BA, Grad. Dip. Ed, MA, MEd, EdD (candidate), MACE, MACEL
Paul is honoured to lead the Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College community.
As a highly experienced, passionate, and dedicated Principal and leader in Independent Schools and IB World Schools, Paul passionately believes that teachers have the opportunity and privilege to shape the future of their students and their community. At the heart of Paul’s leadership is his determination that the schools he leads have a formative impact on the lives of the students that extends well beyond the immediate and into future generations. For Paul, learning is a joyous and lifelong endeavour that leads to an engaged and discerning citizenry and has a transformative impact on families and communities. As the most visible educational, community and professional figure within and outside the school, Paul is ultimately responsible for the learning, safety, and emotional growth and wellbeing of the community – a responsibility he relishes each and every day.
Paul has served in Government and Independent Schools for 25 years in NSW and South Australia, where he started as a teacher of Modern History, Classics and Ancient History. Paul has served in a wide range of leadership roles throughout his career in education; as Tutor, Year Coordinator, Head of House, Head of Department, Director of Wellbeing, Head of Senior School and Deputy Principal. Paul was the Chair of the Council of International Schools Curriculum Committee, Chair of the Council of International Schools Administrative Review Committee and the Chair of the HICES NSW Pastoral Care Network. Paul has also served as an International Baccalaureate Curriculum Moderator.
Paul holds the degrees of Bachelor of Arts (History and Politics), Graduate Diploma of Education, Master of Arts (History and Religion), and he is currently completing a Doctor of Education..
Teaching and learning require dedication, communication, collaboration, enthusiasm, desire, time and effort, and at Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College Paul leads a team of professionals who are passionate, dedicated and engaged, in making our school an exceptional place that delivers extraordinary learning for all students.
BA, Grad. Dip. Ed. Grad Cert HRM, MAM Ed, MACEL
Penny is an educator of some 30 years’ experience who is a passionate advocate for independent education, particularly in regional areas.
A proud Novocastrian, Penny knows the landscape well in Newcastle and the Hunter, and she has a strong and agile understanding of education and leadership in an independent and liberal setting more broadly. Penny’s daily practice is inspired and sustained by her commitment to shape the development of rich, engaging, and productive learning environments that promote flourish in all members of the College community. Penny’s work at BTAC is imbued with her core values of integrity, respect, and inclusion, and she strives to create relationships with staff and students that are warm, authentic, and dynamic.
As an educational leader, Penny’s mission is to maintain the focus on enhancing transformational learning experiences for every student across the College, and particularly in the Senior School. This is done in collaboration with leaders and teachers who engage with their students’ passion to learn, and who reward inquiry and creativity. These leaders and teachers seek to enhance the talents of every child and as part of this, Penny fosters the voice of students in their own learning, growth, and self-development.
BTeachSec, MACE, MACEL
Clinton Lough is the Director of Pedagogy and Innovation and is responsible for leading the planning and implementation of contemporary learning and teaching practices that encourage excellence in all areas of education.
Clinton has worked across both the Catholic and Independent sector in various roles including Data and Reporting Specialist, Head of Department, and Head of Digital Pedagogy. He is a passionate Science and Physics teacher and has taught both the HSC and International Baccalaureate Diploma courses. Clinton is focused on innovation and excellence in education and has worked on global education projects as part of the Google Innovator Academy as well as community initiatives involving schools from all sectors.
Clinton is a voracious reader of educational research, history, and fiction and believes that the most important aspects of leadership are to be in service to others and always focus on sustained and incremental improvement.
B Ed, M SpEd, MBA (studying)
Mark Durie is the Head of Junior School and has held a variety of educational leadership positions over the last 20 years in both specialised and mainstream settings. Mark has a strong interest in positive behaviour support and encouraging students to learn through their own special interests. He is passionate about supporting teachers to recognise the benefits of developing a thorough understanding of a student’s learning profile.
In 2009 Mark had the opportunity to join Positive Partnerships and it was this experience that allowed Mark to develop an understanding of the needs of parents and how schools can build strong connections with the parent community.
On the weekend you will find Mark either on the golf course chasing his dream of a single digit handicap or at the beach fishing for bream and flathead. When it’s time to relax, you will find Mark, his wife, and two boys exploring Newcastle’s beautiful harbour foreshore and beaches.
