Meet the Team

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Applied Science
  • Diploma in Applied Science
  • Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary)
  • Graduate Certificate of Principal Preparation
  • Certificate in Training and Assessment

Mark Natoli is a Principal with over a decade’s experience as an educator. He is an experienced Principal and has a track record of leading a remarkable transformation in the schools he has worked, including reshaping the school’s culture, connectedness with community and ensured resources are directed towards work that enables students to thrive.

He is renowned for his collaborative approach. Starting in 2017, at Principal at his previous school he worked tirelessly with staff, students, and families to recast the school’s vision and construct the building blocks for a new way of working to support student success. Everyone at remembers the school gatherings where Mark and his team skilfully brought together the whole community to ensure everyone had their say.

Before this, Mark was a Campus Principal at a multi-campus school, where he led improvement in student outcomes by supporting the implementation of innovative curriculum and working in partnership with community.

And while he will rarely mention it, prior to education, Mark started his career in project management, managing projects in the $10 to $30M range. He knows how to get things done. In these early years, he worked out he had a knack for talking to anyone.

Whether he’s working with staff, helping students or talking with the community, Mark is clear and direct while showing empathy and understanding. He is a great listener who has developed strong and trusting relationships with students and their families. Mark truly believes that trust sits at the foundation for getting anything achieved and is passionate about working with young people. He loves celebrating students’ achievements and helping the adults who work with them to excel, including shaping the environment for these achievements to flourish.
As the proud Foundation Principal of Greenvale Secondary School, Mark enjoys getting to know and working in partnership with the Greenvale community. Together with the community, Mark will create a school that is known for academic excellence as well as having strong social and community values.

He is energised by the potential to develop a school that not only delivers academic results but in which students, staff, parents and the community can be proud. With Mark’s leadership, the growth of every learner is the core focus, supported by contemporary and best practice teaching and learning including engaged and expert teachers who collaborate around the needs of each learner.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Education (Post Primary)

Prior to working at Greenvale Secondary College, Melinda was Assistant Principal at Sandringham College, where she has led teaching and learning and student management. She is known for the trust she builds with staff and her ability to develop capacity in the teams she works with.

Melinda feels privileged with her appointment as Assistant Principal at Greenvale Secondary College. She has a clear understanding of the work ahead and knows that the founding staff are going to build an outstanding school with academic excellence and strong social and community values. She continuously works to see students with clarity in their learning, effectively collaborating; engaged and respectful; she will hear quality feedback, targeted questioning, and confident student voice; and she will feel that the learning environment is productive, safe, and supported with genuine teacher care being demonstrated.

Melinda is excited to work at Greenvale Secondary College with a team of passionate teachers as they create curriculum to challenge and excite Greenvale Secondary College students

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Arts (Languages)
  • Bachelor of Arts (English Literature and Writing)
  • Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
  • Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Lucy Gibbs is an educator with close to two decades working in schools and universities in Victoria and internationally. Before moving into the role of Assistant Principal, Lucy was the Foundation Head of Curriculum at Greenvale Secondary College, working with all learning areas to establish and deliver quality curriculum, as well as teaching her own classes of English and Humanities. Before coming to Greenvale, Lucy worked in the regional centre of Wodonga as a Teaching and Learning Leader and Coach, and teaching English and Humanities from Years 7 to 12.

Lucy has focussed on classroom learning and teacher practice throughout her career, working with teams of teachers to bring curriculum to life in innovative and engaging ways, and enabling students to become keen and capable learners. She is excited to work collaboratively with College staff to create an environment where curious students thrive in their learning experiences in every classroom and learning area at Greenvale Secondary College.

Lucy values her own role as a classroom teacher and loves time spent working with whole classes, groups and individual students. She enjoys engaging with Greenvale’s students, their families and the community.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Arts/Laws
  • Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary)
  • Masters of Business Administration
Elizabeth (Liz) brings a wealth of experience and qualifications to this role which has responsibility for the school’s finance, human resources, operations and facilities functions. Liz is passionate about effective resource management and looking after our people to ensure we can deliver high quality educational opportunities for all our students. Liz is a former teacher and is committed to enabling excellent teaching and learning across the school.

For the last 5 years, Liz has worked as a manager within the Department of Education in various programs and policy teams, building an in-depth understanding of school operational and strategic policy areas, funding, and professional development.

As a graduate of the Melbourne Business School, Liz completed a Masters in Business Administration including specific study in leadership, human resources and financial analysis and management.

Liz has provided high level secretariat support to a range of Department committees, and will be responsible for supporting school governance functions and procedures through our School Council.

