We acknowledge and pay respect to the land and the traditional elders and families of the Bullongin clan of the Bundjalung nation. We also pay respect to all First Nations people of the land we live, work, and walk on.

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As a Diocesan Owned College, the governing body of the College is Diocesan Council. Diocesan Council delegates certain governance functions to the College Council via the College Charter. The College Senior Leadership Team is led by the Principal and provides leadership and management for the daily operations across the College.

 

Coomera Anglican College is a Diocesan owned school which is established under the School's Regulation Canon. As such, the governing body is Diocesan Council.

It is from this relationship that the school takes its corporate status. The members of Diocesan Council are:

  • The Right Reverend Cameron Venables (Administrator)
  • The Right Reverend Jeremy Greaves
  • The Right Reverend John Roundhill
  • The Reverend Canon Nicole Colledge
  • The Venerable Geoffrey Hoyte
  • The Reverend Dr Rodney Wolff
  • The Reverend Dr Ceridwen Wynne
  • Ms Jennifer Basham
  • Ms Amy Norman
  • Mr Dan O’Connor
  • Judge Kevin Lapthorn
  • The Hon Justice Debra Mullins (Chancellor)
  • Mr David Sneesby
  • The Reverend Adam Lowe

Diocesan Council delegates certain governance functions to the School Council via the College Charter. 

In circumstances where the Directors of the governing body must be provided with a report about sexual abuse or likely sexual abuse the Diocesan Council has, pursuant to Section 366B of the Education (General Provisions) Act, delegated that role to Ms Sherril Butterworth, Executive Director, Anglican Schools Commission. 

College Council Members

The Right Reverend Cameron Venables
Reverend Mary-Anne Rulfs
Mrs Robyn Kronenberg
Ms Jan Bartlett
Prof Donna Pendergast
Rev Canon Gary Smith
Ms Justine Cirocco
Mr Michael Temperton
Ms Kaye Hastie
Mr Patrick Innes-Hill

The Right Reverend Cameron Venables

Administrator

Reverend Mary-Anne Rulfs

Council Chair

Reverend Mary-Anne is already a familiar face to many in the College community. She has previously served as the College Chaplain for several years and as Associate Priest at Robina Anglican Church. 

 

Her extensive experience in these roles, coupled with her impressive qualifications, makes her a natural fit for the position of Council Chair. 
Reverend Mary-Anne's journey began with her Bachelor of Applied Science in Physiotherapy from Cumberland College of Health Sciences, a degree that equipped her with the knowledge and skills to help people recover from injuries and illnesses. 

 

However, despite the great satisfaction she derived from this work, Reverend Mary-Anne felt a calling to a different kind of service.  With her extensive academic qualifications and pastoral experience, Reverend Mary-Anne was well-prepared to enter the ministry. She served as College Chaplain at Coomera Anglican College for several years where she inspired and supported students in their faith journeys. 

 

She also worked as an Associate Priest at Robina Anglican Church where she provided pastoral care to a large and diverse community.
Now, as Council Chair for Coomera Anglican College, Reverend Mary-Anne has the opportunity to use her knowledge and expertise to help shape the future of the school. 

 

Her academic qualifications and experience in pastoral care will be an asset to the school and the wider community as she advises ACSQ churches on building faith-forming relationships, Anglican school chaplaincy and practical theology.
 

Mrs Robyn Kronenberg

Finance Committee, Risk & Compliance Committee & Infrastructure Committee

Robyn Kronenberg has made a significant contribution to education over the past 45 years, and to governance and management through roles on not-for-profit and government boards. 

 

As a former Principal of St Michael’s Collegiate School in Hobart, Robyn led change, improved academic outcomes and increased international connections, while maintaining the school’s heritage and strong Christian values. 

 

Robyn has held non-executive director roles on the Tasmanian Qualifications Authority, the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia and the Alliance of Girls’ Schools Australasia, as well as Chair of the Chapter of St David’s Cathedral, Hobart. 

 

Currently she is an Authorised Person for the Queensland Non-State Schools Accreditation Board and a member of the Anglican Schools Commission, Southern Queensland. 

 

Robyn is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and more recently completed an Executive MBA at Bond University.
 

Ms Jan Bartlett

Jan Bartlett brings a wealth of experience to Coomera Anglican College’s Council as the Chair of the Finance Committee. She was born in Innisfail, North Queensland and moved to Brisbane to pursue secondary schooling and higher education. 

