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Year Level Coordinators
Year 7 Coordinator
Ms. Emily Peacock
Emily Peacock joins O'Loughlin College as the Year 7 Coordinator in 2024, bringing with her a depth of experience in education. Having commenced her teaching career at Xavier Catholic College, Wurrumiyanga, Emily later transitioned to the Northern Territory School of Distance Education (NTSDE), where she had the privilege of working with diverse student cohorts.
Throughout her teaching career, Emily has valued the opportunity to contribute to her students' educational journeys, fostering learning environments where students thrive. Working with students from various backgrounds, Emily brings a strong understanding of educational inclusivity and accessibility to her role at OCC.
Emily approaches her role with a genuine passion for education as a catalyst for positive change and social justice. She remains committed to nurturing both academic success and holistic student well-being, with dedication to supporting each student's unique educational journey.
Year 8 Coordinator
Mr. Ned Smithfield
Ned Smithfield is thrilled to join O’Loughlin Catholic College as the new Year 8 Year Level Coordinator, having recently relocated from Melbourne to Darwin after travelling Western Australia with his family. Throughout his 10 years of teaching, he has primarily worked in Montessori schools in Melbourne and Wollongong, as well as schools in Namibia and New York City.
Prior to teaching, he had a background in project management within the construction industry. His move into education came about from his previous experiences coaching junior sports and volunteering in respite care programs for families living with children with intellectual disabilities while completing his first degree in Construction Management. Since this change of career, Ned has loved supporting and developing school environments that focus on connecting students into a community that supports them to be the best version of themselves.
Outside of school, Ned is passionate about staying active and engaging in sports such as AFL, surfing, and long-distance running. He is committed to fostering a supportive and dynamic learning environment for students, and he eagerly anticipates collaborating with each family to ensure a rewarding and successful academic year ahead for the Year 8 cohort.
Year 9 Coordinator
Mrs. Tara Branco
Tara Branco is currently the Year 9 Coordinator for 2024. She has taught a range of subjects over the years, ranging from Humanities to Language to Religious Education. Tara was born and raised in Darwin. Her love for children and inspiration she received from several teachers in High School and Church, is what led her to discover her own passion for teaching. Tara completed a double degree with a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning and a Bachelor of Creative Arts and Industries at Charles Darwin University. She started teaching at the College in 2018, returning after being a former student from 2008 to 2009. Tara also spent some time teaching in Adelaide in 2016 and in Darwin at Sanderson Middle School in 2017.
Tara's vision is to ensure a strong sense of belonging and community is established. To do this successfully, it is essential that her student's wellbeing is a priority and as a leader this is her main focus in serving her Year 8 cohort. She believes and makes it possible for her students to have every opportunity to reach their full potential and be the best versions of themselves. “Together, we can celebrate each other’s success and lift up one another when we fall.”
Year 10 Coordinator
Ms. Liza Bowers
Liza Bowers is a seasoned classroom teacher with a rich background in the field of education, particularly in working with diverse student populations. Her unwavering dedication to lifelong learning is truly commendable, recognising the ever-evolving nature of education and the constant need for growth and fresh perspectives.
In her current role as Year Level Coordinator for Year 10, Liza is committed to nurturing students through a pivotal stage in their educational journey. With her wealth of experience and passion for student success, brings with it, valuable guidance and support to both students and fellow educators alike. Liza's proactive approach and empathetic demeanor make her a trusted ally in creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment where all students can thrive.
Year 11 & 12 Coordinator
Mr. Louis Gross
Louis, an experienced educator with 12 years of teaching expertise in various fields including Outdoor Education and Environmental Studies, Health, Physical Education, Geography, Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL), and Sport and Recreation, recently made a significant transition from Geelong to Darwin. Louis brings a unique blend of knowledge and enthusiasm to his teaching endeavours.
Throughout Louis' career, this commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment has been evident. He believes strongly in the importance of establishing a sense of belonging and community within the classroom, recognizing it as a cornerstone for academic success and personal growth. Louis is dedicated to ensuring that every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.
With a keen focus on student wellbeing, Louis places a high priority on creating a nurturing atmosphere where students feel safe and cared for. Understanding the pivotal role of emotional and mental health in academic success, he endeavours to integrate approaches that prioritize the growth of his students.
In his new role in Darwin, Louis is eager to continue making a positive impact in the lives of his students and the community at large. With his dedication to education, and passion for the outdoors, and commitment to student wellbeing, Louis aims to motivate and empower his students, helping them unlock their full potential and excel in both their academic endeavours and personal growth journeys.
