Principal Kerry Maher
Kerry Maher is the Principal at Mt Maria College Petrie. With over 35 years in secondary co-educational schools and over 10 years in Catholic educational leadership, she is an expert in curriculum delivery, including the development of learning programs that promote excellence and equity in education. She has particular expertise in supporting students with diverse learning needs to ensure they develop the skills and dispositions to successfully transition from secondary school to post-school study, employment, or vocational training.
As an education expert, Kerry led the 'School to Post School Transition' project on behalf of Brisbane Catholic Education. Her leadership of this project has brought lasting benefits to the College, particularly developing a flexible pathway for students to attain their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), reach their potential and realise their personal goals.
Solution-focused and determined, Kerry stands for equity for all learners. She firmly believes that with the right support, all learners can achieve their potential and find their unique pathway to become strong community contributors post-school. She knows the key to successful student learning outcomes is strong supportive partnerships between home and school.
Raechel Fletcher - Deputy Principal
Raechel Fletcher is an experienced and passionate educator with over 24 years of experience in Catholic education. She is the Deputy Principal at Mt Maria College Petrie. Raechel cares deeply about people and is dedicated to helping students become the best version of themselves.
Guided by a strong belief in the power of education and its ability to change lives, Raechel is committed to holistic education grounded in Catholic values. Raechel is fervent about teaching students to be compassionate towards those in need and to care for the environment around them. She has presented to peers on Catholic identity and embedded Catholic perspectives across the curriculum, demonstrating her commitment to providing a well-rounded education that focuses on the whole person.
Raechel has worked interstate at Catholic schools across various contexts as an expert in pastoral care. She has also been a skilled education officer at Brisbane Catholic Education.
One of her key strengths is the ability to work collaboratively with people to promote a positive working environment and utilise people's strengths to create change, all for the benefit of the students. She uses her quirky sense of humour to connect with students and families and is known for her creativity and friendliness.
As a leader in education, Raechel understands the complexities of living in a complex, globalised, fast-paced, rapidly changing world and believes that education should equip students to be responsive and agile so they can thrive in their life beyond school.
Sally Carr - Assistant Principal Teaching & Learning
Sally Carr is the Assistant Principal at Mt Maria College Petrie. Sally has spent the last seven years in leadership roles and before that as a humanities teacher in Catholic co-ed, all-girls and P-12 schools.
Armed with the belief that everyone can learn and find a pathway to success for their future, Sally challenges students to know themselves and how they learn best so they can experience success at school. Further, she respects that success looks very different for everyone and encourages students to run their own 'learning' race.
As an advocate of wellbeing and learning going hand in hand, Sally believes the home-school partnership is critical. She promotes a balance of nurture and rigour in learning and engagement by stealth, at school and at home, and knows that building courage, resilience and a positive mindset in students is the key to their success. She is passionate about inclusive education and supporting young people in tertiary pathways and the workplace.
Sally's expertise sees her support, equip and journey with her colleagues providing guidance in student wellbeing, curriculum, tracking progress, transitions and solution-seeking for the best student outcomes.
Nominated for Excellence in Teaching Awards in 2019 and 2022, Sally's work has been published in the Alliance of Girls Schools Australasia (AGSA) Alliance Journal for "Brain Club: Holding Space for Deep Learning Through Conversation".
Jared Press - Assistant Principal Formation & Identity
Jared Press is a proud Marist educator with 7 years’ experience working with and promoting the Marist Charism and 12 years experience in education. Dedicated to providing and sharing the Catholic faith with students and families in a way that speaks to the heart of every person. Equipped with a Master in Theology, Jared shares his love for the Gospel and Catholic values in a tangible way. By enlivening the ‘Good News’ students bear witness to the message in action and see how they can be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in today's world.
With extensive experience in Pastoral Care and student formation, Jared is able to approach the complexities of Youth Personal Development in a way that respects the dignity of each person whilst providing a rich atmosphere for dialogue and deepening discussion where students feel respected and challenged. Working with Student Leadership teams is a great passion of Jared and he utilises this work to promote a culture of engagement and school pride, whilst also ensuring school leaders develop lifelong skills and confidence.
Combining his love of the Catholic mission and the Marist Charism along with high expectations, Jared promotes an environment of ‘love of work’, where students and staff take on the challenge to reflect and improve often. Committed to improving practices and school culture, Jared is always looking for ways to improve and innovate student formation, resulting in a rich College environment where Jesus is known and loved and students feel empowered.
All to Jesus through Mary, all to Mary for Jesus.
St. Marcellin Champagnat.
Nadine Gagliardi - Business Manager 
Nadine Gagliardi is a Certified Practising Accountant with 30 years’ experience working in finance roles. Her Business and Financial Management experience spans multiple industries, with 6 years spent working in the education sector.
For 17 years, Nadine operated her own businesses, and this experience has enabled her to have a holistic, caretaker approach when managing organisations.
Across her career, Nadine has held various Company Secretarial positions, which has gained her extensive experience interacting with Boards and in Corporate Governance.
Nadine was instrumental in securing grant funding to build and oversee the construction of a new multi-purpose space at Brisbane Montessori School and across multiple roles, Nadine has overseen the implementation of system-wide improvements and installation of innovative information technology.
Nadine’s strengths include high integrity, strong work ethic, accountability and determination, all skills that enable her to be an effective leader and complement her “Lead By Example” leadership style.
Combined with her strong attention to detail, commitment to delivering quality, and continuous drive for improvement, Nadine takes her role as custodian of the College resources very seriously.
Whether your enquiry is about enrolments or finance or your family is in need of support, Nadine has a compassionate ear and welcomes everyone to book some time with her.
Nadine has two teenage sons who have both been educated in Marist Schools. She is passionate about family and community.
© Brisbane Catholic Education, Mt Maria College, Petrie (2024).