides all of David's decisions. He is dren, and their dog, Kevin.

● Tracey Kift Penola Catholic College welcomed a new Principal in 2024.

Tracey Kift is the fifth Principal of the College, and its first female Principal. She embodies the College’s core values, Excellence, Community and Faith.

“I feel incredibly blessed to work with an outstanding team of teachers who are committed to nurturing the talent and potential of every student,” Ms Kift said.

As a Catholic co-educational College, Penola offers a unique structure that provides students with an unparalleled transition to secondary school.

Students begin their secondary schooling in the dedicated Year 7-8 campus in Glenroy, working with a

team of specialists in Middle Years.

By the time students move to the Senior Campus in Broadmeadows, they have developed the confidence and independence required to pursue their individual pathway and passions.

With a steadfast commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, Tracey endeavours to empower both students and staff to reach their fullest potential.

In 2025, she is introducing an Enhanced Learning Program designed to challenge and extend high achieving students.

“The College has long had an outstanding reputation for catering to individual learning needs, and our new Enhanced Learning Program will ensure that highly-able and gifted students are consistently challenged in their learning,” Ms Kift said.

Tracey’s dedication reflects her commitment to nurturing a College Community that not only excels academically but grows in faith and solidarity.

For those new to the community, or considering a place at the College, please visit penola.vic.edu.au to book a tour or apply online.