"Mater Dei Matters"

    New Staff

Welcome to New Staff

Ms Diane Banks has been appointed as Teacher of Mathematics at Mater Dei Catholic College from the beginning of the 2014 school year. Diane has a Bachelor of Science (1997), Bachelor of Mathematics (2005) and Bachelor of Secondary Teaching (2013). Her past experience includes Business Systems Manager at Commonwealth Bank, Sydney and Systems Analyst at ANZ Bank, Sydney. Her recent practicum experiences confirm that Diane has the skills, abilities, qualifications, knowledge and understanding to be a welcome addition to Mater Dei Catholic College. 

 

With the request of Nola McAuliffe to work part-time, Mrs Mandy Graham has been appointed as the Cafe Manager at Mater Dei Catholic College from the beginning of the 2014 school year. Mandy has the necessary qualifications, extensive experience and relevant capabilities to support the expansion of Hospitality program at the College. Mandy’s Certificate III in Hospitality and recent experience at 'Elements in the Gardens' means she is well placed to work with teachers, students and patrons at the Cafe.

 

 

Mrs Monique Graham has been appointed as Teacher of Legal Studies and Junior HSIE at Mater Dei Catholic College from the beginning of the 2014 school year. Monique joins us from TAFE Riverina where she has served as a teacher of Humanities, teacher of Vocational Access and, most recently, as Head of Department, Vocational Access. Monique was a marker of HSC Legal Studies in 2012 and is a member of the Legal Studies Teachers’ Association. She brings a wealth of experience and an obvious passion for Legal Studies and the wider HSIE KLA. Monique comes highly recommended to us from esteemed referees. 

 

 

Miss Rebecca Harpley has been appointed as Teacher of Physics and Junior Science at Mater Dei Catholic College from the beginning of the 2014 school year. Rebecca recently completed her Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Teaching at Charles Sturt University. Although a beginning teacher, Rebecca has the knowledge required to teach all levels of Science. Her University qualifications are admirable, but, more importantly, those who have worked with her in practicum and casual placements during last year, speak highly of her capability as a teacher.

 

Miss Jacinta Hyde has been appointed as Teacher of Mathematics at Mater Dei Catholic College from the beginning of the 2014 school year. Jacinta recently completed her Bachelor of Education at University of Wollongong specialising in Mathematics. Her practicum experiences over the last few years confirm Jacinta’s ability to establish relationships with students and adjust her teaching to cater for individual differences. Jacinta has the qualifications, knowledge and passion to commence her career at Mater Dei Catholic College.

 

Mrs Joanne O’Brien has been appointed as Teacher of Society and Culture and Junior HSIE at Mater Dei Catholic College from the beginning of the 2014 school year. As a teacher with over 20 years experience, Joanne comes to us with extensive HSC experience and qualifications across a number of HSIE subjects. Mrs O’Brien worked with us in Term 3 last year in a temporary capacity. It is through that work, and the work at other schools that is it pleasing that she now joins us with a permanent appointment.

Miss Karina Rudd has been appointed as Gifted and Talented Teacher at Mater Dei Catholic College for the 2014 school year. Karina’s qualifications include: Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) specialising in HSIE from CSU in 2007 and Bachelor of Arts History 2006. As a graduate from Trinity Catholic High School, Wagga in 1997, Karina has since taught at Coolamon Central School from 2007 to 2009 and then spent three years teaching in schools in the United Kingdom. As part of that teaching, Karina had experience with differentiating the curriculum for advanced learners. With an interest and commitment to Gifted and Talented Education, Karina is enrolled in the GERRIC Program at University of New South Wales. Karina comes highly recommended to us from highly respected referees.

 

Mr Tony Sheppard has been permanently appointed as Teacher of Hospitality and Food Technology at Mater Dei Catholic College from the beginning of the 2014 school year. Tony has taught at various schools including Trinity Catholic College, Beenleigh, Marist North Sydney and St. Francis Xavier College, Hamilton. His qualifications include: Cert IV in Workplace Training and Assessment, 2012;     Certificate II & III in Hospitality Operations, 2006-2010; Diploma of Education, University of Technology, Sydney in 1995 and Bachelor of Applied Exercise Science, University of New South Wales, 1989. Of course, we have already seen the great work of Tony in his placement at the College last term and we look forward to him contributing to College life in 2014 and beyond.

 

Ms Emma Thomson has been appointed as Teacher of Visual Arts at Mater Dei Catholic College from the beginning of the 2014 school year. Emma attained her Bachelor of Fine Arts at Charles Sturt University in 2010 and then completed her Bachelor of Education in 2011, again from Charles Sturt University. In 2013 Emma served in the 12 month position of Visual Arts and Technology teacher at our very own Mater Dei Catholic College. Previously, Emma taught Visual Arts at Gunnedah High School. Emma is a facilitator of learning who has demonstrated a tremendous capability to incorporate student-centred learning approaches into her teaching. 

 

Ms Lauren Verdon has been appointed as Teacher of TED at Mater Dei Catholic College from the beginning of the 2014 school year. Lauren has previously taught in Townsville and St Francis de Sales, Leeton where she mainly taught English. In 2013, Lauren joined us at Mater Dei and served us well in a temporary 12 month position as teacher of TED, Drama, HSIE and Religion. In this position Lauren has grown as a learner and demonstrated a great understanding of student-centred learning. 

 

I know all teachers commencing in permanent positions are excited to be taking up their appointments in 2014. Indeed, I am in the pleasing position of appointing staff who have the skill, ability, experience and qualifications to thrive in their role as teachers at Mater Dei Catholic College. Each appointment represents another exciting edition of the joyous story known as Mater Dei Catholic College.