PRINCIPAL

gagius@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

Hi everyone.  I’m Gabe Agius, Principal of St. Mary’s.  I have been teaching for 30 years in a variety of settings including small rural areas to large all boys College in both State and Catholic education and both Primary and Secondary. I have been at St. Mary’s since 2020 and love this beautiful community. I live in Gisborne with my husband Charlie and my four children, Courtney, Nathan, Kane and Mitchell. I enjoy camping and fishing with my family (well really I just feed the fish!). I also love watching AFL, especially Collingwood, cooking and spending time with my extended family and friends. 

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

sthrum@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

Hi everyone, my name is Mrs (Shelly) Thrum. I am very lucky to be able to work with so many children across the school as Deputy Principal (RE & Logistics) and RE Leader. I have been teaching at St Mary’s for over 24 years and I hope to still be here for many more years to come, as it is such an amazing community to be part of. I have three boys, each attended St Mary’s when they were younger. I enjoy watching them play footy and basketball on the weekends and we love spending time together on holidays and boating together during the summer months. I barrack for the Collingwood Magpies and I love shopping, high heel shoes and jewellery.

rbaker@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

bmunari@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

 Hi. My name is Benita Munari and I feel very fortunate to be part of the St Mary’s team. I think I have the best job in the entire world! Every day I get to help children learn, knowing that their dreams will become our future. I feel incredibly grateful and humbled to be part of something so wonderful. When I’m not at school I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, learning, fishing, going on holidays, completing projects around the house and cheering on the Bombers! I live in Kilmore with my husband Pete, my children Tess, Maggie and Bridget, and a cheeky Kelpie named Tilly.

jbey@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

 My name is Joanne Bey and I’ve been at St Mary’s since 2020 teaching in Prep and Year 1/2. In 2026 I am excited to be taking on two new roles. I am Student and Community Engagement Leader, and, as one of my students said, “I get to organise all the fun stuff!”  I do indeed.

The other part of my role is Performing Arts teacher creating more fun with Music, Dance and Drama. St Mary’s is a wonderful community to be a part of and I am looking forward to exploring exciting possibilities in my new roles. 

razzopardi@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

Hello, my name is Ray Azzopardi and I have recently joined the wonderful team at St Mary’s.  I have more than 30 years experience in the finance industry.  My wife and I have lived in the Macedon Ranges for nearly 30 years in which time we’ve had 6 horses and 5 Great Danes. Our latest Dane, Harley is the most affectionate dog we’ve owned but he’s also a raving lunatic at times too. I’m a diehard Richmond supporter, this year is my 29th as a member and I love motor racing as well, particularly F1. As I begin this new chapter, I’m excited and grateful to St Mary’s Catholic Primary School for giving me the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained in a very different industry and working environment.

sroyle@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

My name is Sue Royle and I am an Administration Officer at St Mary’s. I have worked in Catholic Primary School offices for over 24 years and have been at St Mary’s since March 2021. I love watching the kids grow from little Preps to Senior students and feel privileged to be a part of their school journey. I also work at Flemington Racecourse in the Mounting Yard which I absolutely love. I have a 3 wheeler motorbike (Can Am) and often go away on a motorbike riding weekend with my husband, who rides his own motoribike. I’m a Mum to two grown up children, a step mum and a Nanna to 5 gorgeous grandkids.  I am very blessed to have these gorgeous kids in my life.  I also have a beautiful Cavalier King Charles Spaniel called Levi, who is 12 years of age and extremely spoilt!

cluke@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

Hello, my name is Caz Luke and I’ve been part of the St Mary’s community for the past 18 months. I absolutely love seeing the children’s smiling faces each day and being part of such a warm, welcoming and supportive school environment.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my three grown-up boys and my husband, who bring so much joy to my life and still keeps me on my toes! I also love catching up with friends over coffee, travelling whenever I can, and binging a good TV series.

czarb@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

Hi Everyone, I’m Chris Zarb. I have been at St Mary’s since 1999! I love the country environment, beautiful families and the caring staff I work with. But most of all I love teaching my amazing students. They brighten up each and every day. St Mary’s has changed a lot over the years but it has always had such a special feel about it and I feel so lucky to work here. I live in Gisborne myself where I have raised three wonderful children with my husband Adam. I also have a pet greyhound Mel who I adore. In my spare time I love to read, run, ride my bike and go camping with my family and friends.

