Deputy Principal

Dear Parents/Carers, 

As we commence the 2026 school year, our Year of Courage, I warmly welcome our families to another year of partnership and shared purpose at Mount Alvernia College. A new year provides an opportunity to reflect, reset and recommit to the values that guide our work as a learning community.

Courage is often shown in everyday actions, in professionalism, care and consistency. It is evident in the work of our teachers and support staff, who together create a safe, engaging, and supportive environment where students are known, challenged and encouraged to achieve their best.

Our teachers play a vital role in shaping positive learning experiences for students, through high-quality teaching, thoughtful care and a commitment to continual improvement. Equally important is the work of our support staff teams, whose expertise ensures our college remains a safe, welcoming and well-functioning environment each day.

We value the strong partnership we share with families. When school and home work together with trust, respect and open communication, students are best supported to thrive. Our staff remain committed to working collaboratively with parents and carers in the best interests of every student.

I thank our families for their ongoing support and trust, and I acknowledge the courage and commitment of our staff as we look ahead to the year before us. Together, we look forward to a positive and purposeful year of Courage at Mount Alvernia College.

We warmly welcome our new staff for 2026 and are pleased to have them join the Mount Alvernia College community. We look forward to working with them as part of our team in the year ahead.

We Welcome: 

Our new Teachers for 2026

Mr Bobby Bracken  (Deputy Principal – Faith and Mission) 

Mr Sam Yeats  (Dean – Middle Years)

Mr Richard Braithwaite  (Head of Futures, Partnerships and VET)

Ms Jess Parry  (Head of Faculty – Health and Science)

Ms Hannah Mort (Maths Teacher)

Ms Catherine Richardson (Maths and LES)  

Ms Gemma Ballam (Business/Economics and RE)

Ms Maddy Hallam (English/Humanities/RE) 

Ms Tayler Ihle   (English/Humanities/Food/Design Tech)

Ms Carmel Currenti   (Italian)

Ms Irena Haze  (English)  

Our New Support Staff for 2026

Charlie Brassard (Science and Health Technician)

Fernando Chiappe (Chef) 

Michelle Donaldson  (Coordinator of LES Operations)

Tanya Maddison (Nurse) 

Carina Perin  (School Officer – LES)

Kristie Algate  (Reception)

Gillian Bennet (Student Services)

I thank our families for the trust you place in our staff. As partners, we look forward to a year guided by courage, respectful relationships and collaborative engagement.

Peace and all good,

Kerry Jell 

Deputy Principal - Staff Development & Organisation