From the Leadership
Welcome new staff members!
One of the most enjoyable aspects of my role as the Dean of Staff, is the implementation of the Staff Induction program. This program aims to familiarise staff with the policies and procedures of the College and the charism of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate.
In 2023, we welcome 29 new staff members including teachers, learning support officers, youth ministers, tutors, and sports coaches. With a total staff number of 216, this effectively represents 13% of our current staff.
In addition to the Induction Program, each new staff member is assigned a ‘Welcome Mentor’ to ensure their smooth transition to the College. Over the years, our existing staff members have generously volunteered their time and expertise to provide invaluable support as mentors. Such guidance assists new staff in their transition to Mazenod College and is conducive to their positive wellbeing.
As a further means of formally welcoming staff, each week we will feature a new staff member here in the College newsletter. We hope you enjoy reading about their previous experiences and personal interests. This week we introduce two new staff members. First, our Senior English teacher, Mr Ian Korac, who is currently being mentored by Mr James Convery. Secondly, Ms Anneke Stracke who is being mentored by Mr Mal Spasic.
Introducing our senior English teacher, Mr Ian Korac
I began teaching in 2010 at Salesian College Chadstone. More recently, I worked at St Kevin’s College Toorak, where I was also fortunate to hold leadership roles in English curriculum development, VCE coordination and management of Year 12 study programs. Teaching English is my passion, and a highlight of my role as a teacher is supporting students as they enter the crucially important senior years of their secondary schooling.
Outside of school, I have been an examination assessor for both English and GAT, authored numerous English study resources and served in curriculum development roles for VCAA as a study design writer and a member of the English Text Advisory Panel.
When I am not reading or writing, I enjoy swimming, classical music and spending time with family and friends.
Introducing our History teacher, Ms Anneke Stracke
Lovely to meet everyone, my name is Anneke Stracke, and I am really looking forward to working with everyone in 2023! I am a recent graduate from the University of Melbourne's Master of Teaching program. I was fortunate enough to work full-time at Santa Maria College throughout term 3 2022, having graduated in June, following several diverse placement positions throughout my degree in both the public and private sectors.
Prior to pursuing a teaching degree, I completed my Bachelor of Arts degree at Monash University with a double major in Archaeology & Ancient History, and Anthropology, completing an honours year in Ancient History. I then went on to Leiden University in the Netherlands to complete my Master of Arts in Classics and Ancient History, specialising in Egyptology which involved living in Egypt for 3 months.
In case it was not already obvious, I love to travel, and I would greatly appreciate any/all travel recommendations! I've been fortunate enough to have visited 6 continents - eventually I'll get to Antarctica - and excavated ancient sites in Egypt, Spain, Greece, and Italy, including underwater in Spain and Italy through my other, slightly more affordable passion for scuba diving - again any recommendations are keenly sought after!
Again, I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone and working together in 2023!
Joanne Noone
Dean of Staff