Liz is always looking to improve our ways of working, and values warmth and responsiveness in all interactions.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Arts (Youth Affairs)
  • Graduate Diploma of Professional Counselling
  • Graduate Certificate in Mental Health
  • Certificate in Training and Assessment

Tanya’s appointment as Student Wellbeing Manager at Greenvale Secondary College is one that comes with great eagerness and passion. Tanya is a qualified youth worker and counsellor who is currently completing her Masters in Mental Health. Tanya comes to Greenvale Secondary College with 24 years of experience, supporting young people and families who have required extensive support as a result of trauma, grief and loss, mental health, drug and alcohol concerns, medical illness and learning difficulties. Tanya is well known in and attuned to the local area.  As a result, Tanya has linkages and a wide knowledge of networks, local council support and agencies in the area.

Tanya’s framework of support is strength based and person centred.  Empowering and equipping young people and families with knowledge, strategies and a voice which as a result promotes self-determination, empathy and gratitude.  Tanya practices in a non-judgemental, compassionate and empathic manner.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Applied Science (Applied Biology/Biotechnology)
  • Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary)

Angela’s twenty-year teaching career has seen her live in and around the northern suburbs of Melbourne, including, at one stage, Greenvale. Her passion in teaching is encouraging all students to undertake STEM learning. In her previous schools Angela has established and fostered the STEM learning program at both the Junior and Senior levels. This work forms the foundation of Angela’s teaching practice which is to develop in students the ability to apply problem solving skills to real world problems.

As one of Greenvale Secondary College’s foundation teachers Angela has held the role of the Science Learning Area Leader and the Year 8 Level Leader. This work has allowed her to establish and build positive relationships outside of the classroom both with students and their families. 

As the Head of Curriculum, Angela is supporting fellow staff with the development of the Senior School Curriculum. This is an exciting time in the school’s foundation as this curriculum will help prepare students to undertake whatever pathway they choose in life after leaving Greenvale Secondary College.


Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Arts (English & Social Anthropology)
  • Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary)
  • Master of Education (Māori Education) with Distinction

Before joining Greenvale Secondary College, Claire served as the Assistant Principal for Student Achievement at Kaipara College, where she also previously held the role of Head of English. With a wealth of experience in teaching English and Media Studies, Claire cherishes her time in the classroom and remains deeply committed to the craft of teaching.

Claire is passionate about nurturing confident, lifelong learners equipped with the knowledge and skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Her leadership and teaching are guided by the belief that every student deserves equitable access to meaningful learning opportunities that inspire them to reach their full potential. She adopts a student-centred approach, ensuring that education remains engaging, relevant, and impactful for all learners.

A strong advocate for equity in education, Claire tailors her teaching and leadership strategies to address the diverse needs of students. She places a high value on fostering respect, empathy, and cultural understanding within her practice. Claire also believes that building strong, collaborative relationships with students, staff, families, and the broader community is essential to achieving success for everyone involved.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Arts (English & Social Anthropology)
  • Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary)
  • Master of Education (Māori Education) with Distinction

Davey Van’t Schip is an educator with 10 years of experience working in schools across Victoria. Prior to joining Greenvale Secondary College, Davey worked at John Fawkner College and Melbourne City Football Club, where he served as an Elite Academy Coach and Strength and Conditioning Coach in the Football and Sport Science Department.

As the Year 7 & 8 Head of School at Greenvale Secondary College, Davey is committed to ensuring a smooth and positive transition for students moving from primary school to secondary college. He works closely with staff, students, and families to create a welcoming and supportive environment where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. Davey is deeply passionate about fostering positive relationships with our students, recognising these as the foundation of a successful educational experience.

By prioritising a safe, supportive, and challenging learning environment, Davey helps students build confidence and resilience as they navigate this important phase of their education. He believes that when students feel connected and empowered, they are more likely to engage meaningfully in their learning, take risks, ask questions, and strive for personal growth.

He understands that each student is unique, with individual needs and aspirations, and works to build strong, trusting relationships with them to better understand their goals and challenges. Through consistent encouragement and support, Davey motivates students to develop resilience, confidence, and a growth mindset.

As a Health and Physical Education teacher, Davey’s mission is to inspire students to become lifelong participants in physical activity. He believes in the importance of physical and mental well-being, encouraging students to challenge themselves, grow as individuals, and develop a love for active living. By utilising the Game Sense approach, Davey teaches students various skills through gameplay, enhancing their understanding, teamwork, and enjoyment of physical activity.

At Greenvale Secondary College, Davey is excited to work collaboratively with students, staff, and families to support the college’s growth. He is dedicated to empowering students to achieve their goals both inside and outside the classroom.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Education (P-12)
  • Certificate in Training and Assessment

Ken Sinderberry is an educator with close to 20 years’ experience working in schools in Victoria. Prior to working at Greenvale Secondary College, Ken worked as a Sub School Leader (Senior School) teaching STEM, Digital Technology and Computing from Years 7 to 12.

Ken has focused on student management throughout his career, working with teams of teachers and students to ensure a safe and challenging learning environment for the sub school he manages. Focusing on senior students, ensuring they have a pathway for further study or work that meets their individual needs. Working with senior students enables strong use of student voice to connect them to the college and the wider community. This is something Ken is very keen to bring to Greenvale Secondary College as the college continues to grow.

