Our Pastoral Team

Cameran Triffett

Acting College 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 three and a half years ago. 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. During his time at St Patrick’s College, he has built strong relationships with staff, students and parents and has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the College. In 2020, Cameran will continue to serve the College as Deputy Principal.

Tenille Hambly

Acting Dean of Student Wellbeing

Tenille is an experienced educator with a passion for teaching and student wellbeing. With 19 years of experience under her belt, she has worked with diverse groups of students in various educational settings. Originally from Townsville, and a local at heart, Tenille's thirst for adventure has led her to explore numerous countries with her family, as well as living and working overseas in England and Singapore. During her time in England, Tenille had the incredible opportunity to work as a teacher and lead the Learning Centre for ESL Students at Wembley Stadium in London. 

In 2018, Tenille joined our expert teaching team, bringing a wealth of expertise with her. In 2019 she took on the role of Head of HPE, combining her love of physical education and enhancing academic performance. In 2020, Tenille embraced a new challenge as Head of Year 12, working closely with graduating students by guiding them through their final year of school and preparing them for life beyond the classroom. Tenille finds great joy in supporting student's personal and academic growth, and helping them navigate their way towards a successful future.

Gemma Stevens

Acting Director of Boarding

Gemma's journey through education has been a global adventure, driven by her passion for fostering learning and growth in young minds. With a wealth of experience spanning state, private, and independent schools across the UK, South Korea, and Australia, she brings a unique perspective shaped by diverse cultural landscapes. Gemma has a Bachelor in Sport and Physical Education and having held leadership roles including Head of Year, Second in Department, Director of Boarding, and Housemistress, Gemma's commitment to student welfare and development is at the core of her professional ethos.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Gemma's interests are as varied as the countries she's called home. She loves all sport, travelling, cooking, volunteering, reading, and gardening.

Sarah Slinju

Acting Deputy Head of Boarding

Courtney Zagami

College Psychologist

Courtney is a Registered Psychologist with over ten years’ experience in the mental health industry. With a background in government, not-for-profit and private industry, Courtney is an experienced practitioner with experience in a range of therapeutic approaches and an in-depth knowledge of local support services. Courtney enjoys working with the adolescent population and supporting families to access support and find solutions to difficult circumstances. Her calm, easy-going and professional manner, provides invaluable support for our Pastoral Care Team. Using a warm, compassionate and light-hearted approach, Courtney is able to provide practical tools to aid in ongoing student wellbeing.

Outside of College life, Courtney enjoys being outdoors, keeping fit, cooking, reading and exploring the world on adventures with her husband and three young children.

Melissa Capponi

College Psychologist

Melissa has years of experience working for private and non-for-profit organisations to support children, adolescents, and families. Melissa has clinical expertise in working with a wide range of mental health disorders, with a keen interest in working with young people who have complex needs including trauma, disabilities and are from diverse backgrounds. Melissa provides consultation and strategies to staff and parents within a school context, to support students with a wide range of learning and social emotional needs.

As a Townsville local, Melissa has developed strong relationships with community services and other health professionals to form a holistic approach that improves outcomes for young people and their caregivers. Melissa regularly engages in professional development, with a keen interest in the presentation of ADHD and ASD in females.

In her spare time, Melissa enjoys spending time with family and her two dogs, cooking, relaxing at the beach and engages in volunteer work for the Make a Wish Townsville Branch, and the Ronald McDonald House Charity.

Meg Henderson

Head of Year 7

When Meg began as a teacher at St Patrick’s College Townsville in 2019, she said it felt like ‘coming home’. A proud alumnus graduating from the College in 2001, Meg has retained strong friendships with her graduating cohort over the years and values the importance of developing a network of strong, powerful, independent women from an early age. With over 14 years Teaching experience formerly of St Kieran’s Catholic School in Mt Isa and Marian Catholic School in Townsville, Meg brings with her a wealth of knowledge and a specialty interest in working with junior students during some of the most important transitions of their lives. in 2020, Meg takes on the role of Head of Year 7 while Mrs Woods takes maternity leave. She is a busy mum of three and loves to maintain an active lifestyle as an open-water swimmer.

McKye Turner

Acting Head of Year 12

McKye’s career as an educator stems from an admiration for his own teachers at school. Hailing from Mitta Mitta in country Victoria, McKye specialises in English, but has also held positions as a Year Level Coordinator and Middle Years Engagement Leader.

McKye hopes to support his students to be independent, empathetic, responsible and resilient learners, and looks forward to helping them create and share their stories.

Jodie Roberts

Acting Head of House - Thrones

Jodie’s educational experience is vast and varied. Having studied and worked in both America and Australia, she settled in Townsville seven years ago. In her professional career, Jodie has learnt that teaching is about people, relationships and learning. As Head of House – Principalities, Jodie’s aim is to ensure that every student has the opportunity to recognise and harness their unique gifts. She is looking forward to working with the young women of St Patrick’s College Townsville, helping them to be self-reliant, kind, adaptable, generous and open to new challenges. When she is not teaching, Jodie can be found spending time with her family and dogs, and she enjoys all outdoor pursuits. 

Jessica John

Head of House - Powers

Jessica joins the College with over 15 years' experience in education, teaching a range of subjects including English, Maths, Humanities, HPE, and Philosophical Inquiry. Jessica has experience in Pastoral Care/Curriculum Leadership, with her main goal being to inspire students to achieve academic success and become lifelong learners through creative, purposeful, and engaging learning experiences. 

Teaching hasn't always been Jessica's trade, having worked previously as a photographer travelling around Queensland and New South Wales taking family portraits! She enjoys reading, gardening, snorkelling, camping and travel, and LOVES living close to our beautiful Strand. 

Jessica looks forward to further developing her teaching and learning with the students here at St Patrick's College Townsville. 

Aimee Strickland

Head of House - Principalities

Meet our new, dynamic Legal Studies and Humanities teacher! With a unique background that blends law enforcement and fitness, Ms Aimee Strickland brings a wealth of diverse experiences to our College community. Aimee is not only an expert in her teaching fields, she also owns and manages CrossFit Townsville, fostering a passion for health and wellness alongside her commitment to education.

With a teaching career spanning over eight years, Aimee began her journey in the Police Force, where she developed strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of justice and civic responsibility. Transitioning into the realm of education in 2015, she found her calling as an educator, empowering students to think critically and explore the intricacies of the legal system and complexities of business.

We are thrilled to have Aimee as a valuable addition to the College, enriching the educational journey of our students.

Carla Weijers

Head of House - Dominations

Performing Arts Faculty

Tallisha Harden

Indigenous Community Engagement Officer

Meet our new Indigenous Community Engagement Officer, Tallisha Harden. Formerly a Speech Pathologist and Deadly Choices Ambassador with the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health, Tallisha is a professional footballer and co-captain of the NRLW North Queensland Toyota Cowboys team! Tallisha is a proud descendant of the Argun Tribe of Badu and Wadagum Tribe of Mabuyag but having lived in both Brisbane and the Central Coast, her diverse background enriches our community. Armed with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology, she enjoys spending her free time with family, friends, her beloved sausage dogs, and indulging in interests like gardening. 

Tallisha's passion for empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices will undoubtedly have a positive impact on our College community.

Meg Corica

Health Centre Nurse

Meg is a dedicated Registered Nurse who has returned to her alma mater to serve as the College Nurse. A proud graduate of the College, Meg went on to earn her Bachelor of Nursing Science at James Cook University. Before joining our team, she gained valuable experience at Ayr Health Service where she provided compassionate care to the community. Meg is very excited to be back at St Pat's, where she is committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of all students.