Newsroom

STAFF FAREWELLS
As the year concludes, we say farewell to several staff members who have made a significant impact on our community:

• Louise Santillo will be taking a year off from classroom teaching at Star of the Sea. While we will miss her presence, we look forward to welcoming her back in 2026. In the meantime, we are sure to see her around as a relief teacher.
• Trish Jauncey is following her passion to become a specialist STEM teacher and has accepted a permanent role at another Catholic school. We are grateful for Trish’s contributions and wish her the very best in her new role.
• Gabriele Di Bartolo will be moving on to a new adventure in another school, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours.
• Libby Luey has worked tirelessly in the literacy space, and her presence will be greatly missed. We wish her every success in her new role.
• Sheena Pattinson has been appointed as the Assistant Principal of Religious Identity and Mission at Tenison Woods Catholic School in Richmond. We congratulate Sheena on this exciting opportunity and wish her every success in her new position.
• Alison Rebuli, after an extraordinary 44 years with our community, is retiring. Alison’s impact on generations of students, families, and staff is immeasurable. Her kindness, dedication, and presence will be greatly missed.
• Damian Weeks is retiring after 37 years in Catholic education, including his years as Principal at Star of the Sea. Damian’s passion for education and his commitment to fostering a supportive, faith-centered environment have left an indelible mark on our school. We are forever grateful for his leadership and vision.
• Deb Tucker, after more than 15 years of service, is retiring. Deb’s warmth, care, and dedication have touched the lives of countless students and families. Her legacy will remain an important part of our community.
• Olivia Watts is embarking on an exciting new chapter as she relocates to the country to work at Saddleworth Primary School. We wish her all the best as she embraces this wonderful opportunity and the adventures that lie ahead in the country.

EDUCATION SUPPORT OFFICERS
We also celebrate Abby Griffiths and Maria Coppola, who will be graduating as teachers at the end of this year. They will transition from their roles as Education Support Officers to teaching positions. Congratulations to both of you on this exciting next step in your careers!

STAFF WELCOMES
We are excited to welcome the following new staff members to our community in 2025:

• Bianca Annese will join our Year 5 team, bringing a strong passion for STEM education. The students will benefit greatly from her expertise and enthusiasm.
• Kirsty Crouch, an experienced teacher, will join the Reception team one day a week. She will be working alongside Tammy Wagner and will bring wonderful skills in building positive relationships with students and families.
• Meg Fuller, a familiar face to our community, returns in 2025 as our Year 2 teacher. Meg previously worked as an ESO at Star of the Sea, and we are delighted to welcome her back in this new role.
• Kelsey Thompson will be joining our Reception team, bringing great experience in supporting the educational and wellbeing needs of students.
• Tarah Will will join our Front Office team as Administration Officer. Tarah’s positive energy and attention to detail will be a wonderful addition to the team.

TEACHING STAFF 2025

REPORTS
As you know, we’ve transitioned to a new learning management system, SEQTA ENGAGE. School reports will be sent via this system on Monday 9 December. If you need any assistance setting up your account, please don’t hesitate to contact the Front Office.

With kindness
Acting Principal Annette Diassinas