STAFFING UPDATES
NEW STAFF
PATRICK MORROW
Deputy Principal – Operations, Staff & Community
Patrick brings more than 26 years of experience in education, most recently at Matthew Flinders Anglican College on the Sunshine Coast, where he has held a variety of senior leadership positions and is currently Head of Learning Futures. Nationally recognised for his innovative approach to teaching and learning, Patrick has led initiatives that enhance student outcomes, engagement and overall wellbeing. His leadership in staff development, curriculum design and technology integration has been acknowledged through national awards and sector-wide recognition.
Known for his integrity, empathy and collaborative style, Patrick values authentic relationships and seeks to empower both staff and students to achieve their best. He is deeply committed to service and community engagement and has contributed to numerous faith-based and charitable initiatives throughout his career. Patrick’s vision, warmth and dedication to building strong, connected school communities align beautifully with the Mercy values that guide St Patrick’s College Townsville.
JO GILMORE
Assistant Dean of Boarding – Academic
Jo brings over 20 years of experience in teaching and educational leadership, underpinned by a strong commitment to inclusion, integrity and aspiration – values that closely align with the Mercy charism and our College mission. An innovative and student-centred educator, Jo is known for championing literacy, curiosity and student agency as the foundations of effective learning, and for cultivating inclusive environments where all learners can flourish.
JASON BENNETT
Head of Year 7
Jason is joining us from St Joseph’s Catholic School the Strand, a community he has served since 2018. He is committed to high expectations for learning alongside providing a nurturing environment where students feel known, valued and encouraged to grow. Jason brings with him his experience, pastoral care approach and enthusiasm for learning and innovation, and is well-placed to support our Year 7 students during the transition to high school.
YANA HURST-NEWTON
Head of House – Dominations
Yana is an experienced educator and pastoral leader who is passionate about fostering courageous, compassionate, and curious learners, helping them develop confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of self. She returns to the College, having previously served as Head of Faculty – HPE & Sport from 2016-2018, following 8 years in middle leadership, both curriculum and pastoral, at St Anthony’s Catholic College. She is very excited to be re-joining our team.
MARIA FRANETTOVICH
Head of Department – Food Technology
Maria returns to the College in 2026, having previously served here from 2009-2024 in roles across curriculum, pastoral and leadership areas. She brings extensive educational experience and a deep understanding and love of the values of the College and its Mercy tradition.
MEGAN SHACKELL
Inclusive Education Case Manager – Year 8
Megan has a deep commitment to inclusive education, student wellbeing, and collaborative practice. She prioritises differentiated teaching, explicit instruction, and evidence-based strategies that foster engagement and success for diverse learners.
MICHELLE SCOTT
Inclusive Education Case Manager – Years 9 to 12
Michelle is a dedicated and compassionate educator with over 20 years’ experience across private and state education sectors, She is deeply committed to fostering communities where compassion, respect, and justice are lived values. Her professional journey has centred on creating environments where both students and colleagues feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.
MICHELLE HARRISON
Mathematics Teacher
Michelle is relocating with her family to Townsville from South East Queensland. She is deeply committed to fostering both academic growth and personal development in her students, encouraging them to embrace curiosity, responsibility, and care for others.
BEN QUIRK
Mathematics Teacher
Ben is an experienced Mathematics educator with over 10 years of teaching across Years 7-12 and has demonstrated leadership in curriculum development, mentoring, and student engagement.
KRIS FARMER
Mathematics Teacher
Kris is relocating to Townsville with his family following 3 years teaching in Rarotonga. He is an experienced teacher that values collaboration with colleagues and brings an adaptable approach to teaching, ensuring students remain engaged and supported in their education to achieve academic growth.
GEORGE CROUCH
Science Teacher
George comes to us from South Australia with extensive experience as a Science teacher both there and in New York. His passion for Science and impactful learning experiences, and classroom management skills, translate into strong student engagement.
SHARNA ALLOWAY
Humanities Teacher
Sharna possesses 20 years of rich teaching experience and enjoys developing engaging learning experiences that foster creativity, critical thinking and practical skills.
JOANNE McCLUSKEY
Instrumental Music Teacher – Guitar & Bass
Joanne is a highly experienced classical and contemporary guitar and bass teacher with 30 years experience in schools and in private practice. She has served as the Music Director of the Townsville Guitar Orchestra for 20 years and has extensive experience working with students to prepare for practical and theory examinations at all levels.
