Melissa Mackellin
Melbourne,VIC
Summary
Experienced senior educational leader grounded in Gospel values and servant leadership, committed to building thriving, hope-filled school communities. Recognised for invitational and relational leadership that fosters trust, high expectations, and shared purpose. Brings strategic insight, emotional intelligence, and attention to detail to drive improvement in learning, wellbeing, staff development and operational enhancement. Deeply committed to student formation and empowering others to grow, lead, and contribute with purpose.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Deputy Principal - Staff & Strategy
Assumption College
Kilmore, Victoria
01.2025 - Current
- Oversaw all aspects of school leadership and daily operations during six-week acting principal tenure.
- Reviewed, developed, and implemented school policies and programs in collaboration with leadership team.
- Successfully managed VCEA minimum standards audit to ensure compliance with state regulations.
- Collaborated with principal to prepare for College's MSA Cycle of Inquiry.
- Advised principal on staff recruitment and hiring processes; commenced redesign of induction process.
- Designed and coordinated whole school events, including assemblies and awards, to foster high expectations.
- Coached middle leaders while supporting development of graduate teachers.
- Reviewed and updated emergency management procedures and child safeguarding processes, conducting staff training sessions.
Assistant Principal - Strategy
Marcellin College
Bulleen, Victoria
01.2023 - 12.2024
- Oversaw ACER School Improvement review, creating 2024-2027 School Improvement Plan aligned with strategic vision.
- Collaborated with senior leaders to develop evidence-based strategies for measurable improvements in Annual Action Plans.
- Directed planning and enhancement of College facilities alongside Facilities and Business Managers.
- Coordinated with architects and builders on major master plan projects, ensuring operational efficiency and detail alignment with educational goals.
- Led ICT initiatives while chairing College's ICT Steering Committee to enhance pedagogy, infrastructure, and student engagement.
- Established partnerships with local businesses to increase community engagement and college revenue.
- Developed strong relationships with the Old Collegian community, acting as school liaison and events coordinator.
Assistant Principal - Student Wellbeing
Marcellin College
Bulleen, Victoria
01.2020 - 07.2021
- Responsible for the wellbeing of students in Year 7 through Year 12.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive whole-school wellbeing framework based on Catholic values, Marist ethos, and contemporary pastoral care practices.
- Provided strategic leadership as Chief Child Safeguarding Officer, fostering a culture of safety and care by promoting education, collaboration, and full compliance with all child safeguarding responsibilities.
- Supported House Leaders, counselors and Pastoral Leaders to promote proactive, student-centered approaches throughout the school.
- Cultivated partnerships with families, external agencies, and community partners for holistic student development.
- Championed positive school culture by integrating Positive Education, The Resilience Project, and Restorative Practices within programs and classroom curriculum.
- Contributed to the College Executive Team to align well-being priorities with strategic goals and mission.
- Oversaw the College’s behaviour management framework, fostering a consistent culture of accountability, resilience, and personal growth among students
Head of Senior School
Marcellin College
Bulleen, Victoria
11.2018 - 11.2019
- Provided holistic support and strategic guidance to students in Years 10–12, fostering academic excellence, informed decision-making, personal responsibility, and safe, future-focused pathway planning
- Provided strategic leadership of VCE, VCAL, and Year 10 curriculum, ensuring high-quality teaching, academic rigour, and compliance with VCAA regulations.
- In collaboration with the Head of Junior School, led the design and implementation of student wellbeing and pastoral care programs, fostering a safe, inclusive, and growth-focused school culture.
- Oversaw student management and case management processes, supporting at-risk students through personalised interventions and collaborative planning.
- Guided staff development and professional learning, facilitating a culture of reflective practice, instructional improvement, and peer coaching.
- Managed complaints and conflict resolution processes with professionalism, transparency, and a strong focus on restorative outcomes.
- Coordinated key student milestones and events, including Year 12 Graduation and post-school pathways, ensuring a supportive and celebratory experience for students and families.
- Advised and empowered Year 12 student leaders to develop their leadership capacity, uphold the values of the College, and positively influence the broader school community.
Head of Junior School
Marcellin College
Bulleen, Victoria
11.2012 - 06.2017
- Led the wellbeing, learning, and faith development of over 700 students in Years 7–9, promoting student growth through restorative practices and personalised support.
- Championed a culture of distributed leadership and change management, enhancing staff capacity and embedding contemporary wellbeing and learning practices.
- Designed and implemented innovative student voice and leadership initiatives, including Junior School Captains, Social Justice Captains, and the EncounterMC Youth Group.
- Developed and delivered community engagement programs such as Parent Enrichment seminars, feeder school transitions, and student-parent information evenings.
- Oversaw the successful implementation of a ninth House, including student/staff transitions and development of identity and spirit.
- Reimagined professional learning programs for staff, grounded in contemporary pedagogy, research, staff voice, and differentiated engagement.
- Held key leadership roles across multiple strategic teams, driving student wellbeing, pathways, curriculum innovation, and community-building within the School Improvement Framework.
Transition Coordinator
Marcellin College
Bulleen, Victoria
09.2010 - 10.2012
- Designed and led comprehensive transition programs, including Pre-Transition Day, Transition Day, and Government School Afternoon, to support the smooth integration of new students.
- Collaborated with primary schools to collect and disseminate student data, enhancing staff preparedness and enabling targeted support for incoming Year 7 students.
- Developed an online transition platform and resource package to streamline information-sharing and improve communication with students, families, and staff.
- Formalised and coordinated the Student Ambassador Program, creating meaningful leadership opportunities for Year 7 students to support their peers.