BA (Psychology and Sociology), MA (Teaching), Grad Dip Psychology (Advanced)
Kira is an experienced and highly successful educator and leader. As an educationalist, she has extensive experience coaching and mentoring teachers, counselling, establishing and nurturing community partnerships, developing and implementing intervention support structures, and improving school pedagogical and well-being culture. Kira is a literacy specialist with a focus on the middle years and has exceptional communication and organisation skills.
As a leader, Kira is dynamic and student-centred with the drive and commitment to lead and develop an exceptional learning culture in a middle school setting. She continually strives for improvement, ensuring the implementation of best practices in both educational and well-being outcomes for students. Abraham Maslow’s humanistic approach strongly influences Kira’s educational philosophy and in particular, his Hierarchy of Needs, aiming to ensure students’ basic needs are met in the classroom so that they feel happy, comfortable, safe and welcomed into the College.
Kira will spend 2023 collaborating with the academic and support staff in Years 5 – Year 8, our community, and our students to design a Middle School program founded on best practice, the pursuit of excellence and high academic and well-being expectations.
BA (Psychology and Sociology), MA (Teaching), Grad Dip Psychology (Advanced)
Kira is an experienced and highly successful educator and leader. As an educationalist, she has extensive experience coaching and mentoring teachers, counselling, establishing and nurturing community partnerships, developing and implementing intervention support structures, and improving school pedagogical and well-being culture. Kira is a literacy specialist with a focus on the middle years and has exceptional communication and organisation skills.
As a leader, Kira is dynamic and student-centred with the drive and commitment to lead and develop an exceptional learning culture in a middle school setting. She continually strives for improvement, ensuring the implementation of best practices in both educational and well-being outcomes for students. Abraham Maslow’s humanistic approach strongly influences Kira’s educational philosophy and in particular, his Hierarchy of Needs, aiming to ensure students’ basic needs are met in the classroom so that they feel happy, comfortable, safe and welcomed into the College.
Kira will spend 2023 collaborating with the academic and support staff in Years 5 – Year 8, our community, and our students to design a Middle School program founded on best practice, the pursuit of excellence and high academic and well-being expectations.
BBus(Acc), MBA, CA, FCPA, BN, MAICD, JP
Joining Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College in 2021, Shea brings 20 years of strategic commercial experience encompassing private, international, and not-for-profit organisations, holding senior management and executive positions across industries including health, banking, construction, manufacturing, and education. The breadth of Shea’s experience includes financial management, strategic planning, tax compliance, corporate governance, risk management, human resources, statutory compliance, information technology and project management.
Shea holds degrees in Finance, Business and Nursing, she also holds membership with CPA, CA, AICD and is a Justice of the Peace.
As College Registrar Brittany is often the first point of contact for those entering our community. With 14 years of customer service experience, she has extensive knowledge in leadership, project management, brand development, and strategic planning.
Brittany is dedicated to providing a positive customer journey for new students and their families. Her familiarity with the Hunter region and surrounding communities helps her link them to support and resources to transition smoothly into the Bishop Tyrrell way of life. Currently, she is pursuing her Diploma in Marketing and Communications, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Brittany’s passion for delivering excellent customer service and her expertise make her an invaluable member of the Bishop Tyrrell team.
BA (Hons), M Th., Cambridge Trust Scholar
Rev. Jacqui believes chaplaincy is a ministry of presence. She works with students to foster an understanding of Jesus’ teachings of love, compassion, and service as a powerful foundation for character development and spiritual growth. She delights in seeing young people flourish academically and socially when they are nurtured in a gospel-centred learning environment.
Rev. Jacqui promotes an inclusive expression of the Anglican faith where every individual is safe and valued. She is passionate about creating opportunities for students and staff to experience leadership and discover their unique gifts.
BA, ESS. Dip, HRM. (studying)
As an accomplished administrative professional, Laura brings a wealth of experience in customer service and high-level administration to her role as Assistant to Paul Humble, College Principal at Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College. With a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, and I currently studying a Diploma of Human Resource Management, Laura is well-equipped to handle the demanding responsibilities of her position.
Since joining the college in 2022, Laura has proven to be a diligent and efficient team member, supporting the Senior Executive and the wider Bishop Tyrrell community with professionalism and a friendly approach. Laura is deeply committed to her own personal development and strives to take advantage of new opportunities to enhance her skills and knowledge.
Laura takes pride in being a part of the Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College community and is dedicated to helping Paul and the team create an exceptional educational experience for all students. Her passion for learning, dedication to excellence, and approachable demeanour make her a valuable asset to the college’s leadership team.
