New Staff Profile

Mr Denis Passalent

I completed my Bachelor and first Masters Degree in Foreign Languages and Literature (English and French) in Venice and Aix-en-Provence, with an experience of studies with Harvard University. Last December I finalised my second Masters at ACU. As a graduate student, this is my first full-time professional experience in a Secondary School.

In the past five years I have mainly worked as an Italian language assistant in several schools in Melbourne and I was an Italian teacher at the Italian Institute of Culture in South Yarra. It is thanks to these positive and enriching opportunities that I decided to continue my journey within the school setting in Australia. Students make me a better person and I try to make them better too with passion for learning and raising their curiosity.

I have many hobbies, including cycling.  I love travelling with friends and making surprise visits around the world to people that I love. Recently, I discovered the Middle East and I always explore a new European country whenever I have the chance to visit my family back in Italy. Last summer I went to Malta and Greece and my next trip will be to Asia. I adore cooking, especially for others, and learning new words.

Mr Denis Passalent

Mr Noel McGarry

I am originally from Ireland, grew up in Belfast and moved here with my wife, Tara, 8 years ago. We have two daughters Méabh and Úna. We have since become Australian citizens. 

I studied a Bachelor of Education in Religious Studies and History at St. Mary’s University College, Belfast. I have also studied at North Central College, Chicago on an international scholarship. 

I worked at Salesian College, Chadstone for the past 7 years. There I played a key part in the Religious Education and Humanities departments. I held the position of Head of Religious Education at Salesian and taught RE across various year levels. I also taught VCE History, focusing on Australian History. My professional learning over the years has been focused on Religious Education and the renewed RE frameworks set up by the CEM. I have attended various professional development sessions on this and in turn implemented it into areas of current curriculum.  I have also held PDs which look at how we can use Microsoft OneNote in the classroom and as a collaboration tool between staff. This is something I would like to develop in the future. 

My interests include sport and travel. I love Rugby Union, particularly at international level. I also keep in touch with my roots and enjoy Gaelic football and Hurling. I love to spend time with my family, enjoying the great outdoors and particularly heading down the Great Ocean Road at any opportunity. 

I enjoy travelling to Europe, particularly parts of Italy but most of my big trips are spent back in Ireland seeing family and friends. 

Mr Noel McGarry