An interview with the newly appointed Dean of Academics, Mrs Alison Cassidy. 

An accomplished educator, Mrs Alison Cassidy brings to the Dean of Academics role a wealth of experience in teaching, learning, and wellbeing.

In her many years of teaching, Alison has worked across the Catholic, Independent, and Government schooling systems enabling a diverse range of skills and approaches to teaching and learning.  

Alison is a passionate VCE Visual Communication Design teacher and VCAA Examination Asseessor. With over eight years of experience as a Head of Faculty in the Arts, Alison has a strong knowledge of curriculum, coaching, and processes.  

Working in numerous wellbeing roles, firstly as a Pastoral Care and assistant Sub School leader, and more recently as a Head of Year at St Catherine’s School, Alison thrives with her naturally calm and positive disposition.  

Having worked in most areas across a school, Alison hopes to combine her academic knowledge alongside her wellbeing mastery to provide the best support for our VCE students in 2022.  

What do you enjoy most about teaching? 

I enjoy that my subject area, Visual Communication Design, allows for a range of skills and strengths. The subject has many facets and overall, it is a fun subject that students engage in, because no matter what your strengths, you will most likely succeed. More than anything else, I love that teaching allows us to make a positive impact on our students’ lives in more ways than simply academics.  

What are your goals for your new role as DOA? 

My primary goal is to support our VCE students with any academic concerns they may have. VCE is a pivotal time in a student’s education and can be confusing or at times overwhelming. I hope I can work with students to alleviate pressure and walk with them through the process, providing support and academic care. 

What does the DOA role entail? 

The Dean of Academics is responsible for academic monitoring and care of all VCE students at St Catherine’s School. I am directly responsible for the application of the Victorian Certificate of Education Units 1-4 and act as an advocate for students with special provisions, or any academic concerns relating to the VCE Curriculum. The DOA supports all VCE students and is a point of contact for any academic concern, working closely with VCAA. 

What do you look forward to most about stepping into the Dean of Academics role? 

Naturally, I am an incredibly organised person and have always loved structure and routine. Weird to some I know, but I have always been this way. I believe these attributes have allowed me to succeed in my academic roles within schools. I look forward to this role allowing me to combine my experience as Head of Faculty and Wellbeing into one. It really does feel like the perfect role for me!  

What do you love most about St Catherine’s School? 

Honestly, everything. I have been fortunate enough to work at a range of schools and witness the differences. St Catherine’s School has a lovely warmth that was immediate for me. The students are undeniably a pleasure to teach, and the connections formed between teachers and students are unmatched. The staff are a pleasure to work alongside and overall, we are extremely fortunate to work at such a fantastic school.  

Teaching motto?

“If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.”
Ignacio Estrada