Foundation Principal - Mr Sonny Smith
I have been an educator since 2000 and started my teaching career at Sacred Heart, Booval. After 4 years there I joined Edmund Rice Education at St Laurence's College, South Brisbane and Nudgee Junior College, Indooroopilly for 11 years.
I re-entered Brisbane Catholic Education in 2015 and spent time at St James, Coorparoo, St Oliver Plunkett, Cannon Hill and Immaculate Heart, Leichhardt before accepting the position as Principal at St Ann's School, Redbank Plains.
I feel very blessed every day to have been appointed to this community and work on an open and transparent platform where I am listening to the voices of our families to make sure we are developing a strong faith based and learning community. Please feel free to pop in and have a chat at any time during the school term.
Most of my time outside of school is taken up chasing my children Grace (Year 11), Kobe (Year 10) and Jobe (Year 7) across most of South East Qld as they play a multitude of sports and instruments. I am a firm believer in creating a good balance for children between outside and inside play. We have a dog named Jacko (he is a Jack Russell and my children named him) and my favourite holiday destination is Melbourne, but only for a holiday. I always love coming back to Brisbane.
The Year 2023 brings some difficult challenges for our school as we come out of lockdowns, online learning environments and restricted access for our families to the school. Our staff are committed to ensuring that the challenge will be met and your children will achieve to their potential. I look forward to working with you as we are “called to be who we are dreamed to be".
Assistant Principal Religious Education (APRE) - Mrs Katie O'Kan
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I started my teaching career in Brisbane Catholic Education in 2005 where I was a classroom teacher at Our Lady of Lourdes, Sunnybank. During this time, I taught many grades and enjoyed building a strong Parish-School connection. Since 2018 I have been part of many BCE communities including St Francis College, Crestmead, St Mark's, Inala and St Oliver Plunkett, Cannon Hill. In 2019 I was appointed as the Foundation APRE at St Ann's School, Redbank Plains.
Throughout my career I have enjoyed being part of many diverse communities. It is a privledge to commit myself to the establishment of a new Catholic school and grow a community of faith, hope, love and courage.
Outside of work, I spend time with my family and taking my children to their various afterschool activities. We are an active family who enjoy the many adventures of life.
My life is inspired by the words of St Mary MacKillop, 'Never see a need without doing something about it'. I bring this commitment and passion to the St Ann's School community as we build a welcoming and supportive environment where your children can grow, flourish and enjoy life.
Assistant Principal - Student and Staff Engagement - Mr Nick Devereaux
It brings me great pleasure to join the St Ann's community as the Assistant Principal – Staff and Student Engagement. 2023 is my 20th year in Catholic Education where I have developed a love of teaching, learning, and supporting the needs of all members of a Catholic Educational Community.
My teaching experience started at All Saints Parish Primary School, Albany Creek, followed by Holy Cross School, Wooloowin, where I taught predominantly years three to six. I was seconded for three years into Brisbane Catholic Education Office in an Information Technology role. In 2019, I was promoted to Assistant Principal Religious Education at St Bernard's School, Upper Mount Gravatt.
Since 2009, I returned to military service and currently serve as a Major in the Australian Army Reserves as a Signals Officer. This service had seen me deployed on domestic operations such as OP COVID Assist 19.
In my personal life I am a member of Our Lady of Rosary Parish, Kenmore and enjoy spending time with my wife Leisa and children. I am currently studying a Masters in Cybersecurity.
It is very exciting to be a part of new school and be able to share my strengths which such a wonderful God filled community.
Primary Learning Leader (PLL) - Ms Kathleen Andzue
Hello! My name is Kathleen Andzue and I'm super excited to be the Primary Learning Leader at St Ann's School, Redbank Plains.
I have three children with Francis plus a dog (Haku) that the kids call the fourth child. As a family we love the arts, especially music and have a passion for the outdoors. You'll usually find us out at the beach or lake swimming, kayaking or fishing. I also love to read and can cook a pretty decent chicken curry – well, my family think so.
I come to St Ann's after spending ten years at St Francis College in Crestmead as an Arts Teacher, Classroom Teacher and Primary Learning Leader. I've taught in New Zealand and Nauru and recently went to Singapore, observing teaching and learning practices.
I feel very fortunate to be part of the St Ann's Community and look forward to working with you all.
Finance Secretary/Office Manager – Mrs Melanie May
I proudly live within the Ipswich community and am excited to continue my Catholic journey with St Ann's in 2023.
