Staff Spotlight | Melissa Thirgood
Melissa Thirgood, Director of Junior School
St Mary's College is delighted to welcome Mrs Melissa Thirgood as our new Director of Junior School, who commenced in her role on 1 January 2025.
With a rich background in teaching and a passion for education, Melissa brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to our College.
Melissa has previously served as Deputy Principal and Acting Principal at St Cuthbert's Catholic School in Lindisfarne.
Throughout her career, Melissa has also worked as a Literacy Coach, Year 3/4 Teacher, Acting SLN Coordinator and Moderation Leader at St Cuthbert's. Additionally, she has held the roles of Literacy Teacher, Leading Teacher of Literacy and Leading Teacher of English at St Virgil's College, Austins Ferry.
Melissa has a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Teaching, a Graduate Certificate in Religious Education and a Master of Leadership in Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy.
We recently had the pleasure of catching up with Melissa and learning about her teaching journey and what she's looking forward to in her new role at SMC.
Please join us in warmly welcoming Melissa to our St Mary's College community!
Can you tell us a bit about your background in education and what led you to join St Mary's College?
I have been a teacher for 19 years. I began as a high school teacher at St Virgil's College, where I stayed for 10 years before deciding to move to primary school education. This transition landed me at St Cuthbert's, where I truly found my love of teaching. I was determined to make a difference for those struggling to read and write, and through research and professional development, I began working with other teachers on approaches to teaching and learning that were grounded in evidence-based best practices. I was then given the opportunity to become Deputy Principal, where I worked with a staff of remarkable teachers who always put the children at the centre of learning. My move to St Mary's has been an opportunity to continue working with outstanding educators who consistently put students at the centre of all their decision-making. This focus on the whole student, ensuring they receive the best education we can offer, is something I value greatly.
What are your primary goals and priorities as Director of Junior School?
My goals initially are to build relationships with all staff, students and families as I begin to navigate all that is St Mary's. Through the building of these connections, I hope to continue the fabulous work already being driven by the staff, teaching staff and leadership here at the College.
What aspects of the SMC community are you most looking forward to being involved in?
I am looking forward to being involved in the whole-school College events, where our Kindergarten to Year 12 students gather together. I am particularly excited about being a part of the Belling In next week.
What are some of your passions outside of work?
I love to go running and do pilates, but ultimately, I enjoy spending time with my family, particularly heading to the beach with them or just lounging around together watching a movie.
What's on your personal bucket list?
Eek - I don't know. My husband and I would like to travel overseas, but we are unsure if we should do this with or without our children/teenagers! Watch this space.
What's one thing you would go back and tell your childhood self?
Don't overthink it and be yourself!
If you could invite anyone to dinner, who would be seated at your table?
I could not decide and would need a never-ending table, as I would hate to think that someone would feel left out... So, everyone!
