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 the next four issues of this newsletter.

Emily Aherne

Science Teacher
Emily is a Science teacher with six years teaching experience in both Ireland and the United Kingdom. She travelled to Australia in 2022, where she undertook work through ANZUK in a teaching capacity. Emily has experience in teaching Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology. Originally from Ireland, she is very familiar with our rich Brigidine history.

Patricia Boscolo-Pitrone

College Counsellor
Patricia was part of the Wellbeing team at Bentleigh Secondary College, while a provisional registered counsellor. For the last five years she has been delivering an anxiety management counselling program developed by Macquarie University, through the school system and privately, both at secondary and primary school level. In addition, she has experience working at St. Louis de Montfort Primary School in Aspendale as an Education Support Officer, supporting children with a variety of unique needs.

Amelia Brooks

Science and Mathematics Teacher
Amelia is a career educator with 17 years experience in the classroom, with 13 of those years in the Catholic sector within secondary education. She is passionate about providing inclusive practices within the classroom. Amelia has worked extensively with students with additional needs in the areas of Science and junior secondary Mathematics. She joins us from her most recent role at Padua College, where she was teaching Science, Biology and Mathematics.

Mikayla Cotsis

Product Design and Textiles Teacher
Mikayla is a graduate teacher who describes herself as passionate and committed in providing quality, equitable arts education to all students. She enjoys encouraging the development of creative thinkers, lifelong learners and educating students, with the values of the Catholic Church at the forefront. Mikayla has gained valuable experience through her teaching placements at John Paul College, Kambrya College and Princes Hill Secondary College.

Jane Cowan

Level Leader: Year 9
Jane is a Mathematics teacher who brings many years of experience both as a teacher and Year Level Leader in Catholic secondary schools, most recently at Star of the Sea. She has also worked at a variety of other schools, including Mazenod College, Loreto Toorak and Sacre Coeur. Jane has also had previous experience in Head of Mathematics and Head of Data Analytics roles.

Kim Dainty

Learning Diversity Assistant
Kim is an Educational Manager and administrator with over 30 years experience in vocational foundation and higher education. She has worked across TAFE, University, NFP, community and private organisations. Her most recent role was working at Brace Education and Training, as Leader and Program Manager. Brace is an organisation that helps people find pathways from education and training into employment. Kim brings a wealth of expertise in this area, with her transferable skills to this new role at the College.

Nicole Mangelsdorf
Principal