Over the past 15 years I have been involved within the education sector with exposure to International, Indigenous and Catholic learning. All these wonderful schools have taught me so much about how there are so many different pathways to receive the education that is best suited to each child.
Personally, I have two wonderful sons that have finished their schooling and are now on a university path. Plus a beautiful King Charles Cavalier who is very much a part of the family. My hobbies are spending time at home with family and friends and gardening.
Administration Secretary / WH&S Officer – Mrs Kiarni Loff
Hello, I'm Kiarni and I am excited to be a part of the St Ann's community.
I am blessed to have an amazing husband, two beautiful boys, and two fur babies. In my spare time, I enjoy exercising, boating and fishing.
Our favourite holiday destination in QLD is Fraser, you will catch us there a few times throughout the year.
I look forward helping the families of St Ann's.
Enrolments Secretary – Ms Linda Braga
Hello, I'm Linda and I'm excited to be introducing new families to St Ann's in my role as the Enrolments Secretary as well as getting to support the school community in administration.
I come to St Ann's from 6 years at St Aidan's, Corinda and other roles within government and education backgrounds. I strive to always do my very best and leave a positive impact. I'm also a Mum to two teens so I understand how important the school journey is for children and their families.
I look forward to showcasing all St Ann's has to offer.
Organisation & Media Secretary – Mrs Belinda Metcalfe
Hello! My name is Belinda Metcalfe and I am excited to be part of St Ann's as the Organisation & Media Secretary.
You will find me in the office Wednesday-Friday. When I am not at school, I am spending time with my family and friends. My husband and I have three children and our dog Rusty. I love going to the beach, travelling and camping.
I look very forward to seeing you all in the office and meeting our new families.
Prep Green Teacher – Mrs Jacinta Cusac
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My name is Jacinta Cusack. Catholic Education is very important to me and I've been teaching with Brisbane Catholic Education for many years. I have a specialisation in Early Years Education and a great passion for teaching in the Early Years. I enjoy working with our youngest learners and their families in this important phase of their education. It is always an incredible journey watching the children grow and learn during this important stage of school.
Outside of school, I enjoy family time, bushwalking, beach time, barbecues with family and friends and gardening. Family life is very important to me. I have two daughters and two sons and a beautiful dog, called Lily. She is a border collie cross kelpie. Lily is a very active girl and a special part of our family.
I am very excited to be joining the team at St Ann's and I look forward to the journey ahead.
Prep Red Teacher - Ms Kate Seaton
Hi! My name is Kate Seaton and I am so excited to be joining the St Ann's community this year. I cannot wait to take on the role of Prep Red's teacher. I have taught Prep and Year 1 for the past 5 years at St Joseph's, Corinda and have a passion for teaching in the early years. My goal is to create a safe, inclusive, and happy learning environment where all students can feel successful in their learning.
Before I worked at Corinda, I lived in France for 6 years working within various bilingual and international schools which was an amazing experience. I love travelling and spending time at the beach. I have 1 fur baby (Bobbie the Cavoodle) who takes up most of my spare time as he gets into lots of mischief.
I am looking forward to a great year and getting to know all the families at St Ann's.
Prep Gold Teacher – Mrs Sarah Lepelaar
Hello, my name is Sarah Lepelaar and I am delighted to be joining the St Ann's community as the Prep Gold Teacher.
I am looking forward to meeting all of your children and providing them with an amazing first year of school. I am passionate about creating a caring and nurturing environment with lots of opportunities for learning through play and exploration. Outside of school I love spending time with my family. I have two beautiful children and one very silly cattle dog. I love camping and spending time in nature. I feel privileged to be part of your family's journey at St Ann's and look forward to supporting your children on their learning journey.
Support Teacher Early Years (Prep) - Mrs Siobhan Molloy
Hello!
My name is Siobhan Molloy and I am extremely excited to be the Support Teacher Early Years Prep.
This year will be my 21st year of teaching, with the majority of my career being in Prep. I feel privileged to be taking on this Prep Support Role and can't wait to begin.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I have five children and four dogs, which makes one big fun and crazy family. I look forward to being a part of educating your child's hearts and minds this year.
Year 1 Green Teacher - Mrs Teresa Cheyne
Hi. I'm Teresa. I am so excited to be the Year 1 Green Teacher for our wonderful students at St Ann's. I've previously worked with students at St Mark's, Inala and am very happy to be working at St Ann's.
When I'm not at school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I also love baking and can't wait to share my love of cooking. I am so excited to be part of the St Ann's community working with the Year 1 students and their families.
