Sonia Nelson commenced as Principal of Mary MacKillop College at the start of 2023. She is an experienced educational leader, who has been proud to serve the Catholic Education sector for over 30 years.
Sonia is a passionate advocate for girls’ education, and, in particular, she seeks to empower staff and students. With a strong relational approach to her leadership, Sonia brings a future-focused vision for Mary MacKillop College. She believes that girls’ schools have a very important role to play in the provision of tailored learning environments that create confident, capable and courageous young women who can carve their own pathways to success and make a positive difference in the world.
Sonia holds a Master of Educational Leadership from the Australian Catholic University, a Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Adelaide. She is currently undertaking a Master of Professional Studies in Theology. With a passion for Chemistry and many years of experience in teaching this subject to Stage 2, Sonia has also taught Physics, Science, Mathematics and Religious Education. She has honed her leadership skills as Deputy Principal at St Francis de Sales College in Mount Barker, in addition to serving as Acting Principal at St Francis and at St Joseph’s School in Port Lincoln.
Educated in a Josephite primary school and enriched by other charisms as a student, teacher and leader, Sonia brings a deep knowledge of faith-filled communities. She remains committed to honouring the life, legacy and values of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop as part of the ongoing Josephite story enlivened each day at Mary MacKillop College.
“Do all you can to assist and love one another.” – St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
Before joining the Mary MacKillop community in 2021, Jasmin Eckert worked at Caritas College Port Augusta, a Reception to Year 12 Co-educational Catholic School. Having graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and an Education degree, as well as a Master of Educational Leadership, Jasmin combines her strong academic foundation with a natural ability to connect with students on a personal level.
Jasmin's involvement in education spans more than two decades, during which she has garnered extensive experience and honed her skills as an exceptional leader. Her belief in fostering a supportive and empowering learning environment has been instrumental in creating a positive impact on both students and staff.
As a committed educational leader inspired by her Catholic faith and her commitment to the Josephite charism, Jasmin believes in a holistic educational approach that provides a foundation for the academic, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual development of the individual.
In her spare time, Jasmin enjoys the outdoors, coaching and umpiring netball, and spending quality time with her family. She believes in the power of lifelong learning and seeks to inspire others to embrace education as a transformative force in their lives. As Deputy Principal, Jasmin takes pride in her role as a mentor and role model to both students and educators. Her dedication and commitment to the students at Mary MacKillop College make her an asset to the College and its community.
“Find happiness in making others happy.” – St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
Prior to joining the MacKillop community in 2018, Sarah Morris worked across several South Australian Catholic Schools. Sarah has more than 20 years’ experience within Catholic Education, teaching from Reception to Year 12 across a diverse range of subject areas and holding leadership roles. Since joining Mary MacKillop College, Sarah has undertaken roles as Pastoral Care Coordinator, Learning Area Leader and Director of Teaching and Learning, and taught within the English, Religion, Humanities, Cross-Disciplinary Studies, and Science Faculties.
Having graduated university with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education (Special and Gifted Education), Sarah is currently completing her Master of Educational Leadership with the Australian Catholic University. Sarah has extensive knowledge and understanding of current learning theory and contemporary pedagogy, the Australian and Crossways Curriculum, the SACE and the intricate link between wellbeing and academic success in all-girls’ education.
Driven by her faith and inspired by the teachings of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Sarah seeks to support students and teachers in promoting our proud academic culture and is committed to educating our girls with a futures focus. She is a strong advocate for girls’ education, which she believes empowers young girls and fosters empathy, compassion, self-awareness and a desire to strive for personal excellence.
Sarah, through facilitating diverse learning opportunities aims to foster thriving lifelong learners and leaders. She has confidence that the ‘MacKillop experience’ helps to grow future-ready women who have courage to lead and to pursue meaningful and purpose driven lives.
“Be calm and full of hope.” - St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
Prior to her arrival at Mary MacKillop College, Liz Stewart held various pastoral care and wellbeing leadership positions in Catholic Schools.
A graduate of Flinders University, Liz holds a Bachelor of Education, as well as a Masters in Catholic Education with a focus on the development of leadership for girls. It was when she was at Marymount College that she discovered her passion for girls’ education. She is very experienced in the principles of restorative practices and is a qualified restorative conversation facilitator. Liz has also completed extensive training in Positive Education and has taught it in various year levels.
Liz works with students on developing positive relationships with self and others underpinned by the Josephite ethos of “In all things love".
In her spare time Liz enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She unwinds by walking her dog and reading. Liz also loves to travel. Liz’s focus is to support students in all aspects of their development.
“No act of kindness no matter how small is ever wasted.” – St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
Jeanene Corbo is a highly experienced secondary educator, who has had the privilege of teaching in Josephite Schools for more than 30 years. Before joining the Mary MacKillop College community in 2006, Jeanene taught for 16 years at Mount Carmel College, where she was both a teacher and coordinator for Years 9, 10 and 11. During her time at Mary MacKillop College, she has set high standards when teaching Mathematics, and in her role as SACE/Senior Years Coordinator, she has ensured that students have successfully completed their secondary education.
Jeanene is committed to shaping positive relationships within our community by fostering strong relationships between students and staff, and by promoting engaging learning environments in which girls feel valued and empowered. It is her firm belief that happy students learn well. Passionate about preparing students for the world beyond Mary MacKillop College, Jeanene knows that the Josephite charism will remain with them as they journey throughout their lives.
"We must teach more by example than by word." – St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
