Staff Spotlight | Vanessa Kertesz

Mrs Vanessa Kertesz, Administrative Assistant (Student Services)

Tell us about yourself! What is your role at the College? 

I work in the Student Services Office, where I handle a range of tasks, including managing student and medical databases, keeping track of attendance, providing first aid and supporting students with their day-to-day needs. 

What do you love about working at SMC? 

The best part of working at St Mary's College is definitely the people. I get to work alongside an amazing group of colleagues. I'm really lucky to be part of a team of wonderful ladies who make every day enjoyable. We share plenty of laughs, and it's genuinely nice to come to work knowing I'll be spending the day with friends. 

You have two daughters in the Junior School (Penelope in Year 3 and Olivia in Prep, pictured above). Why did you choose St Mary's for your children? 

The first time I stepped inside the College grounds was to attend milangkani (the College's birth to five program) with my eldest daughter. We enjoyed it so much that I knew St Mary's was going to be a great fit for my girls. With three daughters, the convenience of having Kinder to Year 12 on the one campus was also very appealing. 

How do you like to unwind after a long day?

I enjoy taking the girls and our seven-month-old golden retriever, Daisy, out for a walk in the afternoons together. In the summertime, we often head down to the beach and let Daisy run around, then we'll stick around for fish and chips on the beach for dinner. 

What is your favourite song when you need a pick-me-up?

With three young daughters in the house, my music choices are mostly limited to Taylor Swift on repeat! But when I do get to listen to something else, I enjoy Ed Sheeran – and I'm lucky enough to be going to his concert next year. 

If you could bring any fictional character to school for a day, who would it be and why? 

I'd love to bring Bluey to school with me! She always goes on the best adventures, and I know the kids would love that too. 

What's something that students might be surprised to learn about you?

I worked as a travel agent for 12 years before COVID-19 hit. I have travelled all over the world, from the Maldives and South Korea to Norway, the Cook Islands, New York and everywhere in between. We have just booked a family holiday to Japan next year, which we're all very excited about.