Year 1 Red Teacher - Mr Tom McTaggart
Hello! My name is Thomas McTaggart, and I am very excited about starting my teaching journey at St. Ann's. I am passionate about enriching children's lives and forming quality relationships.
I am also passionate about sports, particularly AFL; my favourite team is Carlton. I am so excited to be part of the St Ann's community, working with the Year 1 student and their families. I also look forward to developing my skills as a graduate teacher and exploring the challenges and triumphs within the classroom.
Year 1 Gold Teacher - Ms Tiamber Kalocsai
Hello! My name is Tiamber Kalocsai and I am very excited to be joining the St Ann's community in Year 1 Gold. This is my second year of teaching, last year in Prep and this year in Year 1. Prior to teaching, I was an Early Childhood Educator for over 10 years. I also previously worked within the administration team and as a school officer for a rural high school.
When I'm not at school, I enjoy spending time with my familyand friends. I love to read, go to the beach and unwind with some yoga. I look forward to guiding the students on their learning journey this year.
Support Teacher Early Years (Year 1) - Mrs Annie Badcock
Hello, my name is Annie Badcock (Ms B) and I'm blessed to be working at St Ann's as the Support Teacher in Year 1. I have five adult children and one grandson. My husband and I love spending time at the beach, and you will find us there most weekends. We love fishing, sitting by a campfire and spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy walking and yoga.
I come to St Ann's after teaching at several different schools throughout Brisbane over the past 20 years. My area of speciality is teaching in the Early Years with additional qualifications in Learning Support and Guidance Counselling. I look forward to being a part of the learning journey for the stduents and families of St Ann's.
Year 2 Green Teacher - Ms Zoe Bogiatzis
Hi, my name is Zoe Bogiatzis (Miss B). I am so excited about joining the St Ann's community and working with the Year Two Green students to grow and strive in their learning journeys.
I am an Early Careers Teacher having recently completed my Bachelor of Education studies. I am particularly devoted to teaching Early Years with most of my experience having been in Year Two classrooms. I pride myself in forming quality relationships with my students, ensuring it's a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.
Prior to commencing my tertiary studies, I lived in Abu Dhabi, UAE working for Etihad Airways as a flight attendant. I was fortunate to travel to many countries and learn about various cultures. This experience helped me to develop a skill set that I cannot wait to share with the St Ann's community. I am excited for the year ahead and cannot wait to meet the families of St Ann's.
Year 2 Green Teacher – Mrs Miranda Kunde
Hello! My name is Miranda and I am excited to be one of the teachers at St Ann's.
Teaching has been my passion since I was a young teenager and it is so rewarding to be involved in the educational journey of children. In my spare time, I enjoy playing, coaching and umpiring hockey. I love spending time with my family and enjoy catching up with friends on the weekends.
I am very excited for the year ahead, working with you and your child as they continue their learning journey.
Support Teacher Early Years (Year 2) - Mrs Karen Oudyn
Hello! My name is Karen Oudyn and I am part of the foundation team at St. Ann's. My surname is of Dutch origin and is pronounced “O' Dane".
I have been teaching in BCE schools for 30 years and for the past 28 years I have been privileged to teach at the unique, diverse learning community of St. Mark's.
My family means the world to me and I am blessed with a wonderful husband, three beautiful children and an adorable grandson. When not at school, my days are filled with family time. Together, we enjoy picnics, barbeques and each other's company. I also have a love for stargazing and bush walking.
I eagerly look forward to meeting the families of the St. Ann's community.
Year 3 Green Teacher – Mr Lyle Nash
Over the past dozen years, I have been blessed to be an educator in Brisbane and the Tiwi Islands. The Holy Spirit has guided me to St Ann's and I am excited to begin my journey in this new community. As a lifelong learner I seek to 'teach more by example than word." (Mary MacKillop)
Away from school my wife, boys and golden retrievers love exploring South East Queensland, and hopefully a bit further afield this year. We enjoy the Gabba for Heat and Lions matches. Our favourite though is cruising the Brisbane River on a City Cat and having stops for hot chocolates or ice creams.
Year 3 Red Teacher – Mr Paul Willey
Hi everybody! My name is Paul Willey and I am excited to be teaching Year 3 in 2023!
This is my second year at St Ann's and I am looking forward to meeting all the new faces in our community and catching up with all those who are returning.
I have been working in primary school education for almost twenty years. When I'm not in the classroom, you'll probably find me out an about, spending time with family and friends.
Year 4 Green Teacher – Mrs Emma McDonald
Hi! I'm Emma and I'm happy to be guiding the Year 4 students of St Ann's in 2023. I am entering my 8th year of teaching and bring with me a wealth of knowledge in the middle and upper years.
