Welcome New Teaching Staff

Mr Alan Polley

Mr Alan Polley is settling into his new position at St Stephen’s noting that,

 The welcome by staff and students has been excellent. Staff are very hospitable and enthusiastic to help me find my feet. There's a lot to get used to but there is never a shortage of willing colleagues to help explain and show the ropes. That's a great feeling to have. The optimism and energy amongst the staff team is deeply encouraging.

With a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science, Master of Divinity and Master of Teaching & Learning (Secondary), Alan is well-equipped to guide students in his HPE and Math classes. Alan has worked in the university sector and local government in sport and recreation (in facilities, programs, funding and planning). He has taught Physics, Science and Maths at Jubilee Christian College, Atherton and also previously worked as Business Manager at Casali’s Mareeba.

Alan is involved in the local Mareeba Lions club and in his spare time enjoys reading about history, biographies and theology.  He also enjoys brewing his own craft beer, camping at Lake Tinaroo with his wife and 4 young children.

This year Alan is looking forward to watching Ange Postecoglou in his first season as an EPL coach (Tottenham Hotspurs). He also notes the satisfaction of working hard and seeing the results at the end of the year, along with watching the students continue to face new challenges and grow in character. 

Welcome, Alan!

Mr Damien Gray

Mr Damien Gray comes to St Stephen’s from Atherton State High School where he worked in the role of Digital Technologies and Mathematics Teacher. At St Stephen’s, Damien will teach Mathematics and Technologies.

Damien says,

The staff have been very supportive and have helped me to navigate the sometimes daunting task of starting at a new school. I have been so impressed with the exemplary behaviour and work ethic of the students in my classes.

Damien enjoys music, computer programming, mathematics, bushwalking and water sports. 

This year he is most looking forward to getting to know the students and families that make up the St Stephen's community. 

Welcome, Damien!

Mr Laurie Green

We also welcome Laurie Green to the College. Laurie is qualified with a Bachelor of Surveying, MBA and Graduate Diploma of Secondary Teaching. He is also a registered Licensed Surveyor. 

Laurie will be working in the Mathematics, HPE and Science departments at St Stephen’s. In his free time, Laurie enjoys lifeguarding, paddling, mountain bike riding, running, swimming and adventure races.

This year Laurie says he is looking forward to developing productive relationships with his students and helping them achieve their goals.

Welcome, Laurie!

Mrs Louise Messer

We are pleased to welcome Louise Messer to our College community in the role of

 Teacher / Writing Coordinator. Louise’s range of experience and expertise will be of great benefit to our students and staff.

Louise has completed a Bachelor of Journalism, majoring in Creative Writing, Graduate Diploma of Arts (Classics and Ancient History) and Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary). She has worked at Hillbrook Anglican School (Brisbane) as an English, Humanities and Ancient History Teacher, and also Trinity Anglican School (Cairns) as an English and Ancient History Teacher.

Louise enjoys reading, camping, hiking and cooking and shares that she has found her start at St Stephen’s to be very positive, with the College having a very welcoming environment.

Louise says that this year she is looking forward to becoming part of the St Stephen’s community and exploring more of the Atherton Tablelands. 

We wish you all the best as you settle in, Louise and look forward to getting to know you! 

Welcome, Louise!

Mrs Saime Stevens

It is wonderful to welcome Mrs Saime Stevens to our College.

Saime completed her studies in Townsville, graduating with a Bachelor of Education (JCU), Secondary Teaching, majoring in Art and Theatre. 

In her previous school (of 17 years) Saime was the Library Manager, Distance Education Coordinator, and Junior Digital Technologies Teacher. She also taught English and IT. At St Stephen's, Saime will be working in several departments at St Stephen’s including; Technology, English, Arts and Humanities.

Saime enjoys hiking saying it allows her to connect with nature and appreciate the spectacular vistas of the Tablelands and its surrounds.  Her family also enjoys gardening, and Saime adds, ‘[it is] a passion that has been passed down from our families’.  She also enjoys live music, collecting vinyl, reading and movies. 

Saime says,

In 2024, my goal is to grow professionally as a teacher in fostering the ethos and values of our College.  I am also looking forward to building strong positive relationships with our students, families and community, providing sustainable learning environments that inspire students to become responsible citizens of the world.

She adds,

I have found my first few weeks at St Stephen's College as a gift. I have only witnessed kindness, generosity and support from the school community.

Welcome, Saime!

Ms Blayse Melvin

We are excited to welcome Ms Blayse Melvin to St Stephen's! Blayse joins us from Babinda State School and she has a Bachelor of Education along with a Bachelor of Languages (French).

This year, Blayse will be teaching Arts, English and Religion. 

Blayse enjoys camping, fishing, reading and travelling and this year is looking forward to creating new memories and sharing new experiences with her family. 

Blayse says,

My first few weeks at St Stephen's have been wonderful. The students staff and community have been very welcoming.

Welcome, Blayse!