This year we have had a number of new staff join our College. I look forward to introducing you to these staff and sharing their biographies with you over this and the next issue of this newsletter.

Mary Rainsford

Head of Learning Diversity

Mary has been the Learning Diversity Leader at St Bede’s, Bentleigh East Campus for the past 16 years and has over 30 years’ experience working in Learning Diversity in Catholic primary and secondary schools. Prior to moving into the secondary setting, she was Deputy Principal of Learning Diversity at St Justin’s Primary School. Mary has completed postgraduate studies in special education.

Christine Vaughan

Learning Leader: Creative Arts, Design and Technologies

Christine is an experienced teacher with over of 25 years’ experience. Over the years she has taught in a variety of subject areas including Psychology, Food Technology and Health. She joins us from Nazareth College where she was the Visual Arts and Technology Instructional Leader. Christine enjoys supporting her students in their studies by demonstrating open communication and mutual respect. She provides a challenging curriculum where students are encouraged to achieve excellence.

Freya Whilias

Learning Diversity Assistant

Freya joins us from her most recent role working as a Disability Support Worker at Interact Australia. She has completed a Bachelor of Arts (Psychological Sciences) and a Certificate IV in Mental Health. She has developed skills in problem solving, critical analysis and teamwork through group presentations and projects. Freya has recently completed the Camino de Santiago, a 774 pilgrimage across Spain and describes the experience as special and one that has reconnected her to her core values of human dignity, love and peace.

Ben Whitehead

Risk and Compliance Manager

Ben joins us from working most recently as a Risk and Compliance Manager at Mount Scopus College. He brings with him strong leadership skills and extensive experience in compliance settings. He has a passion for developing and implementing compliance frameworks that enable organisations to achieve their objectives, while complying with relevant rules and regulations. Ben’s background spans a variety of settings including Pharmaceutical and Logistics/Transport. Ben initially started his career as a Police Officer in New Zealand. He enjoys strong problem solving and has a practical pragmatic ‘can do’ attitude.

Mikaele Wilson

Human Resources Manager

Mikaele brings over 17 years of experience, working within the area of Human Resources/People and Culture. She has gained experience working in a variety of sectors and industries. Previously she worked at Melbourne Montessori School, within the role of Human Resources and Compliance and most recently, Mikaele worked at Loreto Mandeville Hall, Toorak as the People and Culture Advisor. She is very familiar with the Bayside Melbourne area, having grown up here and continues to live locally.

Fiona (Ying) Ye

Mathematics Teacher

Fiona is a second year Biology and Mathematics teacher. She has previously worked as a teacher at Leibler Yavneh College, Haileybury College and Presbyterian Ladies’ College. Fiona’s work primarily focused on teaching General Mathematics, General Science and developing VCE curriculum framework for Pangea Biology. In addition, she has undertaken a range of pastoral roles including leading form/tutor groups, coordinating wellbeing and personal development courses and supported APS sports and school camps.

Nicole Mangelsdorf
Principal