2022 Staff

Welcome to St Anne's College

In this edition of il giornale, we continue to feature our new college staff for 2022. This week we introduce you to School of Innovation Learning Mentor Nathan Carroll, Learning Support Trainee Teah Ryan and Wellbeing Officer Fiona Down.

Nathan Carroll

Hi everyone, my name is Nathan Carroll, I'm working with the Year 9 team this year. I've been in Shepparton for 7 years before this year, and have found it to be a wonderfully supportive and interesting place. I previously have been teaching Religious Education at Notre Dame College.

I've been married for 14 years, and have 5 boys. They are aged 6 through to 12, including identical twins who are 8!

I have interests in sports, particularly soccer, coaching an Under 12 team for Shepparton Soccer Club, and am involved with local churches. I enjoy singing and playing guitar, and trying to stay fit by running around with my kids.

St Anne's has a great staff which has been a real highlight of Term 1. I look forward to getting to know some more people throughout the year.

Teah Ryan

My name is Teah Ryan and I am a Learning Support Trainee, working with the Year 7s at St Anne's. I am freshly out of school, completing Year 12 VCE last year at Notre Dame College, before commencing my traineeship at St Anne’s this year. I enjoy playing netball and am often doing that when I’m not working or socialising. Next year I am hoping to go to university to continue my studies.

Fiona Down

Hello there, I’m Fiona but I am more commonly known as Fee. I have recently joined the St Anne's College community this year, taking on a role in the Wellbeing team.

I have a Bachelor of Social Work degree and have over a decade of experience in working with vulnerable young people and families in the local area. I am passionate about supporting young people to overcome challenges and helping them find ways so they can have a more positive experience in their environments.

I am a mum of three gorgeous and cheeky girls who are 9, 8 and 5 years of age. I am keen on staying fit and healthy and love sports, in particular netball, and I am a proud supporter of the Melbourne Demons (Go Dees!!). On the weekends you will find me playing and coaching netball, cheering on the mighty Dees or Melbourne Vixens, camping, hanging out with family and friends or helping around the family farm.

The calm and open environment that St Anne's College provides is uplifting and I am looking forward to getting to know the community as the year continues.

Wellbeing team available to support students

Student wellbeing is an integral part of learning; a person’s emotional, social, mental and physical wellbeing is fundamental. When we are happy, healthy and well-adjusted we are able to learn more effectively and deal with life’s ups and downs. St Anne’s College believes that student wellbeing is a collaborative partnership between staff, parents/carers, our school and parish community.

At St Anne’s College we aim to provide a positive, safe and supportive school environment so that each student can reach their full potential. As a whole school, St Anne’s College facilitates and supports a range of proactive, preventative and early intervention programs across the school, along with our School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) and school-wide expectations. Our wellbeing approach is proactive, through programs that are embedded in our curriculum, and when required, reactive, as we support students in specific times of need.

Wellbeing support provided to students is confidential and optional. The Wellbeing team provides individual counselling and support to students for concerns such as mental health, stress management, friendship problems, grief and loss, social concerns and general wellbeing. Wellbeing support also includes proactively building students’ resilience skills, communication skills and coping strategies.

Students can self-refer to the student Wellbeing team via a student referral form on SIMON or request to speak to a Wellbeing Officer. Parents are encouraged to speak to their child’s Pastoral Group Leader if they have wellbeing concerns for their child or they can contact the school to speak to a Wellbeing Officer.

*In some instances, a student may be referred to an external support service. We also respect the fact that some students and parents may prefer to seek professional support independent from the school setting. In such cases, the student wellbeing team values working collaboratively with external services. In all cases, we encourage parents to communicate with the school if there is a significant issue affecting their child’s health or wellbeing.

WELLBEING TEAM

Kate McGrath

Deputy Principal Community Wellbeing

Kate has been at St Anne’s College since it opened in 2019. Kate studied a Bachelor of Education - Health and Psychology. Kate has been working within the education sector for 10 years and has worked with students in all schools at St Anne’s College. This year Kate moved into the role of Deputy Principal Community Wellbeing.

Mel Formica

Student Wellbeing Officer/School Counsellor

Mel has been at St Anne’s College as a Wellbeing Officer/School Counsellor since 2020. Mel is a qualified counsellor and is a member of the Australian Counselling Association. Mel has a Bachelor of Human Services. Mel is also one of the Child Safety Officers at St Anne’s College.

Mel has been working with young people for almost 15 years and has extensive experience supporting vulnerable/at risk young people and families in a wide range of settings and roles. Mel is passionate about supporting students to navigate their way through the various challenges they may face. Mel works across all year levels and is available Monday -Thursday.

Fiona Down

Student Wellbeing Officer

Fiona joined the St Anne's College community this year, taking on a part-time role in the Wellbeing team. Fiona has a Bachelor of Social Work degree, along with over a decade of experience in working with vulnerable young people and families in the community.

She is passionate about supporting young people to overcome challenges and helping them find ways so they can have a more positive experience in their environments. Fiona is looking forward to getting to know the St Anne’s College students and community as the year continues.

We are recruiting at St Anne's College

St Anne's College is seeking School of Innovation generalist teachers and a School of Innovation Leader. If you know of anyone who would be suitable for these positions please direct them to the St Anne's College website for further application details.

We would love to hear from them!