Written by
Alison Leutchford
Welcome back to a new school year. I hope the summer break provided time for rest, renewal and connection with family and friends. As we begin this year together, I warmly welcome our students, staff and families, especially those who are joining our school community for the first time. A new year brings fresh beginnings, new opportunities for learning and growth, and the chance to strengthen the relationships that make our school such a special place.
I would like to introduce our new staff to the school community.
Teachers
Benjamin Tucker |
English / Humanities (from Ivanhoe Grammar) |
Bree Fitzpatrick |
HPE (from Mount Ridley College) |
Chris Hayes |
Religion (from Xavier College) |
Corrine Niall |
Economics / Humanities/Religious Education (from Marymede College) |
David Cobb |
English / Humanities (from Lalor North Secondary College) |
Hannah Barclay |
English / Psychology (Alumni and Graduate) |
Jean Trungove |
Italian / French Teacher (from The Knox School) |
Julia Bianchin |
Psychology / General Science/VCE VM (from Essendon Keilor College) |
Keri Brown |
Humanities / Business Management (from Ivanhoe Grammar) |
Madeleine O’Donnell |
Humanities / English / Religious Education (former LSO and Alumni) |
Manuella Felicetti |
Italian Teacher (from CLC and St Joseph’s Echuca) |
Margaret Furlong |
Mathematics (Northside Christian College) |
Mark Pilson |
English (from Emmaus College) |
Matilda Blakey |
Maths / Systems (from East Doncaster Secondary College) |
Michael Wilcock |
Deputy Principal Staff and Compliance (St Francis Catholic College) |
Nick Karakottas |
Dance / Drama (from Haileybury Rendall School) |
Ryan Bongetti |
Head of Science/Chemistry (from Carey Grammar Baptist College) |
Tim Braddy |
Learning Diversity Teacher (from Ivanhoe Grammar) |
Victoria Konnas |
Director of Sport (from Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar) |
William Ahern |
Science/Physics (from Xavier College) |
Simone Genovese |
Italian/French (replacing Andrew MacDonell while on leave) |
Support Staff
Sandra Ambruosi |
Food Studies Assistant |
Aoife Perkin |
AFL Trainee Sport/PE |
Charlotte Brookes |
AFL Trainee Performing Arts and Alumni |
Fr Eka Tanaya SJ |
Chaplain |
Hayley Castle |
Learning Support Officer (from Catholic College Sale) |
Jerrie Johnston |
Librarian (from Camberwell Grammar School) |
Kristiana Brobbey |
Psychologist |
Lee Falzon |
First Aide Officer |
Mitchell Bailey |
Learning Support Officer |
Niki Reid |
Daily Organiser |
Nikki Burgman |
Archivist |
Noah Harding |
Learning Support Officer |
Paul Roccasalva |
Director of ICT (Alumni) |
Zachary Petrou |
Learning Support Officer |
As we step into this year, joy will be an important focus for our community. Joy does not mean the absence of challenge; rather, it is a deliberate choice to approach each day with optimism and gratitude instead of stress and worry. It is about finding meaning and purpose in the everyday moments and small successes, kind words, shared laughter, and quiet perseverance. We are called to make joy visible through our actions and our leadership, creating spaces where students, staff and parents feel genuinely valued. By cultivating resilience, modelling positivity, and supporting one another, we can create an environment where everyone can thrive, even when circumstances are challenging.
In 2026, we remain committed to nurturing the whole child, academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Our staff continue to work with dedication and care to provide engaging learning experiences that encourage curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning. Strong partnerships between home and school are central to this work, and we deeply value the role families play in supporting our students’ growth and wellbeing.
Thank you for your ongoing trust, support, and involvement in our school community. I look forward to working closely with our families throughout the year ahead, as together we learn, grow and journey forward with hope, purpose, and joy.
