From the Principal Class Team 

Farewells…

Earlier this year, two of our long standing staff members, Mario Orsini and Rosemary Bambery, announced that they would be retiring.

Mario commenced his career with the Department of Education in 1973 as a ‘student in training’ studying Science Education. His first placement as a teacher was at Sunshine West High School (now Sunshine College) in 1977, before he transferred to St Albans High School in 1984 to teach Science and Mathematics.

During his 37 years at St Albans, Mario’s professional contribution is characterised by his loyalty to the school and the community; his commitment to providing every single student with an excellent learning experience; and by the leadership and support he generously gave to his colleagues.

Mario’s influence on the strategic directions and the culture of our school was amplified through the variety of leadership roles he took on: Science Coordinator, leading the development of our Strategic Plans, Curriculum and Student Learning Data Coordinator, Year Level Coordinator and Sub School Leader, Acting Assistant Principal, AEU Sub Branch President, and School Council Member. He has also mentored and guided many students and new career teachers.

Through these formal roles, his work as a dedicated and expert teacher, and through his daily interactions, Mario has had a significant and lasting impact on the educational experiences and career aspirations of thousands of students. He always cared about them, knew them as learners and people, and inspired them in their learning. 

On behalf of the School Council, current and former staff and the parents and students, congratulations to Mario on his career in education, and sincere thanks for contributions to education at St Albans Secondary College, and more broadly to the Victorian system.

Rosemary Bambery transferred to St Albans Secondary College in 1992 after commencing as a Teacher Assistant at St Albans Meadows Primary School in 1989.

Over many years, Rosemary was instrumental in shaping and developing the expertise of the Individual Needs team and program at our school. Through her work in this area, Rosemary has, like Mario, had a huge influence on the opportunities, and the social and educational achievements of many generations of students. Her unfailingly high expectations for the students with whom she worked, together with the patient support she provided, were key factors in this, as were the positive relationships Rosemary developed with families.

More recently, Rosemary shifted the focus of her work to the role of Sub School Assistant where she supported the Senior School team in their work with the Year 11 and 12 students and families.

Rosemary’s commitment to the school and her Education Support (ES) staff colleagues was also evident in her membership of the Consultative Committee where she represented their voices.

Many students, staff and families will always remember and be grateful for Rosemary’s work with their children, both in and beyond the classroom.

The School Council, staff, students and families congratulate Rosemary on her retirement and thank her for her contribution to our school over almost 30 years. We wish her every happiness in her retirement.

This year we also bid farewell to several other staff. Both Sophie Rosewarne and Nicole Lewis filled one year leave vacancies with us this year. 

Sophie is returning to her base school after leading the Individual Needs Department this year; and Nicole Lewis is taking up a teaching position at Eaglehawk Secondary College in Bendigo. After completing his studies in Psychology, Timothy Clay, one of our Science Lab Technicians, will start a Child Protection role with DHHS. Bec Kinsella, a Social Worker and more recently our Wellbeing Team Leader, is resigning to join eHeadspace, providing online support for young people. We are also saying goodbye to Damien St Pierre and Wendy Mair who are transferring to Lara Secondary College and Mernda Central College, respectively. 

We thank each of these staff for their contributions to our school, students and families, and for the dedication and expertise they brought to their work. We wish each of them every success and happiness in their new roles.

Best wishes, too, to Rosie Williams, Elena Mackintosh, Bec Pane and Cameron Beale who will be taking leave during 2021.