 

During her time at high school, Bartlett was awarded the American Field Scholarship and spent 12 months living in Maryland with an American family. Once home in Australia, she commenced at the University of Queensland studying a Bachelor of Commerce. 

 

She lives on the Gold Coast and is an Anglican Schools Commission representative. Her financial expertise is something that the College Council cherishes.  

Prof Donna Pendergast

Risk & Compliance Committee

A reliable, team-orientated individual Justine Cirocco brings to the College Council advocacy skills. Justine completed a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Science at James Cook University in 1994 before becoming a recognized lawyer on the Gold Coast.  

 

She has also completed a Diploma of Legal Practice (QUT – 1995), Diploma of Youth Work (SU - 2013) and a Certificate in Legal Practice Management (QLS – 2016). 

 

In 2020 Justine, become the Executive Officer at the Queensland Independent Schools Parent Network (QISPN), the peak representative body for parents and carers of children attending Queensland independent schools. 

 

Justine is currently the Risk and Compliance Consultant for Ohana Education, a provider of Special Assistance Schooling for disengaged students. We are grateful for her guidance within the College Council.

Rev Canon Gary Smith

Gary Smith’s dedication to learning and striving for excellence is apparent through his diverse skillset. Smith’s interests range from accountancy and taxation to theology and live theatre. 

 

He graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Commerce and diploma of accounting in 1972. He then proceeded with postgraduate study with the Australian Society of Accounting and in 1991, finished his Bachelor of Theology at the Brisbane College of Theology. 

 

In 1990, he successfully become a deacon and in 1991, a priest. He is a long-time member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and the Australian and New Zealand Society for Theological Studies. 

 

Furthermore, Smith has worked within the Anglican Church of Australia, Diocese of Brisbane, University of Queensland, Griffith University, Queensland Commerce Education and the Finance and Diocesan Services Commission as commissioner, just to name a few of his broad experiences. Gary Smith is a reliable member of the College Council. 

Ms Justine Cirocco

Risk & Compliance Committee

A reliable, team-orientated individual Justine Cirocco brings to the College Council advocacy skills. Justine completed a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Science at James Cook University in 1994 before becoming a recognized lawyer on the Gold Coast. 

 

She has also completed a Diploma of Legal Practice (QUT – 1995), Diploma of Youth Work (SU - 2013) and a Certificate in Legal Practice Management (QLS – 2016). 

 

In 2020 Justine, become the Executive Officer at the Queensland Independent Schools Parent Network (QISPN), the peak representative body for parents and carers of children attending Queensland independent schools. 

 

Justine is currently the Risk and Compliance Consultant for Ohana Education, a provider of Special Assistance Schooling for disengaged students. We are grateful for her guidance within the College Council.

Mr Michael Temperton

Infrastructure Committee

Michel Temperton is a dedicated and successful entrepreneur who started his commerce journey in South Africa. After studying a Bachelor of Commerce, he worked as an articled Clerk for an accounting firm in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. 

 

He immigrated to Australia’s corporate world in 1984 and quickly became the CFO of a construction company and director of a financial services company. The emerging computer industry sparked his interest, so he wrote an accounting software package in 1991. 

 

To further his understanding of the complexities of programming, Temperton completed an associate diploma in programming. This was the start of Temperton’s self-employment pathway, where he implemented and supported the needs of numerous customers. 

 

He currently is the executive director of MMTS (marketing and software development) and EcoResidential (home builder); and the governance director of both SafetyMate (hand safety wholesaler) and NetLotto (Tattersalls online agent); as well as being the compliance director at MML (a licensed lottery service). Temperton is an outstanding member of the College Council and entrepreneur.

Ms Kaye Hastie

Kaye Hastie has had a lifelong passion for teaching, which can only be confirmed through her extensive 50-year service to the industry across Australia, England, Canada, Hong Kong and Korea. 

 

She initially studied primary teaching at Kelvin Grove Teachers’ College (1969) and Physical Education at the University of Queensland (1971) before completing her Bachelor of Education (with Distinction) at the University of Southern Queensland in 1993. 

 

Kaye has had teaching roles at the following schools on the Gold Coast, St Francis Xavier School and The Southport School. She has also been an English teacher and methodology adviser for Branksome Hall Asia in Korea and Ka Ling School of the Precious Blood in Hong Kong. 