During my career, I've also had time away from the classroom writing education-related articles and developing teaching resources for teachers across Australia. My passions lie in helping children become positive members of the school community and grow a love for learning that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
In my personal life, I love to go traveling with my husband (Sam) and my daughter (Evie). When I'm at home, I like to learn more about nutrition and exercise, and how to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
I look forward to sharing these passions with my students as we journey through 2023 together.
Year 5 Green Teacher – Mrs Amery Sutton
Hello! I'm Amery Sutton and I am excited to be the Year 5 teacher at St Ann's for 2023.
I love teaching the upper years and have worked as a Year 6 & 7 teacher across various primary and P-12 schools within the Townsville and Brisbane Diocese.
When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy going on adventures with my husband and daughter, and starting (but never finishing) many craft projects.
I look forward to joining and getting to know the St Ann's community.
Year 6 Green Teacher - Mrs Emily Smith
Hi! My Name is Emily Smith. I have been a Primary School Teacher with Brisbane Catholic Education since 2016. For all of my career I have been at St Matthew's School. I am very much looking forward to my new journey here at St Ann's. I am a strong believer in having a safe, inclusive and fun classroom environment.
I recently got married last October so I am still getting used to it! I live with my amazing husband William in our townhouse we bought early last year. We both love Disney, travelling and playing the Nintendo Switch (mostly Lego games). When I am not at school I love a good Netflix show, looking after my nephew, playing and watching netball.
I am so excited to join the St Ann's community and look forward to building relationships with the families. Here's to a wonderful year!
Health Teacher (Upper Years) - Mrs Naomi Arnold
Hi! My name is Naomi and I am happy to be joining St Ann's as the Health Teacher for Years 3-6. I have taught in BCE schools for the past 16 years.
I am married and have three adult children and one who has just started Year 12. In my spare time I love to be active and enjoy walking, going to the gym and the beach. My family is important to me and we spend a lot of time together. I also have two dogs that keep me very busy.
I look forward to meeting the families of the St Ann's community.
Visual and Performing Arts Teacher – Ms Kellie Holmes
Hello! My name is Kellie Holmes and I am your child's teacher for The Arts this year.
When I'm not at school I enjoy roller-skating, swing dancing and playing keyboard in an 80's cover duo. I am hoping I can spread my love of art, and the joy of music and dance throughout St Ann's.
Teacher Librarian – Mrs Libby Felsman
Hello. My name is Libby Felsman and I am excited to be a part of the St Ann's school community as Teacher Librarian. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, especially outdoors. We also love cooking and trying different types of crafts, especially box construction. Reading is one of my favourite hobbies and I enjoy reading a wide variety of books.
I have been working as a Teacher Librarian for over 10 years now and I love it! There is so much about my job that I love. I love seeing a student's eyes light up when they are describing a book they have enjoyed. I also love seeing how proud students are when they move into reading chapter books independently. I look forward to creating all sorts of different opportunities to encourage the students at St Ann's to enjoy reading.
School Officer Library Assistant - Mrs Celine Casken
Hi, my name is Celine Casken and I work as the library assistant in our wonderful school library. I have worked in both public and school libraries across three different states and now call QLD home.
I love spending time with my young son and husband and enjoy travelling, reading a good book or heading to the beach. I can't wait to share the joy of reading with our students.
School Officer Library Assistant - Mr Adrian Jacovelli
Hi, my name is Adrian Jacovelli and I am excited to be part of the St Ann's community as a Library Assistant. Reading and listening to music are one of my favourite hobbies. I love all sports and I play cricket.
I relocated to Brisbane from Melbourne last year.
I have been working as a library assistant for almost 20 years and I am loving it.
I can't wait to share the joy with all the students.
School Officer Library Assistant/Student Focus - Mr Russell Turner
Hi. My name is Mr Russell Turner and I am one of the foundation School Officers who started in 2020. I worked as the Prep School Officer at Immaculate Heart School, Leichhardt. I also worked at Sacred Heart Primary School Booval for nearly 20 years as an Outside School Hours Care Coordinator. At Sacred Heart I was involved in numerous Behavioural Managemet Programs helping children with needs.
I have been married for 33 years to my wife Christine. I have 4 children, 2 of which are school teachers. We also have 4 grandchildren which keep us very busy and have an enjoyable family life.
In my spare time I am an amateur Bird Photographer which I enjoy very much and I also like deep sea fishing . I like doing art, painting and drawings. On weekends we all get together for laughs and meals and juts having family fun. I am excited to bring Catholic values and my experience working with children to St Ann's.