ndecarolis@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

Hello everyone, my name is Mrs DeCarolis (Mrs D), I am very excited to be one of the Prep teachers. I have worked at St Marys Primary School for 7 years and have enjoyed every minute! I am so blessed to be a part of such a friendly and supportive community. I am a mad Blues supporter. I have two teenage children who both attended St Mary’s in their primary school years. I enjoy watching them play footy and netball. We have a few pets including a a puppy Lexi, a cat Ella, 1 sheep named Trent, and 8 chickens. In my spare time I love going on holidays and spending time with my family.

ncaton@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

csmith@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

This is my second year as an LSO at St Mary’s. This year I am working with the Prep children. I have been really enjoying watching the growth in the Prep’s in a such a short amount of time, I can’t wait to see what fantastic things they can continue to achieve in the coming terms. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, going on adventures to the beach and going to the football to support our favourite team.

pchoate@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

My role at St Mary’s is a LSO with the Preps on a Thursday for specialist classes.

I also fill in as a casual relieving LSO as required and have done so for a number of years. I thoroughly enjoy working with the beautiful students and dedicated team at St Mary’s school.

afiddes@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

Hi everyone, my name is Abby Fiddes and I am very excited to be started at St Mary’s and to become a part of such a wonderful community. In my spare time I enjoy everything outdoors, including camping and bushwalking. During the summer, I spend most of my time along the Murray River, enjoying the water and the beautiful towns. I love travelling to different places around Australia and seeing our vast and beautiful country and all it has to offer. I am really looking forward to meeting all the students and getting to know them throughout the year.

ecroft@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

Hello everyone!

My name is Emma (Miss Croft) and I have now been part of the St Mary’s community for 5 years as an LSO and this year I am teaching in Year 1/2. I enjoy building relationships with the students and their families and am loving my role as a teacher. In my spare time I enjoy playing netball for Riddells Creek, watching the AFL (go Bombers), and spending time with my family, friends and my puppy dog Billy.

rwilson@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

Hi my name is Rebecca Wilson, this is my third year teaching at St Mary’s and I love teaching 1/2’s. I have lived in Romsey for a very long time and attended St Mary’s myself as a little girl. Together with my husband Chris we have three children who keep us very busy with sport and everyday life. In my spare time I enjoy reading books, spending time with my family and holidaying by the Murray River in the summertime.

mkilpatrick@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

Hi, I’m Mrs Kilpatrick.

I started my journey at St. Marys in the Library, back in 1999. Over the years my roles have changed, however my passion for the library and supporting our staff and students as an LSO have only grown. I love our small community and look forward to supporting our students as they become lifelong readers and learners.

amezzatesta@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

Hello everyone, my name is Ava (Miss Mezzatesta). This is my first year at St Mary’s as a LSO (Learning Support Officer). St Mary’s was the place I began my schooling journey. I am currently studying “Bachelor of Education” at La Trobe. In my spare time I dance at Concept Studios and also teach there. I enjoy taking my dog Bonnie on walks and supporting Carlton in the AFL.

dellard@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

zhermann@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

aquigley@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

Hi everyone. My name is Miss Quigley and I am so lucky to be a part of the 3/4 team for my first year as a teacher! I have just finished my studies down in Geelong which is where I have lived for the past 5 years with friends. I love the ocean and spend a lot of my spare time down at the beach or playing football. I grew up in Romsey with my family which was always kept busy with sports. When I am not at school, I am normally planning a trip away as I love going on holidays and chasing the sun. I am looking forward to a fun year of learning, laughter and fun! 

mgiles@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

Hi everyone, my name is Mrs Giles and I am the PE Teacher & a Grade 3/4 Teacher on Fridays. I have worked at St Mary’s School for 14 years and have loved being part of such a great community. When I’m not at school l enjoy going away with my husband Steve and my two boys Lachlan and Darcy. I enjoy watching lots of different sports and the Melbourne Demons. I also spend my weekends watching my boys play footy. I like going for walks, cooking and camping with my family and friends.

cjedwab@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

mmilner@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

Hi Everyone,

My name is Mrs Maureen Milner. I’ve been a Learning Support Officer for too many years to count! I love working with the team at St Mary’s and enjoy coming to work each day. My role is in assisting with the development of each student I work with in their learning. If I can help you in any way, just ask and I’ll do my best to assist.

