New Teachers
We have warmly welcomed some new staff to the team at Marist College Eastwood:
- Mr David Sullivan, Principal
- Ms Melinda Alvarez, Assistant Principal
- Ms Deanna Di Costanzo, Teacher HSIE
- Mr Benjamin Nguyen, Careers Advisor
- Ms Oonagh Lee, Teacher English
We also welcomed teachers Mr Luke McDonald (Term 1 and 2), Ms Kimberley Murphy (Term 1) and Mr Samual Habib (Term 1), who have been with us temporarily this term. We thank them for their dedication to our students and filling in for some of our staff who are on leave. Meet some of our new staff below:
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I have previously taught at Bede Polding College (Windsor) and Patrician Brothers’ College (Blacktown), mainly in TAS – Industrial Technology Timber and Design and Technology, as well as Religious Education. I really enjoy being in the classroom and working alongside students on their projects. Some of my favourite moments are when the class is fully focused, everything is running smoothly and students are so engaged in what they are creating that they are in no rush to head out to recess or lunch. I have also had the opportunity to take part in a Marist Pilgrimage through the Holy Land, visiting Jordan, Israel, Italy and France. In addition, I spent time studying Catholic Identity at KU Leuven in Belgium, the oldest Catholic university in the world. These experiences have helped shape the way I approach both teaching and faith. |
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Previously I taught at Marist Sisters College Woolwich, Legal Studies and Business Studies My inspiration for entering the teaching profession stems from the understanding that meaningful learning experiences can have a lifelong impact. Motivated by teachers during my education, which sparked a love of learning. This has shaped my desire to create those same opportunities for young people. With over 20 years of experience as a senior teaching professional, I have developed extensive expertise in both curriculum and pastoral leadership roles. I am deeply passionate about mentoring high‑performing teams and ensuring the delivery of sustainable, high‑quality teaching practices that benefit students and the wider school community. In my role as Assistant Principal, I actively drive educational excellence and cultivate a collaborative, supportive learning environment. |
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Patrician Brothers College, Fairfield, was the first school after graduating and I worked their for two terms, where I taught Geography. My decision to enter the teaching profession was shaped by the many teachers who supported and inspired me during my own high school years. I really valued their hard work, dedication and commitment to helping me succeed and it motivated me to do the same for young people today. As an early‑career teacher, I am focused on helping students grow academically, emotionally and mentally and on being a positive part of their high school journey. While I’m still at the beginning of my career, I have already had the opportunity to take students on Geography fieldwork, which has been a valuable and rewarding experience for both myself and the students. I look forward to continuing to develop my practice and contributing to the school community. |
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I previously taught at Cecil Hills High School and Patrician Brothers College, Fairfield. My work has focused on mentoring young men as they begin to discern their future pathways, whether that be a vocation, career direction, or further study. I also enjoy helping students build a strong foundation in mathematics and develop confidence in their problem‑solving skills. In terms of achievements, one highlight was coaching a basketball team that placed in the Top 10 in the State school competition in 2023. Across my career, I have also been proud to support students in securing early university offers, scholarships and apprenticeships. Ultimately, I see my students’ successes as my own and I value being part of their growth and development. |
Mr David Sullivan, Principal
Mrs Melinda Alvarez,
Ms Deanna Di Costanzo, HSIE teacher
Mr Benjamin Nguyen, Careers Advisor