- Facilitated Year 7 assemblies and school tours, promoting a welcoming and informative environment for current and prospective families.
- Initiated the Staff Appreciation: Transition Award, fostering community connection and recognising staff contributions to student transition success.
- Supported the enrolment and transition of students across Years 7–12, including interviews, orientation, and ongoing wellbeing in collaboration with key staff and College leadership.
- Assisted in the planning and successful operation of the College's Open Day.
House Leader (Acting)
Marcellin College
Bulleen, Victoria
10.2009 - 04.2010
- Led wellbeing and pastoral care for 250 students across Years 7–12, ensuring consistent support and monitoring of student needs.
- Applied restorative practices to behaviour management to promote accountability and respectful relationships.
- Coordinated House-based social justice initiatives, liturgies, graduation events, and student-led activities, enhancing community engagement.
- Communicated proactively with families and staff to support individual wellbeing and academic progress.
- Mentored student leaders, facilitating successful delivery of House programs while promoting leadership and inclusion.
Education
Master of Leadership -
Australian Catholic University
Melbourne04-2018
Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Teaching (Primary/Secondary) - Literature, Theology And Drama
Australian Catholic University
Melbourne, VIC11-2005
High School Diploma -
Our Lady of Mercy College
Heidelberg11-2001
Skills
- Strategic thinking
- Collaborative leadership
- Emotional intelligence
- Student wellbeing & pastoral care
- Staff development & coaching
- Behaviour management & restorative practices
- Policy & procedure improvement
- Operational management
- Communication & relational skills
- Data-informed decision making
- Community engagement
- Student agency enhancement
Professional Contributions
- Member, Marist National Cybersecurity Network Team (2024 - 2025)
- Member, Marist National Professional Practice Team (2025)
- Executive Team and College Leadership Team, Marcellin College (2012 – 2024)
- Chair, ICT Steering Committee (2023 – 2024)
- Chair, Pastoral Care Team (2021)
- Co-Chair, Pastoral Care Team (2013- 2020)
- Member, Learning and Teaching Team (2012 – 2017)
- Chair, Transition Team (2010-2012)
- Lead, School Improvement Framework (Learning sphere) (2010 – 2011)
- Consultative Committee Member, Marcellin College (2014 – 2017)
- Staff Wellbeing Committee Member, Marcellin College (2023 – 2024)
Volunteering History
- School Council member, St James School, Vermont
- Knox Early Years Advisory Committee member, Knox
- Classroom helper, St James School, Vermont
- Parish Child Safeguarding Committee, Our Lady of Lourdes Bayswater
- Meal delivery, Little Sisters of the Poor, Northcote
- St Pius X, Homework Club assistance, Heidelberg West
Teaching and Co-Curricular Experience
- Religious Education: Year 7 - 11
- English: Year 7 - 11
- Year 12 Seminar Program
- VCAL Literacy: Year 11 & 12
- Drama: Year 7 - 10
- Humanities: Year 7
- Science: Year 7
- College Productions: Producer, Director, Choreographer, Set Design & Construction
- Year 7 Camp: Site Leader
- Year 11 & 12 Retreat
- Reflection Day Leader: Year 7 - 10
Professional Learning Highlights
Presenter: Marist Biennial Conference, 2024
John Munro Differentiation, ACU, 2023
ACER, School Improvement Tool, 2023
VCSSDPA Annual Conference, 2017, 2023
Cultures of Thinking Conference, Bailik College 2014
Positive Psychology in Schools, Geelong Grammar 2014
Law and Education, LegalWise 2013, 2014, 2019, 2021
Certification
- Marist Service Award, Marist Schools Australia, 2024
- Nominee Best Student Wellbeing Program, 2019
- Champagnat Staff Recognition Award, 2016
- Host Leadership, The Enactive Solution, 2023
- ILMP Senior Leaders Course, Fieldwork Education 2015- 2016
- Coaching skills for leaders, CEM 2014
- AGQTP Middle Leaders Program, CEM 2014
- Mentoring Matters, Monash University 2013
- AGQTP Emerging Leaders Program, CEM 2012
- AGQTP Emerging Leaders Program, CEM 2012
Timeline
Senior Deputy Principal - Staff & Strategy
Assumption College
01.2025 - Current
Assistant Principal - Strategy
Marcellin College
01.2023 - 12.2024
Assistant Principal - Student Wellbeing
Marcellin College
01.2020 - 07.2021
Head of Senior School
Marcellin College
11.2018 - 11.2019
Head of Junior School
Marcellin College
11.2012 - 06.2017
Transition Coordinator
Marcellin College
09.2010 - 10.2012
House Leader (Acting)
Marcellin College
10.2009 - 04.2010
Master of Leadership -
Australian Catholic University
Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Teaching (Primary/Secondary) - Literature, Theology And Drama
Australian Catholic University
High School Diploma -
Our Lady of Mercy College
Similar Profiles
Bradley AppoBradley Appo
Athletic Training Intern at Assumption CollegeAthletic Training Intern at Assumption College
Oluwaseyi BioyeOluwaseyi Bioye
Charity Fundraiser at Assumption CollegeCharity Fundraiser at Assumption College
Ezekiel MutesasiraEzekiel Mutesasira
Teacher Helper at Assumption CollegeTeacher Helper at Assumption College
Sandini NirashaSandini Nirasha
Senior Sandwich Artist at SUBWAY®RestaurantsSenior Sandwich Artist at SUBWAY®Restaurants
David William BrownDavid William Brown
National Compliance Manager at Endeavour Group (Australian Leisure & Hospitality Group)National Compliance Manager at Endeavour Group (Australian Leisure & Hospitality Group)