2026 INTERNAL STAFF PROMOTIONS & MOVEMENTS
JACINTA COLLINGS
Deputy Principal – Academic
Jacinta has been a valued member of our College community for the past five years as Head of Faculty – Religion and brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in Catholic education across multiple dioceses. A reflective and evidence-based leader, Jacinta is highly regarded for her expertise in curriculum development, staff mentoring and fostering a culture of collaboration and growth. In her new role, she will continue to strengthen the College’s academic programs and promote excellence in teaching and learning.
KRISTEN ARMITAGE
Deputy Principal – Students
The Director of Students role has been expanded to Deputy Principal – Students, reflecting our commitment to exceptional care for all students. Kristen, who has served as Director of Students and Acting Deputy Principal this year, will take on this key position. Kristen’s understanding of our students and her commitment to the College’s mission will ensure the continued provision of pastoral care across both day and boarding life. We are confident that this remodelled role will further strengthen our ability to support every student’s growth, wellbeing, and success.
PAULA HENDERSON
Dean of Boarding
Paula brings a wealth of experience in Catholic education, pastoral care, and residential leadership, having served in teaching and senior leadership roles across Queensland, including as Acting Director of Boarding here at the College. Guided by the Mercy values, Paula is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment where every Boarding student feels known, supported and empowered to thrive.
TENILLE HAMBLY
Dean of Student Wellbeing
Tenille has served in this role in an acting capacity since April 2024 and is widely respected for her compassionate leadership, collaborative approach and dedication to the holistic wellbeing of our students. She has been appointed permanently to the position from 2026. We also thank Tenille for her invaluable contribution as Acting Director of Students during Semester 2 this year.
AIMEE STRICKLAND
Dean of Academic Operations
Having acted in this role earlier in 2025, Aimee has been appointed permanently to the position from 2026. She strives to create a culture of continuous improvement and will apply her collaborative approach to ensure the efficient operation of academic programs. Aimee will assist the Academic Team to develop systems and processes to optimise the operationalisation of strategic goals to ensure the best outcomes for students.
GEMMA STEVENS
Assistant Dean of Boarding – Formation & Wellbeing
Gemma’s role as Deputy Head of Boarding has been restructured as the Assistant Dean of Boarding – Formation & Wellbeing following a review of the College’s Boarding leadership structure. She will lead programs and activities and share responsibility for the effective operational management and leadership of the Boarding community.
CHRIS PACEY
Head of Faculty – Science
We are excited to have Chris returning to his previously held role of Head of Faculty – Science. He is an exceptional teacher and curriculum leader, and his passion for his speciality, the development of teachers under his guidance and enhancing student outcomes is clear to all he encounters.
EMMA TIMMS
Head of Faculty – Religion
With close to 19 years experience as an educator and educational leader, Emma is well placed lead and nurture the Religion Faculty in line with the College’s vision, mission, and commitment to excellence. She is a reflective practitioner, and values collaboration, continuously working to enhance student outcomes through targeted teaching, regular analysis of student performance data, and timely intervention.
MEG HENDERSON
Head of Sport, Fitness & Activities
As an experienced educator and leader, Meg is passionate about empowering young women to achieve excellence through sport, fitness, and extracurricular engagement. She is committed to fostering participation, teamwork, and resilience through sport and fitness and believes that a strong extracurricular program is vital to developing confident, compassionate, and capable young women who embody the Mercy values of justice, compassion, and service.
JODIE ROBERTS
Head of House – Principalities
Jodie has extensive pastoral experience, having served as a Head of House at the College previously from 2021-2023 and then again in an acting capacity for most of 2025. She is deeply committed to fostering a culture where every student feels known, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential and possesses a leadership approach grounded in collaboration, empathy, and accountability.
McKYE TURNER
Head of Year 12
Having acted in this position for 18 months, we are pleased to announce McKye’s permanent appointment to the role. An experienced educator and pastoral leader, he is committed to the care of students and works with teachers, College leadership, wellbeing teams and families to support their learning, wellbeing, and emotional needs.
SAM LOWRY
Teacher
Following the restructure of the Head of Sport & Fitness role to a non-teaching position, Sam is returning to his substantive teaching position. We thank him for the wonderful work he has done in this space over the last three years.
STAFF FAREWELLS
At the close of 2025, we farewell a number of valued staff and extend our thanks for their dedication, service and the positive impact they have had on our College community:
Darren Babao, Rachel Cairns, Bronte Fitzpatrick, Regina Foster, Elissa Gileppa, Lara Hansen, Sherri-Lee Hudson, CJ Lancashire, Catherine Mifsud, Beau Salwin, Jonathan Wallace and Carla Weijers.
We wish them every success in the next chapter of their journeys.
