New staff at St Albans Secondary College
Caitlin O'Carroll
My name is Caitlin and I have an undergraduate degree in psychology and a postgraduate degree in social work. My current role is in the Student Wellbeing Team, which I am really enjoying! I have previously worked at headspace and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). I love reading, craft and spending time with my friends and family. I also love hanging out with my two cats, Luna and Milo.
George Sawan
Hello St Albans community. I’m currently teaching two year 8 Integrated Studies classes and one year 9 Humanities class. This is my 3rd year of teaching and I couldn’t think of a better occupation than this, especially when I get to teach and share my enthusiasm for history with my students.
As a history teacher and enthusiast, I enjoy reading and watching anything related to history, both fiction and non-fiction. But I would have to say my all-time favourite book is The Count of Monte Christo by Alexandre Dumas. Ever since reading it I’ve found it difficult to find a book that is both as captivating and meaningful at the same time. I tend to read when I am at home relaxing. Other than reading, I like to be out enjoying nature, whether that is in the garden amongst the fruit trees and vegetables or going for a drive somewhere where there is barely a sign of civilisation so that I can be immersed in nature and away from the noise of the city and suburbs. I also love learning about different cultures and hope to travel and experience the different customs, cuisine and architecture of different places throughout the years to come. Last but not least, I have two German Shepherds at home who are great family dogs and need to be walked every day. I’m happy to be here at St Albans Secondary College and plan on spreading my enthusiasm of history with my students.
Karen Dierickx
I grew up in the western suburbs of Melbourne. After completing my tertiary education, I was posted at Yarram Secondary College, and taught there for over 30 years. My partner and I decided to relocate to Melbourne to be closer to our family. I have always loved Mathematics and enjoy being in the classroom.
I am keen to take on new experiences, so I was excited to learn that I had been successful in acquiring a position at St Albans Secondary College.
My favourite things to do are knitting or crocheting, whilst watching a British crime series.
Ron Brown
Hello St Albans SC community! I am very excited to be working with you all this year as an English and Humanities teacher. I have over ten years teaching experience both in Australia and overseas having taught in schools in Central America and the UK. I have many hobbies and interests such as woodworking, making films, camping, journaling, cycling and playing basketball just to name a few. I look forward to working you this year.
Joseph Vincent
I am a Graduate Maths Teacher working with Year 8s and 9s. I finished my course just last year graduating from the Australian Catholic University with a double degree in Teaching and Mathematics. My favorite book is The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov. I'm a big fan of listening to and making music with friends, my favorite band is a Canadian Jazz group called BadBadNotGood. I have two dogs named Poppy and Toto who are not very happy that I'm no longer at home all day. I'm very excited to become a part of the St Albans Secondary College community and look forward to contributing all that I can to the school.
Samuel Cowan
Hi, My names Sam and I'm a graduate teacher, having recently completed a Masters of Teaching after a career as a professional chef. I am passionate about good food and love sharing this passion with young people. I live in Ballarat with my wife Tess, play cricket, and I am a volunteer firefighter.
Nicole Gurd
My name is Nicole, I'm the Alumni Program Coordinator, working for Ourschool in partnership with St Albans SC. My VCE studies included English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology, however despite this science-y mix I went on to work in hospitality and dance performance. I have danced my way around the world and lived abroad at various stages of my life though Melbourne is still my favourite place on Earth. My passions in life are dancing, cooking and community, with loads of interests in between!
Ben Beagley
I worked at St Albans in 2017 and it’s really nice to be back again. This year I’m teaching English and Humanities to years 7, 9 and 10. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going to the beach and bike-riding. My favourite football team is Richmond and I am hoping they can win the grand final again! I look forward to working with the students and staff at St Albans this year.