Welcome New Staff
We welcomed many new staff to St Stephen's at the beginning of the term. You can read more about them below ...
Troy Brunjes
Welcome to our new leader for Deacon Pastoral House, Troy Brunjes, who joins us from previous roles, including HOD of Junior School, Principal and Deputy Principal.
Troy has a Bachelor of Education and shares that he has found the first few weeks at St Stephen’s quite the learning curve.
He enjoys all sports and is looking forward to the start of the footy season.
Thank you for joining us at St Stephen’s, Troy! We wish you a successful year leading our Deacon students.
Aurelle Brunjes
Aurelle Brunjes has also recently joined St Stephen’s, moving from Walkamin State School, where she previously taught The Arts, PE and years P – 2. At St Stephen’s, Aurelle’s focus will be with our Student Diversity team.
Aurelle shares that she has found her time at St Stephen’s to be amazing, with staff and students helping her feel very welcome. When not at school, Aurelle enjoys songwriting, performing and upcycled craft.
This year, Aurelle is looking forward to learning new skills in Student Diversity and assisting with our first-ever school musical – Matilda JR!
It’s great to have you on board, Aurelle!
Jim Ballin
Jim Ballin joined us this year, coming from Mareeba State High School where he taught History, Aquatic Practices and HPE. Jim holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education, and this year, he will be working in our Humanities, Science and HPE departments.
When he’s not at school, Jim enjoys fishing and camping.
Jim mentioned that his first few weeks at St Stephen’s have been very positive, with staff and students being very friendly.
This year, he is looking forward to getting to know all of the students at St Stephen’s and teaching some new units of work.
Welcome, Jim!
Libbie Herbert
Libbie Herbert joins us from her previous role in England, where she worked as a Mathematics and Physical Education Teacher! At St Stephen’s, Libbie will work in our HPE and Mathematics departments. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Sports Science & Mathematics and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education with QTS.
Libbie shares that she has found St Stephen’s to be a lovely and supportive environment, and this year, she is looking forward to working, teaching her students, and hopefully enhancing their enjoyment of HPE and Mathematics.
When she’s not at school, Libbie can be found being physically active, getting outdoors and enjoying running and hiking.
Welcome, Libbie!
Alex Fuller
We are pleased to welcome Alex Fuller to St Stephen’s this year!
Alex has joined us as a Learning Support Officer and holds a qualification in early childcare.
Originally from Mildura in Victoria, Alex studied in Melbourne before working in a community-based childcare centre in Melbourne for 8 years. Most recently, Alex worked in the Rocky Mountains, Canada, before moving to Mareeba late last year.
Alex shares that since starting at St Stephen’s, everyone has been super nice and welcoming to her, from greeting her in the morning to assisting her in finding her class when there has been a room change.
In her spare time Alex loves cooking and baking, arts and craft, travelling and swimming.
This year, Alex is looking forward to further developing her skills in her new role and making new connections in the community.
It’s great to have you join the team, Alex!
Amber Maree
A warm welcome to new staff member, Amber Maree, who joins our Student Diversity team this year. Amber is from Trinity Beach and previously worked at Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure in Redlynch.
Amber has enjoyed her first few weeks at St Stephen’s, building positive relationships with staff and students, and this year, is looking forward to growing in her career.
Welcome, Amber!
Duncan MacGregor
We are pleased to welcome Duncan to St Stephen's this year!
Duncan has a Certificate 3 and Certificate 4 in Education Support and joins us as a Learning Support Officer, where he assists students whilst at school.
Duncan's hobbies include playing wheelchair basketball, and he is also involved with the Tinaroo Sailing Club.
This year, he looks forward to taking on new challenges and assisting students.
It's great to have you join the team, Duncan!
We are also excited to welcome Deborah Cadell, Alexandra Collins, Colin Free, Tonya Calvert-Martin and Rachel Stricklen.