Mater moments

With a strong interest in wellbeing for learning, Shae chose to complete a Masters of Education - Student Wellbeing from The University of Melbourne ten years into her career.

“I firmly believe that a student’s wellbeing impacts on their ability to learn.  So, it is important that we provide the best environment we can, where students are supported, encouraged to have a go, connected and engaged, and feel they have a voice and agency in their own journey.”

In her previous role as Head of Senior School, Shae says she feels lucky to have worked with so many students and families through their final years at school and now enjoys doing this work across the whole College, as a Deputy Principal.

“Working with students and their families on their journey from the beginning to end of secondary school, is a real privilege.”

The role of Deputy Principal – Staff and Students is to support student wellbeing for learning, and ensure that, as a College, we are continually improving our practice to support student outcomes. The role also involves actioning priorities in our School Improvement Plan.

Shae says her approach to supporting students harks back to the old saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’

“Working in partnership with parents and students and using common sense to guide what we do are the best ways to ensure a positive learning environment and secondary school experience.”

She aims to ensure that all students feel connected to the College through positive relationships with staff and their peers and engagement in their learning.

“My interactions with students are always based on respect, empathy and kindness. I believe in being honest and fair, and I have a strong sense of justice. I believe everyone has the right to experience success in their learning, whatever that looks like and that students need to be able to take control and feel that they have a say in what is important to them.”

“I also believe students need strong role models, and we have many of them at Mater Christi. We have fantastic, supportive staff who really care about our students and who are passionate about learning, passionate about their subject area and passionate about helping students to succeed.

We are also lucky to have a wonderful student body, who are friendly and warm, always up for a chat or to share a story. They make it really easy to come to work every day. 

In her life outside Mater Christi, Shae spends much of her time tending to her hobby farm. A true animal lover, she cares for multiple chickens, two miniature donkeys, and her beautiful and very BIG dog, Bob.

Bob is a Pyrenean Mountain Dog who is also one of two Therapy Dogs at the College.

‍