New staff
Let's meet the staff who joined our College in 2024 and during 2023!!
2024
MS ALIESHA WRIGLEY
What was your previous experience?
I have been in the government's primary education system for the last few years. So, this is a nice change for me! I started as an Education Support at Leongatha Primary School for a couple of years during my studies, then I did casual relief teaching there before I gained a position at Poowong Consolidated. I was then at Drouin Primary School last year. I’m thankful to be closer to home. It’s lovely to be able to see some familiar faces and be a part of their whole learning journey!
What is your role at MMCRC?
I will be teaching Year 7-10 Health and Physical Education, which I am very excited about. I am also a Year 9 homeroom teacher. I will be going on my first camp of the year with Year 8 this week!
Do you have any local connections?
I grew up in this area and have many local connections. I have a couple of cousins that attend the school. I attended Leongatha Primary and Secondary as a student and was a member of Leongatha Little Athletics Club and Leongatha Town Netball Club for much of my youth. My younger brothers were a part of Leongatha Junior Football Club, as well as cricket and basketball, so I grew up with sport. I am now a keen golfer with Korumburra Golf Club and know some students who enjoy golf outside school. My love and passion for sport has developed throughout these experiences and become a huge part of my life. So, it’s lovely to be able to contribute to the local area that is very special to me
What are your first impressions of MMCRC?
I love the strong community feel throughout the college. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming and supportive as I transition into my new role. So, I am very grateful for that. The college values resonate with me – particularly wisdom, learning from our mistakes, and building on our successes. I am giving myself 5 terms to settle in; which was a wise reminder from John Freeman.
MR ADAM COCHRANE
What was your previous experience?
20 years at other schools. 12 at Bass Coast College. I have taught extensively in Art/Design including emerging technologies such as 3d printing.
What is your role at MMCRC?
VCE Art teacher, 9/10 Media Studies, 9 Textiles & 7 ICT.
Do you have any local connections?
Went to KSC, and worked with Erica Masters 13 years ago in Pakenham.
What are your first impressions of MMCRC?
Welcoming - people genuinely have the time for you.
MS BETH MONTGOMERY
What was your previous experience?
I was the Teacher Librarian at Koo Wee Rup Secondary College. I also taught science and English.
What is your role at MMCRC?
I am the Learning Resource Centre Leader
Do you have any local connections?
No local connections
What are your first impressions of MMCRC?
I love the grounds and the staff and students are very friendly
MS JOANNE CALLISTER
What was your previous experience?
Parenting for the last 5 years! I am returning to work at the College after having a break to look after my girls. I started working at the College in 2009. Prior to this, I worked in Human Resource Management at VicRoads for 7 years.
What is your role at MMCRC?
I am teaching years 7 and 8 Humanities and year 11 Business Management.
Do you have any local connections?
I have lived in the area all my life, growing up on a dairy farm at Berrys Creek. Now I still live on a dairy farm at Meeniyan!
What are your first impressions of MMCRC?
It’s great to be welcomed back to the College and see everyone’s smiling faces again!
The following staff commenced during 2023 - so we through we would re-introduce them to you!
During 2023
MRS JESS STEIN
What was your previous experience?
I taught at Leongatha Primary School for 6 years, Inclusive Education and Engagement Leader at Newhaven College before starting at MMCRC during 2023.
What is your role at MMCRC?
Inclusive Pedagogy Leader working with teachers to best meet the needs of all our students as well as teaching English.
Do you have any local connections?
I live locally and have strong connections with Leongatha Lyric Theatre, Wonthaggi Theatric Group, Lisa Pellin Dancing, and Underwater Hockey.
What are your first impressions of MMCRC?
A school that is based on really good principles of Mary MacKillop.
MR BEN STEIN
What was your previous experience?
I have spent the last 14 years teaching at Drouin Secondary teaching Materials Technology.
What is your role at MMCRC?
I am the new Year 9 Wellbeing Leader and teach product design technology.
Do you have any local connections?
I grew up in Korumburra and now live in Leongatha. I have always had a connection with the South Gippsland community.
What are your first impressions of MMCRC?
MMCRC is a kind and caring community. The students and staff are fantastic, and happy to help in any way.
MS NICOLE BUCCILLI
What was your previous experience?
My teaching experience has been mainly in primary teaching, at Leongatha Primary School and St Joseph’s in Wonthaggi. I have also explored working in law and at Tafe.
What is your role at MMCRC?
My role at MMCRC is VCE Legal Studies teacher, Religious Education in Year 7 and Student Engagement leader.
Do you have any local connections?
I grew up in Inverloch where my parents used to own and operate the Shell Roadhouse, (which is no longer there).
What are your first impressions of MMCRC?
My first impressions of MMCRC are that everyone has been very friendly, respectful, and welcoming. It’s been lovely to work around the yard and have students and teachers smile and say hello.
MR TRAVIS NEWTON
What was your previous experience?
I have been teaching for 16 years in Primary and Secondary settings, in Government, Private and Catholic schools. Throughout this time I have taught in many curriculum areas and held various leadership roles. Most recently, I have taught at St Joseph’s Primary School in Wonthaggi.
What is your role at MMCRC?
The majority of my teaching load will be in the Health and PE department, however, I will also teach Humanities and Year 7 Homeroom. In 2024, I hold the position of Sports Leader, overseeing all SSV competitions, including sports carnivals and representative teams.
What are your first impressions of MMCRC?
The staff and students at MMCRC have been very welcoming, making my transition into the school a very positive process. I really look forward to the year ahead and continuing to be a part of the MMCRC community.