As an educator, my role goes far beyond teaching the curriculum. I believe students flourish when we focus our attention on their holistic development, taking into consideration their social, emotional, academic and spiritual development. This is particularly important during that Transition from Primary school to a Secondary setting. As Year 7 Pastoral Care Coordinator, it is my privilege to work closely with teachers, students and families during this important time of challenge and new opportunity. 

In my eight years of teaching in Catholic Education, I have developed a passion for teaching in the middle years. I believe it is through relevant and engaging learning experiences that young people develop a desire to be creative, resilient, lifelong learners. Our Josephite tradition encourages us to approach challenges and opportunities with confidence, energy and passion. I aim to draw out each student’s individual characteristics, enabling them to become active participants in the community.

In my role as Year 8 Pastoral Care Coordinator I have the privilege of accompanying girls as they transition from the primary years to a high school setting. I delight in watching each girl accept new challenges, embrace new experiences and set out to achieve personal goals.

Throughout my 30 years in education, I have seen many changes for women in society and I am passionate about ensuring our girls are equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge and wisdom to live life as women of confidence. I take every opportunity to listen and work with the girls, providing opportunities for them to take on leadership roles so that they can build positive relationships with others in the school and wider community.

As a past student myself, I enjoy meeting other old scholars who visit the College, now as mothers, keen for their own daughters to have that same positive and nurturing experience at Mary MacKillop College that we did.

I have always been very passionate about engaging Year 8 students in their learning and self-development. It is in these years that the foundation is laid and a secure spring board is set for success in the years to come. I draw on the values of respect, hard work and integrity in my work with your daughters as I support them in their endeavours as learners, explorers and contributors in a world of opportunity.

Before joining the Mary MacKillop community I worked at Caritas College Port Augusta, an R-12 Co-educational Catholic school, teaching in the Josephite tradition. I am excited to continue working in a Josephite environment where girls are empowered to learn and achieve, experiencing high-quality teaching and learning that will equip them with the knowledge, skills, and strategies to become thriving, capable learners. As a committed educational leader inspired by the Catholic faith, I hope to drive powerful learning opportunities and formation for all students. I believe in a holistic educational approach that provides a foundation for the full development of the person, including academic, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual development.

I am privileged in my role as the Year 9 Pastoral Care Coordinator to work alongside families and staff, enabling each student to be a better person for a better world, challenging young people to find meaning and value in their lives. As the pastoral Care Coordinator I hope to ensure students are safe, happy and involved in their learning and able to perform to their full potential. I look forward to working with students, staff and families, as students embrace the challenge and the call to start transitioning into resilient, reliable and respectful young adults. 

Sport played a crucial part of my childhood. Attending a Catholic girls’ school allowed me to experience the benefits of participation in sport as a teenage girl in a supportive environment with the emphasis placed on enjoyment. I absolutely loved being active, playing in teams with friends and the competitive nature of sports. Participation in a wide range of sports offered through the co-curricular sport program helped shape me into the person I am today and instilled a love of physical activity that continues to play a vital role in my life. When choosing a career, it felt natural to choose a path that provided students with sporting opportunities, promoted physical activity and encouraged participation to all. I feel extremely grateful to be working with MacKillop girls and sharing my enthusiasm for physical activity with the school community. I hope that through participating in the sporting life at the College students will find a sense of belonging, enjoyment and passion for physical activity that stays with them for life.

For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a teacher. My first opportunity to teach was in a Josephite school, Caritas College in Port Augusta. While I was there, I got to know and love many of the Sisters of St Joseph and their caring ways. After a few years in the country, I returned to Adelaide and began teaching at Mt Carmel College, another school with a Josephite tradition. It was here that I discovered my passion for leadership in pastoral care. The extra care that I could share with students in a Pastoral Care Coordinator’s role became an integral part of my career.

I have continued my passion working with Sisters of St Joseph at Mary MacKillop College with continuing leadership roles in pastoral care. It is my strong belief that happy students learn well. I aim to build strong relationships between the girls and their teachers by providing a learning environment in which the girls feel valued and care for each other, and where our Catholic and Josephite ethos are in harmony with the culture of our College, shaping positive relationships within our community.

Before joining the Mary Mackillop community I began my teaching career in Catholic Education in Ireland and the UK and then made the move across the water to Australia.  Throughout this time it was evident that one common thread makes a Catholic education special and that is that every person matters. The Josephite tradition encompasses this understanding beautifully.  In my role as a Pastoral Care Coordinator I hope to work in partnership with students, their families and their teachers to ensure that each student will have the opportunity to build positive relationships and will in turn strive to do their very best. I believe that if we can create a positive environment for our young women they will have a greater chance of success. I love being part of the student’s journey - guiding, encouraging each young woman to be the best they can be both academically and socially. It is truly something special to see each person reach success no matter what that may look like for them. I believe that it is our role to prepare our young women for life beyond the school setting, by building confidence and resilience and to develop an understanding of themselves and the world they live in.