Ken has also managed various curriculum areas and teams in his previous schools and will bring these skills to help develop the programs happening at Greenvale Secondary College as this school continues to grow.

In the classroom, Ken enjoys teaching a subject area that allows the students to expand their knowledge and challenge themselves to think outside the box. In an area that is constantly adapting means Ken must also adapt his teaching to meet the needs of the curriculum.
As a Head of School in Greenvale Secondary College, Ken is looking forward to forming bonds with students and their families and seeing students grow to meet their full potential in a safe and challenging learning environment.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science
  • Master of Teaching (Secondary)

Shannon Lazarus is a dynamic and enthusiastic educator,
bringing years of invaluable experience to the Greenvale Secondary College
community. Throughout her career, Shannon has consistently demonstrated her
commitment to fostering a love for learning, both inside and outside the
classroom.

She has actively embraced leadership roles, showcasing her
dedication to education. She has served as Acting Head of Senior School, taken
on Year Level Coordinator responsibilities, and assumed the role of Curriculum
Leader for STEM and SEAL. Her expertise extends to serving as a Learning
Specialist for Innovations and Excellence. In these capacities, Shannon has
played a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape, contributing to
policy development, school improvement initiatives, and student well-being.

As an educator, Shannon’s philosophy extends beyond
delivering curriculum; she is passionate about providing a well-rounded
education that nurtures personal, academic, and social development. She firmly
believes that every student deserves the opportunity to learn and be
challenged. This belief is reflected in her commitment to developing
innovative, inquiry-based curricula that cater to the diverse needs of all
students. She is a proactive member of the educational community, consistently
adopting a growth mindset to enhance her teaching practices. Leading by
example, Shannon sets high expectations for herself and others, striving to
create a positive culture within the classroom and the wider school community.

 

In her new role as the Numeracy Specialist at Greenvale
Secondary College, Shannon is eager to bring her passion for mathematics to the
forefront. She envisions a transformative experience for students, where
engagement, connection, and relevance are paramount. Shannon aims to facilitate
a shift in mindset, encouraging students to ask, “how will this be used in
the future” rather than “why are we learning this.” Her goal is
to make numeracy and mathematics enjoyable, fostering confidence and capability
in all students.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Education (Primary and Secondary)
  • Master of Linguistics
  • Diploma of Publishing and Editing
  • Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

Tania is a highly accomplished educator with extensive experience teaching and lecturing at primary, secondary and tertiary levels in language and literacy development, cultural awareness and youth studies. With a passion for nurturing young minds, Tania leverages innovative teaching methodologies and comprehensive curriculum design to empower learners across diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. She is committed to fostering holistic well-being in youth, promoting inclusion, and equipping students with the literacy and language skills necessary for lifelong excellence.

In her previous roles as an educator, Tania used her skills to implement evidence-based strategies to support language acquisition, multilingual learning, and effective communication skills in diverse learning environments. She is an expert in designing, delivering and modelling interdisciplinary curricula programs that enhance reading, writing, speaking and critical thinking. Fostering literacy as a foundation for academic and personal growth, Tania customises programs of study to meet the unique needs of the learners, maintaining alignment with educational standards.

Tania has been proactive in youth development, focused on creating supportive, inclusive spaces that promote personal growth, resilience, and leadership in young people. She advocates for mental, emotional, and social well-being through structured programs that address students’ holistic needs.

 

As an educator, she is recognised amongst her colleagues for developing and implementing bi-lingual cross-curricula programs that improved literacy rates by over 20% in underserved communities. She has spearheaded cross-cultural initiatives, collaborating with the community, government, and corporate industry, and has fostered intercultural understanding in classrooms and workplaces. She has designed effective youth empowerment workshops focused on resilience, leadership, and mental well-being, and she is accredited for creating culturally responsive and innovative curriculum frameworks that promote inclusive education. 

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Arts (History and English)
  • Master of International Development
  • Master of Teaching

Rene van Rooyen’s passion for education and student inclusivity drive her educational practice.

In previous schools Rene has had experience in teaching across the curriculum from Year 7 to 12 and has brought that experience to bear at Greenvale Secondary College. Through developing students’ critical thinking skills and connection to community and place she has helped to prepare our students for Senior School and beyond.

At Greenvale Secondary College Rene has filled the role of Learning Area Leader for the English and Humanities faculty which has allowed her to continue to build her philosophy of education that the delivery of effective curriculum must be balanced with student wellbeing. It has been Rene’s focus and passion to create classrooms that are inclusive and allow students to use their voices to consider new ideas and critically evaluate old ones. 

As Learning Specialist of Student Voice, Agency and Inclusion Rene is looking forward to supporting students and teachers to create classrooms where the responsibility for learning is shared and all students have access to quality learning.

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