 

Outside of teaching, she is a member of the Board of the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation and aspires to be innovative in all facets of her life. The College Council is grateful for her assistance and enthusiasm for teaching.

Mr Patrick Innes-Hill

Principal - Ex-Officio

In circumstances where the directors of the governing body must be provided with a report about sexual abuse or likely sexual abuse the Diocesan Council has, pursuant to Section 366B of the Education (General Provisions) Act, delegated that role to Mr Greg Milles, the Director of Professional Standards within the Diocese.

Meet our Senior Leadership Team

Mr Patrick Innes-Hill
Mr Mark Heaney
Dr Bek Duyckers
Mr Greg Golder
Mrs Carolyn Thistlethwaite
Mrs Jenny Rees
Mrs Julie Kemp
Mr Ryan Diaz

Mr Patrick Innes-Hill

Principal

Patrick joined the College in 2023 as the second Principal of Coomera Anglican College. He is a highly regarded educator and leader with 30 years of experience in education.  

 

He was previously the Principal at Emmanuel and Josiah Colleges on the Gold Coast and, most recently, the Head of Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School. 

 

A lifelong learner, Patrick has a BA (Hons) in English from Kingston University in London, the English Post Graduate teaching Qualification from the University of East Anglia, and a Masters in Education (Leadership and Applied Linguistics) from the Open University in the United Kingdom.  He is also a Lay Reader in the Church of England. 

 

Patrick’s vision for Coomera Anglican College is that it can continue to lead the way in developing education that values every person’s dignity, which has breadth and depth, joy and hope, and the kind of meaningfulness that enables all its students to make a real difference in the world.

Mr Mark Heaney

Deputy Principal 

Mark joined the College in 2003 having taught in both the state and independent sectors of South Australia and Western Australia. 

 

He holds a Bachelor of Arts, an Honours (History) Degree and a Diploma of Education from Adelaide University. 

 

Mark sees his purpose as encouraging students to view the world around them as a place of learning and discovery thereby equipping them to become lifelong learners. 

 

In particular he hopes that they will understand that: ‘the soul of the individual eternally hungers for the heroism of genuine Being, and that the willingness to take on that responsibility is identical to the decision to live a meaningful life.’ (Jordan Peterson).

Dr Bek Duyckers

Deputy Principal – Teaching, Learning and Innovation

Bek commenced at the College in 2022 in an innovation focused senior leadership role before being appointed as Deputy Principal. 

 

Bek offers unique leadership guidance in turning ideas into reality through a consultative and collaborative approach. She is passionate about staff development, adaptive cultures, student agency and growing great human beings that go on to make a difference in our world. 

 

Bek’s leadership will help drive the College agenda forward, leading our community in learning that encourages students to be innately curious, engaged in their learning and the world around them, confident in themselves, empathetic and reflective. 

 

Bek has contributed to leadership discussions and presentations through future schooling forums, projects through AISWA and SCSA and has presented at state, national and international conferences. She has also been active in the educational community as a Youth Engagement Manager for TEDxPerth and an Executive Member of ACEL WA Committee. 

 

Bek has three Masters of Education (Leadership, Learning Difficulties and Gifted Education). Her doctoral research focused on the intercultural communication competence students acquire when collaborating with students from another country using digital technologies - developing global competences purposefully in our increasingly globalised world.

Mr Greg Golder

Head of Junior Secondary (Years 7-9)

In 2018, Greg joined the College as Head of Junior Secondary. He is a born and bred Gold Coaster with 20 years teaching experience in both the state and independent systems, in Australia and England. 

 

He holds a Bachelor of Education and Master of Education. Greg believes a well-balanced approach to education that incorporates the arts, physical pursuits, faith and service, in conjunction with a rigorous academic programme, holds the key to achieving success. 

 

The development of strong positive relationships between all stakeholders within the College community are fundamental to the growth of the individual and encourages stakeholders to get involved with College events when they can.

Mrs Carolyn Thistlethwaite

Head of Primary

Carolyn Thistlethwaite joined the College in July 2021 as Head of Primary. With over 20 years of experience in the education sector, Carolyn’s vision for the College is to lead a Christ centred learning community where learning is relevant and significant to their world. 

