Our College Leadership Team

Amber Hauff

College Principal

Amber joined St Patrick’s College in 2016 as Deputy Principal, following a teaching career of 20 years in schools, including St Joseph’s Nudgee College, Clayfield College and All Saints Anglican School on the Gold Coast. During her time as Deputy Principal, Amber demonstrated a high level of competence and capacity across all dimensions of College life. She is deeply committed to the wellbeing of staff and students and actively supportive of empowering each one to reach their full potential. Amber has highly developed relational skills and exercises a team-building and collaborative style of leadership. In 2020, she was appointed to the role of College Principal.

Amber is a strong leader with a comprehensive grasp of the requirements of conducting a safe and secure environment that fosters growth within a supportive community. She is a woman of great passion and integrity, and brings with her an optimism and zest for life. Deeply imbued with the Mercy spirit, she has a great love for the College, and for all within it.

"The opportunity to lead such a dynamic and joy-filled community is both an honour and a privilege, and I am committed to ensuring the College continues to grow and flourish."

Cameran Triffett

Deputy Principal

With a love of travelling, Cameran has studied and taught in the UK and USA, completing a Bachelor of Arts Journalism, Bachelor of Business International Business and German, a Graduate Diploma of Education, and a Master of Arts in American Studies at the University of Alabama. He taught at the Bulmershe School in Reading, UK and at The Cathedral School in Townsville before joining St Patrick’s College Townsville in 2016.

Cameran has held curriculum leadership roles as Head of Faculty - English, The Arts and Languages as well as senior leadership roles including the Director of Students, leading student wellbeing and pastoral care at the College. In 2020, he was appointed to the position of Deputy Principal. During his time at St Patrick's College Townsville, he has built strong relationships with staff, students and parents and has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the College. 

Zak Plumridge

Director of Business Operations

As the Director of Business Operations at St Patrick’s College Townsville, Zak oversees the strategic and day-to-day business administration of the College, performing the functions of Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary to the Board. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting and Finance (JCU) and is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA). With over ten years’ experience in the property and development industry, Zak brings a breadth of knowledge in financial management across a broad range of projects and business environments.

Zak is passionate about professional development and is an active member of the CPA North Queensland Branch Council, having previously held the position as Chair. Driven to support business within the region, Zak has worked with a number of prominent local companies that aim to advance Townsville and the community. Fostering the key values of integrity, respect, justice and joy, Zak looks forward to supporting St Patrick’s College Townsville as it continues to roll out its master plan.

Amy Byrnes

Deputy Principal - Academic

Amy has been a teacher, Head of Faculty and Director of Studies at St Patrick’s College Townsville since commencing in 2014. In 2020, Amy was appointed to the position of Deputy Principal – Academic. In this role, Amy leads the College in the implementation of the new Senior Assessment and Tertiary Education system, developing academic processes, improvements and initiatives in the school. Amy will continue to monitor academic tracking and provide student support through mentorship and teaching.

Amy is very much loved by her students and colleagues and embodies the Mercy values of care, compassion and joy. She is committed to delivering an educational program that engages students and prepares them to live a fulfilling and purposeful life. Prior to her 16 year teaching career, Amy worked as a Graduate Accountant. She holds a Master of Theology, a Master of Educational Leadership, a Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Commerce, a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and a Certificate of Religious Education.

Outside of curriculum, Amy’s passion is horses and she can regularly be found at her family’s farm looking after her horses or at the track when they are racing.

Maria Franettovich

Director of Students

Maria has been teaching for over 30 years and has a depth of experience in pastoral care and supporting students' emotional and social wellbeing. She began at the College in 2009 and has held a variety of roles including Pastoral Dean, Head of House and Teacher. Maria holds a Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) and a Bachelor of Education as well as Certificates in Business Administration, Business, and Training and Assessment. Maria's passion lies in teaching business, particularly in delivering the Certificate III in Business, a valuable qualification for students as they seek employment or further study. With a positive psychology approach to caring for our girls, Maria has well developed relationships with students enabling her to connect with each and every girl, and she is much loved and respected by students and staff.

Katie de Carteret

Director of Boarding

Katie has been involved with the education of young people for over 20 years having held a variety of pastoral and academic positions in and outside Australia including Dean of Students, Head of House, Housemistress, Lead Practitioner, Head of Arts Faculty and Head of Music, to name a few. She has also spent several years living and working in countries such as Lao PDR, Brazil, Solomon Islands and East Timor primarily supporting the achievement of the sustainable development goals of gender equality and access to a quality education. She has a Bachelor of Arts (Music), a Masters in Educational Leadership and Management, and more recently a Masters in Anthropology and Participatory Development.

Katie believes strongly in community and loves immersing herself in diverse cultures and settings. She has a zest for life and is passionate about helping those around her and in her care to find their own unique pathways that bring joyfulness to their day to day movements. As Director of Boarding, Katie has a strong focus on developing kindness and empathy amongst the girls, ensuring that their home away from home is safe, stimulating and supportive in the warmest way possible.