Staffing End of Year News

As is the case at the end of any school year, there are a number of staff members who are called to move their vocation in other ways. Of course, it is always sad to see good people who understand Catholic education leave our wonderful community. However, life is not without change. As such, I would like to recognise the following people.

Christine Savage commenced in 2012 as the Dean of Mission and was immediately confronted with the challenging circumstances of a College community coping with the loss of two students within the space of three months. Whilst managing this, Christine introduced new and contemporary ways to engage students with faith practices of prayer and reflection days and also value added to the wonderful experience of the Year 12 retreat. She has continued to implement and complete the College’s 5 year staff faith formation plan and has always done so with great relevance. As a teacher, Christine was one of the pioneers of the SOR 1 Program in 2013 and this year was part of an exciting team based approach to the delivery of Year 8 Religion. Christine leaves us to take on a new role at Kildare Catholic College as Leader of Teacher Learning.

Ms Bernadette Cromarty commenced at the College in 2011 as the Inclusive Education Leader. She has done a brilliant job to ensure students with Special Needs have been cared for and appropriately challenged at their level of academic competence. In doing so, Bernadette has built teacher capacity to cater for students with learning needs. In 2015 the College will see Bernadette for a few days here and there in Term 1 as part of a transition to the new Inclusive Education Leader before she enjoys a lifestyle which allows her to enjoy travelling around both locally and overseas.

Mr Nathan Carroll has been at Mater Dei for nine years and has mainly taught the subjects of Information Technology and Religion. Far more important than that, Nathan is a man of strong faith who takes his vocation seriously and sees teaching as a form as Ministry. As such, Nathan readily connects with students in a number of meaningful ways to ensure they are well cared for. Mr Carroll is off to Notre Dame, Shepparton for the next stage of his vocation and we wish both him and his family well.

Mrs Lucille Fitzsimmons has been on leave for more than twelve months with the birth of her first child. Before that, Lucille worked part-time in the HSIE department across a number of subjects, most particularly Economics and Society and Culture. As an experienced HSC Teacher, Lucille has been an excellent support to students and great role model for her colleagues but she wishes to devote her time to being a mother and we look forward to seeing her back at the College in a casual teaching capacity.

Ms Helen Capes joined Mater Dei two years ago as a Teacher of Mathematics and expressed a keenness for different ways of teaching Mathematics. Her passion for the subject is obvious and we wish her well as she prepares for the next stage of her life which involves travelling around Australia over the next few years before settling in New Zealand. 

Mrs Jo O'Brien has been employed permanently for one year at the College teaching in the HSIE department. Jo has always gone about her work with a minimum amount of fuss but with a commitment to supporting others in the HSIE department. Mrs O’Brien takes on a position of responsibility as Assistant HSIE Co-ordintor at Kildare Catholic College.

Mr Ashley Willans has been at the College for two years as a Teacher Assistant. In that time he has done so in a caring way and with one eye also on the lookout as to how he could help in other areas of College life. Mr Willans is ready for the next stage of her life of travelling around Australia over the next few years before settling in New Zealand. 

The end of the year also finds two people concluding their tenure in positions of responsibility. Firstly, I would like to thank Mrs Pauline Streckfuss for her work as Dean of Students for the past two years. Pauline’s work responding to students in need has been noted and appreciated; the Year 8 Girls’ Day is an example of this. Also, her ability to manage the suspension process was always done so with sensitivity and compassion towards students and parents. For 2015 and beyond, Mrs Streckfuss has discerned it is best for her to return to full-time teaching and we thank her for her work as Dean of Students. I would also like to thank Miss Emily Paul for her work as Carroll House Leader for this year. It is obvious she is gifted in providing pastoral care for students and this will serve her well in the position of Dean of Students at the College next year. Also, Miss Rebecca Michel will take 12 months leave from the position of Rosaire House Leader as she embraces the challenge of a her new role as Dean of Mission. Rebecca's care and support of students in Rosaire House over the last two years has been note and appreciated.

On another note, I would also like to acknowledge and thank Mrs Marney Hart, Mrs Kate Lenehan and Mrs Sally Jamieson who all, at the end of the school year, complete short-term contracts at the College. All have completed their duties with a high degree of professionalism which has been characterised by an admirable work ethic. I am sure the College will see more of each of these teachers in 2015.

On behalf of the College community I express my gratitude to the above-mentioned staff for their contribution to Mater Dei and wish them well in their new ventures for 2015 and beyond.

Mr Greg Miller

Principal