Warren McLeod – Executive Manager Education
Warren has dedicated his entire career to the field of education, having amassed over two decades of experience in Catholic, Independent and Government schools.
His true passion lies in leadership, coaching and mentoring; continuously striving towards achieving the highest standards of best practice across educational organisations.
Warren’s unwavering commitment to providing meaningful learning experiences has led him to be become a valued member of the ACEL Victorian Branch Executive as well as a presenter for SALT (Sport and Life Training).
His proficiency in student wellbeing has been recognised by several post graduate qualifications in applied science and culminated with him being inducted into the esteemed Fellowship of the Australian Council for Educational Leaders.
“Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.”
Robin Lee – Campus Principal Berwick
Berwick Campus Principal Robin Lee seeks to ensure that every young person who enters the Berwick Campus is extended the respect and safety upheld by Cire Community School, providing young people with learning opportunities in an environment that allows their individuality to shine.
He believes that the outworking of these three values is interdependent in an educational setting and crucial to its success.
Robin is committed to providing a holistic educational experience that addresses the socio-emotional needs of young people while also developing the skills and knowledge required for their life beyond the school’s doors.
With over 15 years of experience working alongside young people in various settings, he has a strong knowledge of targeted program development within educational settings.
“Education has often used the same measure of success for every individual and has removed the ability for every individual to experience success. A truer indication of success should be focused on growth, not comparison.”
Stephen Duke – Campus Principal Lilydale
With more than 20 years of experience working with youth and young adults in a variety of educational and non-education settings, Mt Evelyn Principal Stephen Duke is passionate about bringing hope to Cire students and families.
Previous roles in leadership, management and wellbeing, have equipped him with the broad ranging skills and experience necessary to effectively lead the team at Mt Evelyn. His optimistic, encouraging and warm demeanour create the platform for him to develop meaningful relationships with staff, students and families.
Stephen believes that regardless of background and circumstance, all young people should have access to education and opportunity. He endeavours to support students in understanding who they are, and empower them to discover how they can make positive contributions to the community around them.
Stephen’s emphasis on wellbeing, belonging and community, help to create a culture of understanding, acceptance, connection, unconditional positive regard, purpose and joy.
One of his core drivers is captured by the accompanying quote from Marian Wright Edelman, an American activist for children’s rights who has been advocating for disadvantaged Americans for her entire professional life.
“Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.”
Bradley Turner – Campus Principal Monbulk
Bradley has over 12 years of experience in education and team leadership and strongly believes that all students have the right to access the highest quality education in a program and environment that works for them. He is passionate about seeing young people grow, overcome challenges and pursue meaningful pathways.
Bradley’s personal values closely align with those of Cire Community School and he aims to uphold the values of safety, respect and learning at all times. He is dedicated to helping all of the staff and students that he works alongside feel a genuine sense of purpose and belonging.
“My purpose in working at Cire is to recognise the humanity and uniqueness of each student and extend to their dignity in an educational setting.”
Tom Sword – Campus Principal Yarra Junction
Tom has been a valuable member of the Cire team for over 7 years, holding various roles such as classroom teacher, operations leader, and leader in teaching and learning. Throughout his time at Cire one thing has remained constant: his drive to redefine success for our students.
In Tom’s view, building a positive community that embraces and aligns with Cire Community School’s core values of safety, respect, and learning is essential for student growth. Tom places a strong emphasis on fostering social connectedness and emotional intelligence, recognising these as vital skills for success not only in school but also in life.
“My vision is to create an environment that nurtures growth and empowers our students to experience success in every aspect of their lives and prepare them to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
Jodi Zaninetti – Wellbeing Leader Yarra Junction campus
Wellbeing Leader, Jodi Zaninetti helps young people to successfully navigate their world and rise above the challenges to be their best is what drives Jodi Zaninetti, the Wellbeing Leader at Cire’s Yarra Junction campus.
A valuable member of the Yarra Junction team, Jodi has extensive experience working with adolescents in both regional and metro communities and particularly assisting those facing significant barriers to accessing community, education and employment.
She confidently draws on her in-depth knowledge of a holistic, client-centric and skills -based approach when working with students and their families and/or caregivers. Such an approach is fundamental in supporting young people, families and communities to be resilient and thrive.
With a strong sense of social justice, Jodi strongly believes that every young person deserves a safe, nurturing environment in which to explore their potential and have the opportunity to be their best. Cire Community School provides such an environment where every student is treated as an individual with unique needs and great potential.
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.”
Iley Rushton – Wellbeing Leader Berwick campus
Wellbeing Leader, Iley Rushton values highly the importance of creating space for young people to explore every facet of themselves and for the whole Cire community to identify what makes every person unique; working together collaboratively to celebrate each individual.
With more than 18 year’s experience working with young people and a background in counselling, creative arts and bush adventure therapies Iley brings much depth to her role as Wellbeing Leader at Cire Community School’s Berwick campus.
Iley believes that when we seek to understand how other people’s experiences have shaped their lives we are better able to give grace and compassion to them, and ourselves, as we journey alongside each other. Resonating strongly with Iley is Cire Community School’s approach that when students feel genuinely respected and safe they are much more likely to engage in their learning.
In her role Iley seeks to support others to find healthy habits and regular daily rhythms that nurture positive change, and to help equip young people with life skills that can assist in guiding them towards effective long-term personal transformation.
“I am always humbled by our students’ support and compassion for others which is reflected in their choosing the following as the overarching theme for our Berwick campus – Every person you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind always”.
Adam Kennon – Wellbeing Leader Lilydale campus
Wellbeing Leader, Lilydale. 14 years of working with youth have led Adam to Cire, with experiences in Homelessness, Out of Home Care, Case Management and Program Development, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge and life experience to Cire Community School, Lilydale. A valuable member of the school team, Adam thrives in an environment that can make change create inclusion and also role model behaviours ensuring that the students have enough in their toolbox to thrive once they move into the next part of their journey.
One of Adam’s passions is modern-day Rites of Passage which supports young people to face the opportunities and challenges of a rapidly changing world, to find their unique gifts and talents, and create a healthy vision for the next stage of their lives.
“Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up”.
