Staff News

VIT Inquiry – Provisional to Full Registration Celebrations

Mrs Maria Bucknell

VIT Inquiry Question - Can the use of essay templates assist in producing comparative analytical writing results that are aligned to the comparative rubric of Year 11 English students?

We congratulate Maria on completing her VIT Inquiry Project that delved into the research of the benefits of using templates in English to support the students with their comparative writing. Maria used her Year 11 English class to research and found that students who used the templates and worked with Maria to scaffold their learning had an increase in their results over the course of the year.

Over the course of her research work, Maria's findings were:

Essay templates improve analytical writing.
Differentiated support benefits all learners.
Formative feedback and relationships drive growth.
Inclusive and responsive practice is essential.

Mr Mitchell Tomkins

VIT Inquiry Question - How can I use modern technology and programs in the Religious Education classroom to further engage students and achieve a higher level of understanding?

We congratulate one of our Graduate Teachers, Mitchell Tomkins, on his completion of his VIT Inquiry. His project, supported by his mentor, Ms Emily Lace, Mitchell used Minecraft to gamify Religious Education concepts with his Year 7 class. Mitchell found that students were more engaged and excited about their learning and were able to understand the concept a lot better.

Over the course of his research, Mitchell's findings were:

Technology Significantly Boosted Engagement and Understanding
High-achieving students were extended through open-ended, creative tasks.
Regular checkpoints, reflections, and final projects demonstrated that all focus students made measurable progress in understanding, engagement, and ability to communicate religious meaning through digital media.
Reinforced the value of inclusive strategies.

Mr Matthew Shepherd

VIT Inquiry Question - How can student autonomy and inclusive pedagogical strategies increase female active engagement in Year 8 Net/Wall Physical Education units?

We congratulate Matthew on completing his VIT Inquiry with a focus on Year 8 Health and Physical Education Classes and engagement of female students. Matthew used rich evidence and data in his research and was able to demonstrate that with students agency, females are more engaged with activities in Health and Physical Education.

Matthew's findings through his research were:

Implementing small-sided games, role choice, peer mentoring, and flexible grouping led to measurable increases in girls’ confidence (+18.6%), enjoyment (+17.8%), and attendance (+3.5 percentage points) in PE lessons.
Regular student reflections and opportunities for choice empowered girls to co-construct their learning.
Adjustments such as modified rules, opt-in roles, and calm-down routines created a safer environment for students with anxiety or lower confidence
The inquiry shifted teaching practice towards a more facilitative, student-centred approach and set the foundation for ongoing improvements in inclusive PE.

These Inquiry Projects are a significant piece of work and consist of classroom observations, collection of data and responding to each of the 7 Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (AITSL). Their final element is a VIT Panel Meeting with the Principal to discuss their research and findings before they receive their final tick of approval.

Congratulations again to Maria, Mitchell and Matthew.

Staffing and Recruitment

Staffing Updates

Our staffing is now complete for 2026 and we are delighted to announce that we are fully staffed. On Tuesday 9 December we held our New Teacher Induction Day to provide our new staff with the best start possible in their new community. For 2026, we welcome the following new teachers:

Mr Dale Clarke – Director of Digital Learning and Data Insights
Ms Heather Murdoch – Director of Learning Adjustment
Mr Callum Clarke – Subject Teacher
Ms Ruby Hardy – Subject Teacher
Ms Carley Smith – Subject Teacher
Mr William McInness – Subject Teacher
Mrs Cassandra Leeson – Head of House - Champagnat
Mr Matthew Bakker – Subject Teacher
Mr Antony Nicolli – Subject Teacher

This week we have been farewelling some of our staff who are moving to retirement or continuing their teaching journey elsewhere. We would like to thank the following staff for their service over the years and wish them all the best in the next chapter of their lives and careers:

Mr Michael Hall
Mrs Rosemarie Black
Ms Susan Hopkins
Deacon Mark Kelly
Mrs Jill Lawrence
Mrs Catherine Matthys
Mrs Stephanie Brown
Ms Chloe Rees
Ms Amanda Lee
Mrs Jacinta Johnston
Ms Isabelle Branchflower
Mr Richard Van Rensburg
Mrs Judith Commadeur

Staff Spotlight

This is an opportunity for our staff and community to get to know each other by way of asking each staff member to answer a few questions about themselves. I would like to share these with our community as I believe the partnership we have with our parents/guardians/carers is a valued and respected one and I am sure you would like to get to know the staff of your child’s school as a way of building these positive relationships and partnerships.

This month I would like to introduce to you Mr Phil Jeffrey – Head of House - Marcellin

Born in Warragul; grew up in Modella/Drouin
A memorable childhood experience was travelling around Australia with his parents and brother in Grade 4
Favourite food combo: pizza and pasta
Loves seeing students succeed, hearing positive stories from former students, and witnessing “light-bulb” moments in learning
Enjoys riding motorbikes, camping, playing golf and watching sport
Inspired by his parents, his children and their resilience, and his children’s mum, whom he admires as a great parent

Professional Culture and Growth

Marist Carnivals Update

Our Boys Marist Cricket Team arrived back safely on Sunday 7 December after a successful week playing in the Marist Cricket Carnival in Lismore, NSW. Under the guidance of Mr Brad Cavalot and Mr Hayden Susigan, the team finished equal 3rd Place, after the playoff for 3rd against Catholic College Sale ended in a draw.

The Champagnat Spirit award went to Lenny Barake for his enthusiasm, warmth, energy and humility throughout the entire Carnival. A huge congratulations to Nate Murphy was selected in the Marist XI for his bowling efforts. This is a massive achievement and one that he is really proud of after representing the College for the last 3 years. This is also his final Carnival

Our Girls Marist Cricket Team are currently playing at Assumption College, Kilmore under the guidance of Mr Harry McConnell and Mrs Julie McMillan. We wish our girls team all the best!

Mrs Georgie Beekhof

Deputy Principal – Professional Culture and Growth