Natahlia Poli

What was your previous experience?

I taught at St John’s Regional College, Dandenong for 2 years (fresh out of University)

What is your role at MMCRC?

I am teaching Year 7-10 Health and Physical Education, Year 10 Religion, Year 10 Homeroom, Year 11 Health and Human Development

Do you have any local connections?

I don’t have any local connections but did teach Korumburra Secondary School their Debutante Dances in earlier years

What are your first impressions of MMCRC?

I am loving everything about MMCRC so far and am looking forward to getting involved with the community more in the coming months

Lloyd Pendergast

What was your previous experience?

Hi everyone, my name is Lloyd Pendergast. I’ve been teaching and living in the Latrobe Valley for the last three years and am excited to start here at Mary MacKillop College.

What is your role at MMCRC?

I am head of Humanities here this year and am teaching Hums at Year 7 and 9, as well as Year 7 English and Year 10 Youth Ministry.

Do you have any local connections?

I’m new to the community but have enjoyed getting to know the South Gippsland region.

What are your first impressions of MMCRC?

My short time here has shown me that Mary MacKillop is a wonderful place to work at: I have met so many welcoming and helpful people already. Hope to see you around!

Claire Mangs

What was your previous experience?

I worked at Maranatha Christian School for 7 years in the Art department.

What is your role at MMCRC?

I am teaching VCD, VET Fashion, VCAL, Food Technology and Art.

Do you have any local connections?

I have family in Inverloch.

What are your first impressions of MMCRC?

I have so enjoyed getting to know the friendly students and staff at MMCRC. They have been truly welcoming amidst such challenging times. The campus is beautiful and I am looking forward to engaging with the community here.

Sarah Bourke

What was your previous experience?

I have spent the last 25 +years working with young people, across sport, education, community and government. I worked within the AFL system for 8 years; as a Community Programs Manager. Most recently I have spent the last couple of years based in the Northern Territory, working across NT, SA and WA with schools and remote indigenous communities to help young people to have the same educational opportunities that many of us take for granted. It was an amazing experience, to live remotely in a spectacular part of the country, working with first nations communities and learning through them.

What is your role at MMCRC?

Careers Co-ordinator (Joint Role with Ms Fuller) /VCAL Numeracy / Maths/ Health and Physical Education Years 9 & 10.

Do you have any local connections?

I am a proud product of Leongatha, and feel privileged to be back at Mary MacKillop again. I was one of the pioneering students of the College, I am excited to be a part of the new chapter and growth ahead. It certainly has changed a lot, we were very lucky to have such an inspiring foundation Principal in Ed Carmody, though we didn’t have all the resources we have today he had a vision and he took us along on that journey. We were (and still are) an extremely close knit group of students, and the teachers did an amazing job, it’s very special to now be working alongside some of these staff!

Stewart Cameron

Stewart is teaching a Year 12 Literature class

James Forrester

What was your previous experience?

I have done education support for 11 years. Started art Wonthaggi High School, and then moved to Melbourne to work at Marcellin College in Bulleen, and most recently at Xavier College in Kew

What is your role at MMCRC?

Learning Support

Do you have any local connections?

Originally from Leongatha. Attended Mary MacKillop and graduated in 2006. Involved with Leongatha Football Club and Imperials Cricket club

What are your first impressions of MMCRC?

Has changed a lot since I was here. Appears to be a great energy around the place and everyone is excited to be on campus. Have really enjoyed the transition and made to feel very welcome so far.

Rahne Widarsito

Rahne is teaching English to Year 10, 11 and 12 students she is also assisting with wellbeing in our Middle School.

Kate Murphy

What was your previous experience?

I’ve been teaching since 2013. First school was Catholic Regional College Sydenham from 2013-2018 taking Senior Commerce subjects and being the Learning Area Co-ordinator for Humanities until taking maternity leave. In 2020 I commenced at Wonthaggi Secondary College South Dudley until 2022 teaching Junior Humanities.

What is your role at MMCRC?

I teach year 9 English, Year 7 & 8 Humanities and Year 10 Careers and Industry here.

Do you have any local connections?

Connected to Bass Coast Children's Centre!

What are your first impressions of MMCRC?

MMCRC is not just an aesthetically lovely school the students and staff are also very welcoming and friendly. First impressions were that the staff were organised and professional and there was a sense of purpose within the school community that seems genuinely oriented towards the development of the whole students’ education experience. I’m excited to work here!!

Adeline Collins

Adeline is teaching maths in our Junior and Middle Schools.

Returning Teachers:

Maydia Parry - Maydia will be assisting students in our Library two days a week.

Joanne Knox - Jo is our VCAL Curriculum Leader and is teaching in our Senior and Middle schools.

AFL Sports Ready Trainees

Kelsey Dal Pozzo (Sport) - Kelsey completed Year 12 in 2021 and is now employed through the AFL Sports Ready Trainee Program. Kelsey is working with our PE teachers in sports classes as well as getting involved in the running of our SSV and whole school sports events including, swimming, athletics and cross country.

Joseph McNeil (Learning Adjustment) - Joey completed Year 12 in 2021 and is now employed through the AFL Sports Ready Trainee Program. Joey is working with our Learning Adjustment Team assisting students in the classroom.

Mary MacKillop Newsletter

"Be a gift of love and compassion" Mary MacKillop 1899

Issue 1 · 11 Feb 2022

In this issue