Amanda Westgate
Foundation Principal
Mandy Westgate comes from St Kevin’s Catholic Primary School Eastwood where she was Principal for the past six years. Prior to this, Mandy began her teaching career at St Mary’s Concord, where she became the Religious Education Coordinator before continuing her journey as the Assistant Principal at Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School North Ryde.
As a current member of the Ministerial Advisory Group on Literacy and Numeracy for NSW, Mandy ensures her staff and students are given the best opportunities to excel. She is also involved in numerous educational focused committees including Reading Recovery, Strategic Planning and Sydney Catholic Schools’ Literacy and Numeracy.
Having grown up in Cabarita and baptised at St Patrick’s Catholic Parish Mortlake, Mandy has developed a strong connection with this community and is excited to give back to this wonderful area of Sydney.
“It is an honour and privilege to be part of this very special community. To create a school in a new time and place is very exciting and we will look forward to building community, acknowledging the past and bringing a sense of wonder and curiosity to our young learners. Our children spend so many of their waking hours in our care that they deserve to feel loved, challenged, guided and supported. What a joyous experience awaits us all.”
Catherine Funston
Assistant Principal
Catherine Funston has come to us from St Columba’s Catholic Primary School Leichhardt North where she was the Religious Education Coordinator and a Kindergarten teacher. During her time there, Catherine was seconded to the position of Leader of Learning: Curriculum (Early Years Literacy), to support other teachers working in the early years of learning. Prior to this, she was Acting Religious Education Coordinator at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College Alice Springs. She has also worked in various schools in the Wollongong Diocese and in England.
Catherine holds a Master of Arts (Theological Studies) from the University of Notre Dame, a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood) from the University of Western Sydney and a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from the University of New England. Having also participated and led a range of significant professional learning experiences, Catherine will not only bring excellent knowledge and practical experience, but also a wonderful enthusiasm.
“It is with great excitement that I step into the role of Assistant Principal at St Patrick’s Mortlake. I am passionate about education and have a great love of teaching, particularly students in their first years at school, which is a time full of possibilities, curiosity and enthusiasm. I take up this role with energy, vision and a commitment to developing a faith filled community in partnership with our parish and parents.”
Sharon Walton
School Secretary
Sharon comes to the St Patrick’s school community from St Kevin’s Catholic Primary School Eastwood where she was the School Secretary for the past 23 years. The past six of those years were spent working with our Principal, Mrs Amanda Westgate. As the School Secretary, Sharon will be responsible for the school’s administration and finance in addition to management of the school office.
“I am so thrilled to be part of this journey and look forward to sharing the experience with our new students, parents and staff. I feel very privileged to have the opportunity of helping to build and watch our school community grow. I really love what I do and you will always be welcomed into our school office with a warm smile.”