 

With a Master of Education in innovation and leadership and most recently completing an Advanced Leadership course with NESLI, Carolyn is passionate about making sure learners are engaged and challenged in supportive and respectful ways here at the College. 

 

Carolyn moved to the Gold Coast in 1998 when she began her career in education as a teacher at Coomera Anglican College.  After 5 years at the College, Carolyn moved on to pursue leadership roles at John Paul College and Trinity Lutheran College. 

 

Leading Trinity Lutheran College as the Head of Early and Junior Years has given Carolyn vast experience and with a love of learning herself and a passion for leading learning, Carolyn is excited to be back at Coomera Anglican College heading up the Primary Campus. 

 

Carolyn has presented at workshops and conducted school-based evaluations through her previous role as a consultant with the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO). Carolyn has also written papers for educational magazines, most recently for AHISA’s magazine titled Leadership. 

 

As an avid Anglican Carolyn holds values of integrity, passion, community, creativity, and quality and is looking forward to guiding the College through their inquiry teaching and learning journey and helping the children to flourish in life.

Mrs Jenny Rees

Director of Early Learning Centre

In 2007, Mrs Jenifer Rees joined the College as Director of the Early Learning Centre having over 20 years Primary teaching experience in the independent system and 5 years as Foundation Director for St Mary’s Catholic Child Care Centre. 

 

She holds a Bachelor of Education, Advanced Diploma of Children’s Services, Diploma of Children’s Services and Certificate III in Children’s Services. In 2011, Jenny also accepted the responsibility as Manager of the Outside School Hours Care Service in the College. 

 

As Director Jenny has ensured that, the Early Learning Centre has achieved a rating of ‘Exceeding National Quality Standards’ in accordance with the Education and Care Services National Law and Education and Care Services National Regulations through the accreditation process. 

 

Jenny has been a lead Director in the Education and Care Services for the Brisbane Anglican Diocese. Within this role, she has provided mentoring to fellow Directors in both parish and school based services. Jenny has a passion for high quality Early Childhood Education. 

 

She believes that children are creative, capable and intrinsically motivated to explore and discover their world and achieving great things. 

 

As Director of the Early Learning Centre Jenny is responsible for all aspects of the management of the Centre. As part of her role Jenny supports opportunities for structured and free play experiences and facilitates an environment in which children can: explore, create, imagine, adapt, challenge, problem solve, believe and pursue their interests in order to reach their potential. 

 

As point of entry to Coomera Anglican College, Jenny aims to ensure that children and their families have a sense of ‘belonging to a Christian caring community’ that begins in the Early Learning Centre and continues through to Year 12.

Mrs Julie Kemp

Director of Wellbeing

Julie Kemp joined the College in January 2024 as the Director of Wellbeing. 

 

Julie is a dedicated and accomplished educator currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Tasmania (UTAS), with a research focus on health literacy and wellbeing in adolescents. With a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of New England (UNE) and a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education from Deakin University, Julie possesses a strong academic foundation.

 

With an impressive 30 years of teaching experience in independent schools across Tasmania, Victoria, and the United Kingdom, Julie has cultivated a breadth of knowledge and expertise in the field of education. Her passion for sport, music, and travel further enriches her teaching philosophy.

 

Julie has spent 6 years serving as the Head of Middle School at Scotch Oakburn College and 5 years as Head of Year 9 at St Michael’s Collegiate School, both Independent Schools in Tasmania, demonstrating exceptional leadership skills and a commitment to the holistic development of students. Furthermore, Julie has contributed significantly to the educational landscape through a one-year tenure in a corporate role as the Curriculum Lead for Health and Physical Education in the Department for Education, Children, and Young People, also in Tasmania.

 

Throughout her career, Julie has served in various key positions, including 4 years as Head of House, 2 years as Director of Sport, and 2 years as Daily Organiser at St Michael’s Collegiate School, as well as Head of Department at Carmel College in the United Kingdom. These roles have greatly contributed to her ability to effectively manage and inspire both students and faculty members.

 

As a current PhD student at UTAS, Julie remains dedicated to advancing her knowledge and contributing to the future of education through rigorous research and innovation in health literacy and wellbeing. Her diverse experiences, coupled with her passion for improving educational outcomes, make her an asset to the field of education.

Mr Ryan Diaz

Acting Business Manager

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