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Faculty Leaders
Head of English
Ms. Caitlin Orr
Caitlin joined our college community in 2013 and has been a dedicated member of the Humanities Faculty, teaching across multiple year levels and subjects. Caitlin completed her double degree in Teaching and Learning and Creative Arts and Industries before her commencement at the college. She has since completed a Master of Children’s Literature. Caitlin considers herself a lifelong learner and hopes to inspire a love for learning within her students.
Faculty: Caitlin Orr, Christine Woods, Tara Branco, John Byrne, Anna Nikolaeva, Thai Margetic, Helena Brain, Shevonne Pennefather, Gemma Boyle, Brett Dwyer, Maricel Phillips, Jarryd Black, Navneet Sandhu
Head of Humanities
Mr. Thairon Margetic
With 18 years teaching experience, Thai is passionate about Humanities and its crucial role in teaching students to think critically and explore diverse perspectives. He joined O’loughlin in 2024 after 11 years teaching at Kormilda and Haileybury in Darwin. Before that he taught English as a Second Language in Perth and Japan. Dedicated to fostering curiosity and independent thought, Thai believes in making connections between past and present, local and global, to help students understand the increasingly complex world around them. Through interactive lessons, discussions, and real-world applications, he strives to create a dynamic classroom where every student feels encouraged to question, analyse, and grow.
Faculty: Blake Launer, Richard Bryant, Gemma Boyle, Liza Bowers, John Byrne, Rahul Da Sylva, Brett Dwyer, Anna Nikolaeva, Nav Sandhu, Christine Woods, John Kensey, Kayla Keevers, Jane Ramsay.
Head of Science
Mrs. Karajayne Southwood
Kara is originally from Darwin and has been a dedicated member of the O’Loughlin Catholic College community since 2015. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Graduate Diploma of Education in secondary schooling. She is a classically trained ballerina and a former company dancer with the NT Dance Company.
With extensive experience in pastoral care and student wellbeing, Kara has previously served as a senior Year Level Coordinator and acting Head of Senior School. She works collaboratively with staff to address students’ emotional, social, and spiritual needs, creating a supportive environment where students feel valued and empowered to succeed academically and personally.
Kara brings significant expertise in curriculum development and leadership. She ensures the delivery of high-quality science education that connects real-world applications to students’ interests and skills, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving.
Faculty: Daniel Boyle, Jagjeet Kaur Dodd, Maree Hammer, Mary Kangaharan, Ramandeep Kaur, Hup Lye, Shevonne Pennefather, Thai Nguyen, Jane Ramsay, Deepa Sampath, Siobhan Watts
Head of Maths
Mr. Dan Boyle
Daniel Boyle joined O’Loughlin Catholic College in 2023, bringing with him a wealth of teaching experience from around the world. Prior to joining OCC, Daniel taught at The Essington School and spent two years in Canada at Appleby College and Havergal College, as well as two years teaching in England. Throughout his career, Daniel has also specialised in science education, particularly Chemistry, fostering a passion for the subject among his students. This diverse background has shaped his approach as a focused educator and leader, emphasising active student involvement in the classroom and fostering student responsibility for their learning.
Having grown up in Canada and experienced a Catholic school system firsthand, Daniel deeply understands the integral role faith can play in shaping lives and values. Daniel’s commitment to education and faith underscores his teaching philosophy, creating an environment where students are encouraged to grow academically, personally, and spiritually.
Maths Faculty: Luke Beatty, Jarryd Black, Rahul De Sylva, Jagjeet Dodd, John Hamburg, Mary Kangaharan, Raman Kaur, Sapan Lamichhane, Hup Lye, Anna Gikas, Deepa Sampath, Dan Sivan
Physical Education and Health
Mr. Luke Beatty
Luke Beatty joined the O’Loughlin Catholic College team in 2018. He had previously taught Physical Education at both Primary and Secondary schools in Queensland. Luke had also spent 2 years teaching and coaching in the United Kingdom. Along with his role as Head of Faculty of Health and Physical Education, Luke also takes on the responsibility of being O’Loughlin’s Sports Coordinator organising Athletics and Swimming Carnivals, along with inter-school sports days.
