Anew leadership structure will be implemented at Saint Martins Lutheran College for 2025 which will see the introduction of four new positions.
Principal Alan Connah made the announcement following an external review of the school’s organisational structure.
The current senior leadership structure was developed in 2019 and implemented at the start of 2020.
Several of these positions had a tenure of five years, which are due to conclude at the end of December 2024.
The new leadership structure is made up of an Executive Team, consisting of the Principal, Deputy Principal, Head of Learning, and Business manager.
Two new positions to the executive team are Head of Wellbeing, as well as Teaching and Innovation.
Additionally, a Senior Leadership Team has been established, consisting of the Teaching and Learning (Reception to Year 6) director and Director of Ministry, along with two new positions, Student Wellbeing (Reception to Year 6) director and Student Wellbeing (Year 7-12) director.
“After a thorough external review, which focused on enhancing student learning and wellbeing, as well as staff support, the decision to implement these changes was made to best support the growth and future direction of our community,” Mr Connah said.
The process was undertaken in collaboration with Hutton Australia.
“In collaboration with Hutton Australia, a highly respected national recruitment firm, we undertook an extensive and confidential search process to identify educational leaders who will guide the college through its next chapter.”
After a rigorous selection process, Mr Connah was pleased to recently confirm the appointments of the new leadership positions to Jo Patterson (Head of Learning and Teaching and Innovation), Josh Hein Head of Wellbeing), Sharn de Nys (Student Wellbeing Reception to Year 6 director) and Romana Quintel (Student Wellbeing Year 7-12 director).
“We are very pleased to have been able to appoint Jo, Josh, Sharn and Romana to these new positions
“They will form an integral part of our college’s leadership team to take us forward over the next five years
As a result of the leadership structure changes, the three Head of School Wellbeing roles and the Head of Teaching and Learning role will conclude at the end of the 2024 school year.
“We wish to sincerely thank Robyn Teakle, Damian Bradley, Kathy Oliphant and Jason Plunkett for their significant contributions to the college in these positions,” said Mr Connah.
“Collectively, they have witnessed the college grow from a small primary school to the thriving reception to Year 12 learning community it is today.”
“We are also able to share the following updates regarding their future plans.
“Robyn has decided that she will not continue at the college beyond this year, following 31 years of dedicated service. Plans are currently being made to appropriately celebrate her significant contribution and to farewell her.
“Kathy has chosen to return to Melbourne to be closer to family, and we will also be farewelling and thanking her for her service at the end of the year.
“We are very pleased to inform you that Damian and Jason will continue to serve at the college, taking on new roles within the school.
“The College wishes each of them God’s richest blessings for the future,” said Mr Connah.
Current College Board chairperson Mark Monaghan said the new structure comes after careful consideration of the reviews recommendations.
“After careful consideration of the review’s recommendations, the College Board decided to implement a new leadership model starting in 2025.
“Given the college’s growth and the forthcoming end of these tenured positions, the College Board engaged an external consultant, Mr Noel Mifsud, to review the existing leadership structure.”
The review involved consultations with a wide range of college stakeholders, including the Senior Management Team, Wellbeing Leaders, faculty leaders and teachers.
Members of the Ministry Team, College Board, and parents and students were also invited to take part in the consultations.
“The key purpose of the review was to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the current structure, with a focus on learning and wellbeing.
“This process concluded with Mr Mifsud providing a report to the Board with a set of recommendations for implementation in January 2025.
“The new model has been designed to further improve outcomes for student learning and wellbeing and provide enhanced support for teachers.
“It will also enable the College to build a greater sense of community from Reception to Year 12.”
We understand that times of change can evoke feelings of anxiousness for some members of our community.
Please be assured the College Board is acting in the best interest of improving outcomes for student learning and wellbeing and providing enhanced support for teachers.
Jo Patterson
Head of Learning and Teaching and Innovation
With more than 20 years’ experience in education, Jo brings teaching and leadership experience from a range of sites and educational systems.
Currently our Junior School Learning Enrichment Coordinator and having previously held roles as Leader of Learning, and Inclusive Education Coordinator, Jo’s approach is built on a solid foundation in evidence-based practice, inclusion and learning diversity.
Jo’s philosophy is underpinned by a belief that everyone can grow and flourish in an enriching environment, achieved by combining quality teaching and learning programs with effective pedagogies and high expectations.
The Head of Learning, Teaching, and Innovation R-12 is a critical leadership position within the College, aimed at enhancing student achievement and elevating the quality of education across all year levels, from Reception to Year 12.
Josh Hein
Head of Wellbeing Reception to Year 12
Josh is an experienced educator with a strong background in wellbeing and pastoral care.
He has held various leadership roles in wellbeing across Reception to Year 12.
Lutheran schools in South Australia and is currently serving as the College Chaplain at Faith Lutheran College in the Barossa Valley.
Josh brings an authentic leadership style, driven by his passion for supporting students in their growth and development.
He believes deeply in the value and uniqueness of each individual, seeing every student as created by God with special gifts and great potential.
His approach is centred on helping students realise their own capabilities and guiding them toward success.
The Head of Wellbeing R-12 plays a vital leadership role in promoting a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters the holistic development of students and staff at the College.
The role focuses on overseeing the wellbeing initiatives from Reception to Year 12, working collaboratively with various stakeholders to implement comprehensive programs aimed at improving mental, emotional, and social health.
Sharn de Nys
Director of Student Wellbeing Reception to Year 6
Over the last 25 years Sharn has worked as a teacher of every grade from Reception to Year 7 and as a school leader in various roles.
In Sharn’s words: For the last five years, I have held an Assistant Principal role at St.
Anthony’s Catholic Primary School in Millicent, while also working toward completing my Master of Educational Leadership.
These experiences and the influence of faith and family have shaped me personally and professionally.
Consequently, I value holistic education, encompassing young people’s academic, social, emotional, and spiritual dimensions.
I am excited to join the St Martins team.
The Director of Student Wellbeing R-6 plays a crucial role in fostering a positive and nurturing environment for students from Reception to Year 6.
The position is responsible for overseeing the wellbeing initiatives, pastoral care programs, and behaviour support systems from Reception to Year 6.
Romana Quintel
Director of Student Wellbeing Year 7-12
Romana has worked at St Martins for nearly thirteen years and has taught across Year 7 to 12, primarily in Humanities and English.
It is through her work in interdisciplinary subjects that she developed a passion for student wellbeing and engagement.
Romana has held several leadership roles at the College, including Faculty Leader for Humanities, English and LOTE, and Middle School Wellbeing Leader.
For the first half of term 4 2024, she has been Acting Head of Middle School Wellbeing.
In 2024 Romana completed a Graduate Certificate in Wellbeing and Positive Mental Health in Education.
She has a particular interest in how neurodiversity, mental health, and disability can impact student engagement and learning.
The Director of Student Wellbeing 7-12 plays a vital leadership role in promoting the holistic development and wellbeing of students in Years 7-12.
They oversee the pastoral care programs, student management and behaviour support systems in these years.
