New Staffing for 2023

Before introducing new staff, I must mention some changes among current staff. Mrs Cherie Spannenburg is now Head of Music, Mrs Sam Olding is Head of Arts, Mr John Brimstone is Head of Health and Physical Education (HPE), Mrs Rita Rogina is the Principal’s Personal Assistant and Boarding Supervisor Mrs Desiree Price has been appointed Head of the Junior Girls Residence Years 7-9. Mrs Price has developed a good rapport with the girls and has proven to be an enthusiastic and caring supervisor.

We welcome 15 people into the Saints community and trust they find working with us enjoyable and rewarding. A short bio on each is below:

Ms Kathy Almond is a graduate teacher who joins Saints as an Art teacher. She worked as an Art aide at St Andrew’s for eight years while studying education. Kathy brings energy and enthusiasm to her role, and highly values having a good rapport with students. She is eager to be a member of the St Augustine’s Arts Department.

Ms Phoebe Ballard is an early career teacher who joins us as a Drama teacher. She prides herself on her professionalism and collaborative approach, coupled with a passion for continuous growth and improvement in her practice. Having recently worked under the State Drama Chair, this experience will place Phoebe in good stead to deliver quality Drama lessons to our students.

Mr Bryce Chapman is an Old Boy who returns to Saints as a Learning Support Officer. Previously an LSO at St Andrew’s, he brings with him many skills to assist in the Learning Enrichment Department. Bryce values building relationships with students to improve their outcomes and is keen to also be involved in the extra-curricular life of the College.

Mrs Stacey Cristaldi joins the front office team to fulfil the crucial position of Enrolments Officer. Stacey brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in enrolments from several years’ experience at MacKillop College. She is highly proficient and very knowledgeable about the College's operating systems. Stacey’s friendly, helpful and approachable nature is an exciting addition to our front office, and she will be the face of the College for all new families.

Mrs Amy Way joins the front office team as the Student Reception Officer. She has an abundance of skills, including being highly organised and efficient. Additionally, she possesses a friendly personality and excellent people skills, which will be helpful as she is one of the faces of the College. Amy will excel in her role and will be invaluable to the Saints community.

Mr Daniel Darvenzia, an early career teacher, will teach Music. Last year he was teaching Music, English and Humanities at Moreton Bay Boys’ College. Daniel completed his secondary studies at Cairns High and, with the impending arrival of his first child, he and his wife have returned home to be closer to family. Daniel is enthusiastic about being involved in the co-curricular life of St Augustine’s.

Mrs Natasha Falge joins the front office team as an Administration Officer. She has an abundance of skills, with strengths in IT and many operating systems. Natasha brings an eye for detail, efficiency, initiative and an enthusiastic approach to everything she does. Her personality and skills will be invaluable.

Mr Carl Fritz joins the College as Head of Year 9. His recent experience as Head of Health and PE at St Andrew’s and Director of Athletic Development at Brisbane Boys’ College make him a welcome addition to our staff. Carl is looking for a new challenge, specifically in boys education. His excellent rapport with staff and students coupled with his enthusiasm for learning will be an asset to the College.  

Ms Renee Luff has been appointed Head of the Senior Girls Residence Years 10-12. Ms Luff is an experienced teacher having taught at Freshwater Christian College for the past 15 years. Ms Luff has a welcoming nature, a generous heart and a passion for student welfare, as well as an understanding of student needs, which will be an asset to our boarding program.

Mrs Tina Nissen joins us as a Learning Support Teacher. Tina has 20 years’ teaching experience, with her most recent positions in learning support at St Therese’s and Holy Spirit College. We are grateful to have someone with such a depth of knowledge. Couple this with her passion and enthusiasm to help young people, she will be an asset to St Augustine’s.

Ms Charlotte Rettke is an early career teacher who greatly impressed staff and students while doing relief work here last year. (She was on 12 months' leave to support her partner's football career.) Charlotte prides herself on her professionalism and collaborative approach, coupled with a passion for learning.  She will be teaching Maths and Physical Education.

Mrs Laura Spring returns to the College in a part-time role as a specialist Religious Education teacher for 2023. She previously taught Drama and RE at the College for three years before heading abroad. Since then Laura has become a mother and is now looking forward to contributing to the faith formation of our young men. Her extensive knowledge of Religious Education and enthusiasm for learning will be an asset to the College. We are excited to welcome Laura back to Saints.

Mr James Will also returns to St Augustine’s, as an HPE teacher. He was teaching HPE, English and Religion at St Mary’s last year. James’s altruism shines, as he is keen to be involved in all aspects of college life. We look forward to his commitment and the gifts he has to share with the College.

Mr Matthew Wong is an early career teacher who has accepted a position as a Physics and Mathematics teacher. A qualified engineer, he has taught senior Maths, Physics and Chemistry at St Andrew’s for the past three years. His deep knowledge of these subjects, coupled with his abundant enthusiasm for learning, will greatly benefit our students.

Mrs Elena Bolton will join our Learning Enrichment team as a Learning Support teacher. Elena has a wealth of experience, with her most recent position being as a Learning Support Teacher at St Gerard Majella's. With a focus on further strengthening learning enrichment at the College this year Elena’s skills will assist in this, as well as in the growth of the department. She will be an asset to St Augustine's.

SAINTS P&F

From Jane Hislam - P&F Parent Advisor