In preparation for the start of 2015, a number of appointments have been made in this last term.

Of course, we all know by now that Mrs Val Thomas will commence as principal at the College in 2015. Val comes to the College from Holy Trinity, Inverell where she has worked as Principal since 2009. Holy Trinity School Inverell is a co-educational central school in the Diocese of Armidale providing a caring, nurturing learning environment for students from Kindergarten to Year 10. Val previously worked as Deputy Principal at Trinity Catholic College Lismore. Val’s commitment to faith, her leadership experience, and understanding of contemporary learning, will assist the College to continue its progress as a Catholic learning community. I wish her well and know she is fortunate to be joining a wonderful faith-based learning community.

Amanda Bruce-Goodlet has been appointed to the position of Inclusive Education Leader. Amanda obtained her Bachelor of Education in Technology and Applied Studies through Charles Sturt University and is currently a Learning and Support Teacher at Wagga High School. Over the last five years, Amanda has served in various positions at Wagga High School in both mainstream classes and Special Education. This experience has enabled her to gain invaluable leadership experiences most suited to her new role her at the College in 2015. Amanda's approach to inclusive education aligns with the philosophies embedded at Mater Dei. Furthermore, she has extensive experience in supporting students with their physical and intellectual disabilities.

Sharon Chandler has been appointed to the full time permanent position of teacher of Mathematics commencing January 2015. Sharon is currently teaching Mathematics and PDHPE at the MET School here in Wagga. Previous to that Sharon spent a few years casual teaching here at Mater Dei. Sharon is an teacher with extensive experience across a number of schools including Sacred Heart Cootamundra and Catholic College Wodonga.

Kirsten Fuller has been appointed to the permanent part-time position as Teacher of LOTE. Kirsten is currently teaching at St Francis de Sales Regional College in Leeton where she teaches Japanese. Kirsten also has extensive experience with online delivery of Japanese through Lismore Diocese Online Education Centre. Her passion for teaching Japanese is obvious and her knowledge around contemporary learning is impressive. She will complement and value add to our innovative and engaging approach to LOTE at the College.

Bianca Fonte has been appointed to the position, Teacher of TED and English.Bianca is currently teaching English and Drama at St Francis de Sales, Leeton where she also serves as the Year 7 Co-ordinator. In 2010 Bianca obtained her Bachelor of Education Middle Schooling (K-12) through Charles Sturt University, Albury with a Major in English and Course Minor in Geography. In 2012 she spent time teaching at Lansdowne School, Stockwell, London. Bianca comes to Mater Dei as a highly commended leader of learning who strives to develop students as self-directed and independent learners. Bianca values team teaching and collaborating with colleagues in the planning, programming and implementation of learning.

Amy Hazlewood has been appointed to the position, Teacher of Hospitality and TAS, commencing in 2015. Amy is currently teaching Hospitality and TAS at Mount Austin High School after obtaining her Bachelor of Education in Technology and Applied Studies through Charles Sturt University in 2012. Previous to this, Amy was a qualified pastry chef who worked with Pastry Perfection in Sydney and then for Marriott Hotels in and around London for 2 years before returning to Sydney.

Matthew Hope has been appointed to the full-time position, Teacher of Mathematics and PDHPE. Matthew is currently teaching Mathematics at St John's Grammar School, Bel Air, South Australia. Previous to this Matthew taught PDHPE and Religious Education at Kildare Catholic College from 2010-2013. Matthew is well known within Catholic education circles in Wagga for his professionalism and commitment to learning.

Bianca Steman has been appointed to the position, Teacher of IT VET, Software Design and Development and Junior TAS teacher, Bianca is currently teaching at Junee High School where she covers a number of KLAs as a Casual Teacher. In 2010 Bianca obtained her Bachelor of Information Technology and Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) at CSU. Bianca also has long standing qualifications Certificate III in Information Technology (Network Support). Bianca's industry experience as a Help Desk consultant, website design, and talent with multi-media will be welcomed at the College.

All staff commencing at the College in 2015 come to Mater Dei with the necessary qualifications and experience required for their positions. All come highly recommended to us! On behalf of the College community, I congratulate them all and know they will make a valuable contribution to Mater Dei.

2015 Appointments - Senior Leadership Team

I am pleased to announce that Miss Emily Paul has been appointed as Dean of Students, commencing in January 2015. Emily is well known to us at Mater Dei as she has been teaching here since July 2012. In that time she has taught across various KLAs and now serves as Acting Carroll House Leader. Previous to this Emily taught at Radford College in Canberra from 2007 to 2010 and then worked as a Regional Co-ordinator for the Australian Sports Commission in 2011-12. Also, Emily sees herself as a life learner with qualifications including, but not limited to:

· Bachelor of Education - PDHPE and Inclusive Education (2007)

· Advanced Diploma in Management Skills - Leadership and Negotiation (2012)

· Graduate Certificate in Language Teaching - French (2013).

Emily's appointment comes after we attracted interest from a variety of viable applicants with relevant experience located in Sydney, Queensland and Western Australia. Emily's recent experience as Carroll House Leader, her deep understanding of the interconnected relationship between faith, care and learning, and her well articulated vision for Pastoral Care at the College, means Mater Dei will be the fortunate recipient of her leadership and service in years to come.

I am pleased to announce that Rebecca Michel has been appointed as Dean of Mission commencing in January 2015. This is a 12 month appointment which was made after consultation with Mr Chris Cotter, Assistant Director Religious Education for the Diocese of Wagga Wagga, and incoming Principal, Mrs Val Thomas.

Rebecca is well known to us at Mater Dei as she has been teaching here since 2006. In that time she has taught across various KLAs and is currently Rosarie House Leader, a position she has served in for two years. Rebecca also has experience teaching overseas and interstate. Rebecca comes well prepared for the position as she is currently studying her Graduate Certificate in Theology through Broken Bay Institute and is also enrolled in a Master of Theology at the University of Newcastle. In a practical sense, Rebecca's contribution towards College Liturgies, Youth Masses, Retreats and Reflection Days has been exceptional for a number of years. Furthermore, her willingness to deepen her own faith through experiences such as World Youth Day in 2011 and 2013 has enlightened her personal spirituality through the power of pilgrimage. Most recently, Rebecca's leadership experience as Rosarie House Leader has deepened her understanding of the interconnected relationship between faith, care and learning. She is extremely excited to be working with staff and students in continuing the faith journey at Mater Dei Catholic College.

On behalf of the College community, I congratulate Emily and Rebecca knowing they will make an outstanding contribution to Mater Dei.

Greg Miller

Principal

"Mater Dei Matters"

Issue 20 · 16 Dec 2014

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