clambert@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

Hi everyone, my name is Christy Lambert and this is my first year as an LSO at St. Mary’s. For the past 25 years I have worked with horses and raised a family. I’m very excited to be working at such a great school. I have lived in Romsey with my husband Trevor for over 20 years. We have four children, Blake 24, Jack 23, Paige 16 and Thomas 14.  We also have 2 dogs, Bob and Melon who love to go for daily walks, and a cat named Flynn that rules the house. I love spending time with family and friends and outside of that my favorite thing to do is go running!

mhargreaves@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

Hi, my name is Maclean (Mac) Hargreaves. I live in Tylden and have lived in and around the Macedon Ranges all my life. This year will be my first year at St Mary’s and I’m very excited to teach in a classroom for the first time with the 5/6’s. I taught Physical Education for the previous two years and in general have a deep passion for sport. I play Senior Cricket for Woodend during the summer, take part in long distance running in the winter and I’m also a massive St Kilda fan. As a teacher I have a deep love of learning which I always look to share with students. I love sharing what I know and how I learn as well as how my students learn and what they know. I look forward to meeting everyone this year!

astevens@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

I have been working at St Mary’s as a LSO for 6 years but counting my placement…7 years!!

I am a Mum of 2 boys, Aiden 13 and Coops 9. I love footy and watching my boys play as well as kids from school….makes my weekend! It’s no secret that I barrack for Essendon and once in a while when they win I’ll bring out the scarf! Another hobby of mine is travelling. My brother lives in the UK so I have plenty of opportunities to travel. In September my family will be going to Malta and the UK.

My favourite part of the day is greeting the kids at the door, the smiles are amazing!

tharrison@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

kfisher@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

I have been teaching at St Mary’s for two years and I have enjoyed every minute of being a part of this learning community. I have been teaching for seven years and I have been teaching year 5/6 since I started teaching. In my free time I love going to local Farmers Markets. I also enjoy baking when I have the time. During the school holidays, my favourite thing to do is travel. I have been lucky enough to travel to Singapore, America (8 times!!) and China.

mdaly@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

DIGITECH / DESIGN & DINE

mfitzgerald@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

Hello, my name is Montana Oliver and I am the new Digitech teacher. This year will be my 7th year of teaching. Some of you may already know me, as I grew up in the area and even attended St Mary’s as a child. I now live in Lancefield with my husband, my 1 year old daughter and my crazy kelpie named Olly. When I am not at school, you will find me outside in my garden, cooking for people I love, visiting my parents farm or water skiing when the weather is warm. I am looking forward to getting to know you all.

SPEECH THERAPIST

PERFORMING ARTS

ckellett@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

Hello! I’m Courtney Rees, and I began my teaching journey at St Mary’s in 2021. This year, I’m thrilled to be stepping into the specialist Performing Arts role, working with students across all year levels. I’m passionate about creating a fun, inclusive, and creative space where every student can shine. Outside of school, I live in the beautiful Macedon Ranges with my husband and daughter. We share our home with two lively Cocker Spaniels, Milo and Maples. I’m really looking forward to getting to know every student and sharing the joy of Performing Arts throughout the year. Here’s to a fantastic year of creativity and fun! 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

mgiles@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

Hi everyone, my name is Mrs Giles and I am the PE Teacher & a Grade 3/4 Teacher on Fridays. I have worked at St Marys Primary for 14 years and have loved being part of such a great community. When I’m not at school l enjoy going away with my husband Steve, my two boys Lachlan and Darcy. I enjoy watching lots of different sports and the Melbourne Demons. I also spend my weekends watching my boys play footy. I like going for walks, cooking and camping with my family and friends.

INTERVENTION

jmccarthy@smlancefield.catholic.edu.au

Hi there, I am Mrs. McCarthy. I have worked at St Mary’s for 3 years. Firstly, I was a Casual Relief Teacher in 2023, then taught Performing Arts in 2024 and in 2025 I am lucky enough to be working with small groups of students throughout the school, and helping to introduce a new educational program called Getting Ready In Numeracy – GRIN. I feel lucky to have such wonderful staff and students to work with at St Mary’s.

You may have seen me around the town with my husband and 4 children at the local footy, netball, cricket, tennis or just walking or running with our two dogs Gracie the Kelpie and Pippa the Border Collie. We also have 4 chooks at home too.

I love being outdoors and doing things like walking the dogs and doing farm work with my family, swimming, going to the beach, running, gardening, watching movies and travelling in our caravan.