ANNOUNCEMENT

WELCOME NEW DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - STUDENTS, MR HEATH McCLAER

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Heath McClaer to the role of Deputy Principal, Students. The selection panel were unanimous in their decision to appoint Heath to this dynamic and vital role in the College. Panel members included Principal - Mrs Marg Blythman, Chief Executive - Mercy Education, Mr Christopher Houlihan, Secondary Educational Consultant - Catholic Education Office Ballarat, Dr Andrew Watson and Deputy Chair of the College Advisory Council, Mrs Belinda Gemits. The appointment has also been ratified by the Mercy Education Limited Board members.

Heath is a highly skilled and passionate educator with more than 16 years teaching experience, many of which have been in positions of leadership roles. His current role is as the Director of Students at Kolbe Catholic College. Heath’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Animal Science from La Trobe University (2002), a Diploma of Education (2003) and a Master of Education both from the University of Melbourne (2015). He is currently completing his Postgraduate studies in Religious Education.

Heath began his teaching career at Craigieburn Secondary College in 2003; more recently, from 2011 to 2017, he was employed at Loyola College. During his time at Loyola, he held positions of leadership as Professional Development Coordinator, Head of Mathematics and Head of House. In Heath’s words, ‘I believe that wellbeing and academic achievement are intrinsically linked. Developing positive student-teacher and peer-peer relationships enables students to a gain a healthy sense of wellbeing and belonging, which contributes to positive academic results and allows students to really flourish.’

Heath is thrilled to be joining the College in 2020 and is looking forward to relocating to Mildura with his wife, Kristy and their three daughters to begin his new role and reconnect with his wife’s family in Ouyen. We congratulate Heath on his appointment to the role, welcome him to senior leadership in our Mercy and Diocesan education community and pray that the St Joseph’s College Community will continue to flourish under his leadership.