Faculty: Luke Beatty, Dom Virdun, John Kensey, Amy Chittick, Karl Hochman, Kayla Keevers, Isabelle Girando, Chris Ziebell, Blake Launer, Shirley Worsfold, Leonie Woods
Arts and Technology
Mrs. Debbie Walter
Debbie joined the college community in 2016 and has been a dedicated member of the Creative Arts Faculty. Her extensive experience, leadership, and commitment to the College earned her the recognition of ‘Advanced Skills Teacher’ in 2019, with the certification renewed in 2023. With over 25 years of teaching experience in this field, Debbie has worked across both secondary schools and the TAFE/VET system. Notably, she founded and coordinated a TAFE college in regional Victoria, which offered alternative education to engage disadvantaged youth, including those in the justice system.As a practicing artist, Debbie is passionate about sharing her love for the visual arts. She recently completed her Doctorate, which led to solo exhibitions, artist talks, and international presentations in Tokyo and Auckland, along with the publication of a research paper. Debbie has also had the opportunity to lecture pre-service art teachers at CDU, passing on her knowledge and experience to the next generation.
Debbie shares that being an art teacher remains her greatest joy: “Guiding budding creatives to discover and nurture their unique artistic voices is something I love. I believe in the power of art as a transformative tool for self-expression, problem-solving, healing, and personal growth. It’s not just about developing technical skills, but also providing a creative outlet for self-discovery and helping individuals grow in confidence.”
Faculty: Joanne Green, Liza Bowers, Debbie Walters; Jantina Bos, Nick Jack, John Hamburg, Kate Smith, Caitlin Or
Assistant Principal Religious Education
Ms. Kathryn Pettersen
Ms. Kathryn Pettersen is an educator dedicated to fostering a sense of agency in students, encouraging them to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and engage in open and respectful dialogue. With a deep passion for empowering youth and young adults, Ms. Pettersen holds a core philosophy that activities and events should be student-led. She believes that Religious Education should extend beyond textbooks and classrooms, aiming to nurture the whole person and help students discover their purpose and reach their full potential.
Ms. Pettersen is firm in her belief that every student has the power to positively impact the world and works to provide them with opportunities to do so, beginning with their own school community. She sees the students of today as the leaders and saints of tomorrow.
Faculty: Megan Evans, Richard Bryant, Cathy Hives, John Hamburg, Hannah Smith, Kate Smith, Jarryd Black, Brett Dwyer, Rebecca Evans, Isabelle Girando, Mary Kangaharan, Hup Lye, Kathryn Pettersen, Maricel Phillips, Christine Woods, Tina Ebenreuter
Applied Learning Coordinator
Mr. Nicholas Jack
Nicholas came to O'Loughlin in 2018 as Acting Deputy Principal in 2019; he then moved into the Head of Senior School position. He has had extensive experience in several educational sectors, including Catholic, independent, and government schools in Victoria, the Northern Territory, and the United Kingdom. Over his twenty-five-year career, he has been dedicated to providing students with opportunities to achieve their best. He is committed to working with colleagues to create supportive and rewarding learning environments and pathways.
Nicholas has held management positions across a variety of faculties, including Health and Physical Education, Creative Arts, and VET. He has also led whole school extra-curricular activities as Director of Musical Productions and overseen choir, band, and instrumental programs. Nicholas’ musical background has provided him with considerable music industry experience in performance, production, and business management.
Nicholas understands that to engage students fully, a school curriculum and timetables need to allow learners to experience and excel in creative and physical learning environments, as well as the spiritual and academic. He encourages more comprehensive learning outside and inside the usual regular school hours to support a thriving wider school community.
Inclusion Support Coordinator
Mrs. Jemma Anderson
Faculty: Jemma Anderson, Luke Kohler, Luisa Borges, Marianna Pula
IEW (Indigenous Education Worker) Coordinator
Ms. Cashy Burns
Catherine (Cashy) Burns is the IEW (Indigenous Education Worker Coordinator) at O’Loughlin Catholic College. Cashy comes from the Tiwi Islands and has been working and supporting students in the catholic schools for over fifteen years. She joined O’Loughlin Catholic College in 2015 coming across from St John’s Catholic College where she has worked with various students coming from remote and urban areas across the Northern Territory.
“It is great to work with staff and students at O’Loughlin Catholic College as it has a wonderful feeling around the school and everyone is so friendly and makes you feel welcome.“
Faculty: Xavier Vallejo, Cashy Burns, Lucy Vallejo
