{"id":7124,"date":"2026-10-16T15:15:07","date_gmt":"2026-10-16T05:15:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/spc-townsville\/?post_type=article&#038;p=7124"},"modified":"2026-10-16T17:53:32","modified_gmt":"2026-10-16T07:53:32","slug":"staffing-update","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/spc-townsville\/article\/staffing-update\/","title":{"rendered":"STAFFING UPDATE"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The College has substantially concluded recruitment for 2027 and is now in a position to announce the following appointments:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Head of Year 7 <br \/>\n<\/strong><strong>Maddyn White<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Maddyn brings extensive experience in pastoral leadership and student wellbeing. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering positive relationships, supporting student growth, and creating inclusive learning environments where every young person feels known, valued and supported. With leadership experience spanning pastoral care, curriculum, sport and community engagement, we are confident in Maddyn\u2019s ability to guide our newest students as they transition into secondary school and begin their journey at St Patrick\u2019s College Townsville. We look forward to the positive impact she will have on our Year 7 students and families in 2027.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2026\/10\/Maddyn-White-2.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-7145\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2026\/10\/Maddyn-White-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"229\" height=\"320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2026\/10\/Maddyn-White-2.jpg 229w, https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2026\/10\/Maddyn-White-2-107x150.jpg 107w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 229px) 100vw, 229px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Head of Faculty \u2013 Engineering &amp; Technologies<br \/>\n<\/strong><strong>Doug Belton<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Doug has more than two decades in education and has taught a broad range of subjects including Engineering, Technologies, Physics, Mathematics and Science. Doug&#8217;s strong background in curriculum leadership, staff development and student-centred learning, combined with his passion for engineering and technology education, will be a tremendous asset to the College. We look forward to the expertise, innovation and leadership he will bring to our Engineering &amp; Technologies faculty and the opportunities he will create for students to develop the skills needed for the future.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2026\/10\/Doug.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-7119 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2026\/10\/Doug-320x320.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"320\" height=\"320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2026\/10\/Doug-320x320.jpg 320w, https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2026\/10\/Doug-1024x1024.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Head of Faculty \u2013 Arts<br \/>\n<\/strong><strong>Odette Baxter<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Odette brings more than twenty years of experience as an educator, curriculum leader, conductor and practising musician, with a distinguished record of leadership in music education and the arts. She has led curriculum development, staff mentoring, assessment moderation and strategic program improvement across Years 7-12. Her extensive involvement with the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority, together with her leadership of highly successful choral programs and strong connections within the North Queensland Arts community, reflects her commitment to excellence in teaching and learning. Odette&#8217;s collaborative leadership style, curriculum expertise and passion for fostering creativity and student achievement make her an outstanding leader for our Arts Faculty. We look forward to the vision, innovation and inspiration she will bring to Arts education at St Patrick&#8217;s College.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2026\/10\/Odette-Baxter-1.png\" data-rel=\"lightcase\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-7121\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2026\/10\/Odette-Baxter-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"255\" height=\"320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2026\/10\/Odette-Baxter-1.png 255w, https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2026\/10\/Odette-Baxter-1-120x150.png 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 255px) 100vw, 255px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Head of Instrumental Music &amp; Cultural Performance Programs<br \/>\n<\/strong><strong>Rachel Cairns<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It is with great excitement that we announce the appointment of Rachel Cairns as Head of Instrumental Music &amp; Cultural Performance Programs. Rachel will take on this role in 2027. Bringing more than 25 years of experience as a music educator, choral conductor, arts leader and event producer, together with a deep connection to St Patrick\u2019s College Townsville, where she has served in a variety of music roles over many years. She has an outstanding record of developing high-performing music programs, rebuilding and strengthening choral culture, and creating meaningful opportunities for students to excel in music and performance. Most recently, Rachel has served as Choral Producer with Australia\u2019s largest singing festival, Festival of Voices, further enhancing her expertise in program leadership, stakeholder engagement and large-scale event management. Her passion for the transformative power of music and the arts, combined with her strong leadership and commitment to nurturing student talent, make her exceptionally well placed to lead and further develop the College\u2019s Instrumental Music and Cultural Performance Programs. We look forward to the vision, energy and expertise Rachel will bring to this important role and to the many opportunities she will create for our students to thrive through music, culture and performance.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2026\/10\/Rachel-Cairns.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-7122 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2026\/10\/Rachel-Cairns-320x320.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"320\" height=\"320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2026\/10\/Rachel-Cairns-320x320.jpg 320w, https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2026\/10\/Rachel-Cairns-1024x1024.