School Officer Prep Red - Mrs Glenda Paessler
My name is Glenda Paessler and I am excited to be joining the team at St Ann's as the school officer in Prep Red. I have been working for 13 years as a Prep School Officer with 11 of those years at St Josephs at Corinda.
I am married with 3 daughters and our family also includes our 2 dogs, a German Shepherd named Kaia and a labradoodle named Bella along with a cat named Archie!
Some of my favourite things to do are walking my dogs, hiking, camping, going to the beach and exploring different places. I love to travel so every school holidays will see us somewhere new, either in Australia or overseas.
I am really excited to get to know our little preppies and their families!
School Officer Prep Gold - Mrs Leisa Lenihan
Hi my name is Leisa and I am excited to join the St Ann's team in Prep. I have worked as a School Officer for over 15 years in various local school communities. When I'm not at work I enjoy spending time with my family and dogs. I love to cook, read and listen to music. I look forward to being a part of the St Ann's community.
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Support Teacher Inclusive Education (Early Years STIE) - Mrs Megan Danesi
Hello, my name is Megan Danesi and I am excited to be a part of the St Ann's community. Throughout my career I have been fortunate enough to combine my love of teaching with my love of travel. This has allowed me to teach in a range of Queensland communities within the Brisbane Catholic Education Diocese and in the United Kingdom. My broad experiences have helped me to develop a skill set that I cannot wait to share with the St Ann's community.
I am looking forward to working closely with you to help deliver the best learning experiences for your child.
Support Teacher Inclusive Education (Upper Years STIE) – Mrs Tanya Brehmer
I began my teaching journey in Child Care (12 years) and after having my 2 beautiful children changed into the Primary setting. I have been in the Primary setting for over 15 years and in that time have done a variety of roles- Classroom Teacher, English as a 2nd Language and finally the role of Support Teacher: Inclusive Education. I have my Bachelor in Education, Grad Cert in Inclusive Education, Grad Cert in Hearing Impairment and the degree I am most proud of is my Masters in Education (majoring in Trauma-Informed Practice). I love the diversity that my job gives, as it allows me to work with an amazing array of staff and children in a variety of age groups and abilities. I see my role as one of supporting staff and families, of children with additional needs, through the challenges and successes that we encounter every day. I'm looking forward to working with the staff, families and children of St Ann's in 2023 and beyond.
Support Teacher Inclusive Education – (Upper Years STIE) – Mrs Rebecca Errey
Hello! My name is Bec Errey and I am very excited to be joining the St Ann's community as an additional Support Teacher for Inclusive Education. I have been teaching in BCE schools for 12 years and for the past 10 years I have been part of the wonderful St Mary's community in Laidley.
A priority for me is forming positive relationships with staff, students, and their families. I believe in being a positive role model to students and establishing a safe and supportive learning environment. This plays a key role in how students perform and make choices throughout the school year and shapes their mindsets they will carry through life.
My family is my whole world and I am very blessed to have two beautiful daughters, Ella and Evie. We love to go camping to different places whenever we get the chance, from the sunny coast to exploring rainforests and remote locations in the outback. Our chihuahua Bambi loves to come on our holidays as well!
My working days are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I am really looking forward to getting to know the St Ann's community and watching the students learn and grow in 2022! My door is always open so please come and see me!
Guidance Counsellor – Miss Jenny Xu
Hello! My name is Jenny Xu (Ms Jenny), and I am the Guidance Counsellor here at St Ann's. The role of Guidance Counsellor can vary greatly between schools and also within schools. Here at St Ann's, I am heavily involved in our Student Support Meetings that are held weekly and are aimed to work collaboratively to make school a safe, fun and positive learning environment for all our children.
My days at St Ann's are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. The best process for contacting me is to leave a message at the office or email to the school is welcomed. If the matter is not urgent, the best place to start is with your child's teacher as they are the ones that see your child every day and will get to know them wel
School Chaplain: Pastoral – Mr Charles Mushosi
Hello! I am Charles and I am very excited to be the School Chaplain at St Ann's. I am originally from the central part of Africa “Heart of Africa" in the country called DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo).
I have been to 14 countries, mostly African countries and I have spent most of my life working for children in schools, centre's and parishes. I spend most of my weekends in church activities and I am strongly connected to my faith. I am looking forward to sharing that connection with you.
It feels so amazing to be part of the St Ann's community and I can't wait to meet and have a chat with you all.
© Brisbane Catholic Education, St Ann's School (2023)