Staff
I would like to welcome the following staff members who have joined the Kilbreda community.
Mark Fak
Mark joins as a Learning Diversity Assistant. Mark is currently studying his Bachelor of Education at La Trobe University and through his experiences working in schools, has become increasingly interested in Learning Diversity.
He is passionate, energetic and comes with 30 years’ experience in customer service at Comics R US, where he drew on his strong communication skills to build relationships with parents to support them in finding literature to inspire their children. He is an advocate for student voice and agency and is dedicated to creating engaging learning environments where students’ individual strengths are identified and nurtured.
When asked what some interesting facts about himself are, he said, "I appeared on 'Millionaire Hotseat' and came first. At one stage I owned over 60,000 comic books. I know the lyrics to Billy Joel’s seminal classic, 'We Didn’t Start The Fire'." He also stated that his inspiration to work in education, "started from watching far too many American high school movies. Later my children gave me the courage to finally pursue this vocation."
Michelle Treadwell
Michelle joins us as Administrative Assistant: Learning Diversity. Michelle has a diverse background in administration, management and customer service. She joins us from a financial planning firm where she focussed on providing administrative/personal assistance and liaising closely with over 200 clients Michelle is also a past pupil of Kilbreda.
When asked what her first impression of Kilbreda was, Michelle said' "It is warmth and acceptance. Everyone has shown kindness and a willingness to welcome me into the Kilbreda community. It has been surreal walking back through the halls that I walked when I was a student as though time has not passed. I have especially enjoyed reconnecting with teachers who helped shape the person I am today and create new and lasting friendships".
‘Shine a Light On'
‘Shine a Light On' provides our College community a snapshot into the professional lives of our staff and what makes them ‘tick’ on a daily basis. Whilst we know that our staff do an amazing job, it is not as often that we publicly acknowledge the work that they do and the many wonderful ways that they contribute to the learning journeys of our students.
This week at the College we are profiling two teachers who both created and lead our Irish Youth Club (Club Óige), Maria O'Leary and Sean Wogan.
Maria O'Leary
"I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and this is exactly the case in how I became a teacher, as teaching Mathematics was not my first ambition. I desperately wanted to be a doctor and when I did not receive a place in medical school, I was devastated. I decided to pack up my life and travel the world for a year. When I returned home, I was offered some substitute teaching at my old high school, and it was here that my love of teaching blossomed.
My high point in teaching Mathematics is when I see that 'light bulb' moment especially for a student who has struggled to understand a concept, but their hard work and perseverance pays off. That 'look I’ve got it' is thrilling. These are Eureka moments as the Greek Mathematician and inventor, Archimedes, would say. They are moments that cannot be explained, only felt and they are moments that I never tire of seeing."
Sean Wogan
"From my schoolwork experience program within my Transition Year (Year 9), I was fortunate to work within a primary school setting developing sports programs and reading exercises with students aged 5 to 7. This experience allowed me to see students develop and grow their skills over a seven-week period. Seeing students’ progress provided a huge sense of pride which created the drive to become a teacher.
Although I am far from Carlow in Ireland, being able to teach within the Brigidine Tradition and the strong Irish association of Kilbreda College is unique. Growing up in Carlow, I would never have expected to move halfway around the world to a school founded and connected to my hometown! This connection creates a unique reward and pride when teaching at Kilbreda College.
Delivering content within the Religious Education and Humanities learning areas is not only from knowledge but first-hand experience, allowing me to provide students a unique insight into content.
Tanya Kolb
Assistant Principal:
Staff