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Head of Rowing<br \/>\n<\/strong><strong>Nigel Stubbs<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Nigel Stubbs will be taking on the position of Head of Rowing from March 2027. Nigel has over a decade of coaching experience across leading Queensland school and club rowing programs, and brings a wealth of expertise, leadership and passion to the role of Head of Rowing. A Level 2 Rowing Australia Coach and former Queensland Pathways Head Coach, Nigel has guided athletes and crews to success at state and national level, while also mentoring coaches and leading the development of high-performing rowing programs. His deep commitment to athlete development, technical excellence and community building makes him exceptionally well placed to lead and inspire our Combined Rowing Program into the future. He is very much looking forward to joining us and we will be liaising with him in the lead up to his commencement to prepare for the 2027 season.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2026\/10\/Nigel-Stubbs.jpeg\" data-rel=\"lightcase\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-7141 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2026\/10\/Nigel-Stubbs-320x320.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"320\" height=\"320\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Science Laboratory Technician<br \/>\n<\/strong><strong>Bethany Kelly<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We are pleased to welcome Bethany Kelly, who recently commenced with the College as our Science Laboratory Technician. Bethany has valuable laboratory and scientific experience, including previous service as a high school Science Technician in the United Kingdom, where she was responsible for preparing laboratories, managing specialist equipment and materials, conducting testing to support risk assessments, and working collaboratively with teaching staff to ensure the effective operation of the science department. Bethany also holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science with First Class Honours, specialising in Molecular Biotechnology. Her strong organisational skills, attention to detail and commitment to safety make her a wonderful addition to our Science team, and we are delighted to welcome her to the St Patrick&#8217;s College Townsville community.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2026\/10\/Bethany-Kelly.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-7123 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2026\/10\/Bethany-Kelly-320x320.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"320\" height=\"320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2026\/10\/Bethany-Kelly-320x320.jpg 320w, https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2026\/10\/Bethany-Kelly-1024x1024.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Teacher<br \/>\n<\/strong><strong>Millie Owen<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Millie Owen will commence at the College as an English and Drama teacher in 2027. Millie recently completed her final professional placement with us and developed a strong connection with the College\u2019s Mercy tradition, commitment to girls\u2019 education and culture of joy-filled learning. She has recently completed a Master of Teaching (Secondary), specialising in English and Drama, and is currently teaching English and Religious Education at Mater Dei Catholic College in Wagga Wagga. Millie brings a passion for Catholic education, a commitment to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments, and a talent for building positive relationships with students. Her background in the performing arts, combined with her teaching experience and dedication to student wellbeing, will be a wonderful asset to our community. We look forward to welcoming Millie to St Patrick\u2019s College Townsville in 2027 and are excited for the contribution she will make both in and beyond the classroom.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2026\/10\/Millie-Owen-2.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-7147\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2026\/10\/Millie-Owen-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"218\" height=\"320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2026\/10\/Millie-Owen-2.jpg 218w, https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2026\/10\/Millie-Owen-2-102x150.jpg 102w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 218px) 100vw, 218px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>STAFF DEPARTURES<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Ellen Sutherland (Hospitality Officer) has resigned from her part time position with the College seeking fulltime opportunities. Ellen has worked at the College over a number of years, fulfilling a number of contracts, most recently in Hospitality. We wish her all the very best for the future and thank her for her service.<\/p>\n<p>Jo Gilmore, Assistant Dean of Boarding \u2013 Academic, has resigned from the College with the intention of relocating to Wales for a period of time. During her time with us, Jo has strengthened the academic culture within the boarding house and built wonderful relationships with the girls, whilst enhancing their organisational and literacy skills.<\/p>\n<p>The College has commenced a recruitment process for both positions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The College has substantially concluded recruitment for 2027 and is now in a position to announce the following appointments: Head of Year 7 Maddyn White Maddyn brings extensive experience in pastoral leadership and student wellbeing. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering positive relationships, supporting student growth, and creating inclusive learning [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":4677,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","article_category":[],"article_tag":[],"class_list":["post-7124","article","type-article","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/spc-townsville\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article\/7124","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/spc-townsville\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/spc-townsville\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/article"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/spc-townsville\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7124"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/spc-townsville\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4677"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/spc-townsville\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7124"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"article_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/spc-townsville\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article_category?post=7124"},{"taxonomy":"article_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/spc-townsville\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article_tag?post=7124"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}