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Fiona McAucliffe

Executive Principal

Staff profile

Fiona McAucliffe

Executive Principal

Fiona McAuliffe started her career in education as a Mathematics teacher and has experienced a number of management roles across a variety of areas including Head of Senior Years, Director of Studies, IB Diploma Programme Coordinator and Head of Mathematics. Having extensive experience in implementing and maintaining International Baccalaureate frameworks, she has spent many years as a curriculum expert in South Australia. During this time, Mrs McAuliffe worked with the SACE Board, the Mathematics Association of SA, the SA Government International Student Advisory Group for the Minister and as Chair of the Independent Schools of SA Secondary Curriculum Reference Group. Curriculum delivery, especially the IB curriculum has been a large part of her professional career, demonstrating a passion for inspiring learners of all ages.

Mario Puopolo

Executive Business Manager

Staff profile

Mario Puopolo

Executive Business Manager

Mario Puopolo brings over 35 years of executive leadership experience across finance, operations, governance, and strategic transformation. He joins Good News Lutheran College after 13 years as Business Operations Manager at a large multi-campus Melbourne school of more than 2,500 students, where he led finance, human resources, enrolments, digital services, facilities, and compliance. Mario has overseen capital works exceeding $150 million, including the development of a new campus, and led a college-wide ESG Master Plan focused on sustainability and stewardship. His previous roles span higher education, architecture, digital technology, and private practice, including La Trobe Melbourne, Fender Katsalidis Architects, RMIT University, and Autodesk Australia. He holds multiple business and governance qualifications, including an Executive MBA, and is passionate about building strong teams and supporting student success.

Melissa Furtado

Head of People and Culture

Staff profile

Melissa Furtado

Head of People and Culture

Melissa Furtado serves as the Head of People and Culture at Good News Lutheran College. Melissa has over 15 years of diverse Human Resources experience and has had exposure to the areas of Child Protection, Banking and Finance. Before joining Good News Lutheran College, she worked as the Manager of People and Culture in an Asset Management firm and a large Not-for-Profit organisation. Melissa also has overseas experience working in Human Resources in India for a large MNC bank. Melissa is passionate about the Human Resources function and believes in leading with empathy.  She is a lifelong learner and has completed her Bachelor of Finance Management and a Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resources. She is currently pursuing a Certified HR Practitioner (CPHR) accreditation course through the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI).

Christopher O’Malley

Campus Principal, Tarneit

Staff profile

Christopher O’Malley

Campus Principal, Tarneit

Chris O’Malley joined the GNLC Leadership Team in 2026, bringing more than 30 years of experience in Christian education across large multi-campus schools in Melbourne’s western suburbs. He has held a range of senior leadership roles, including Curriculum leadership, Deputy Principalships in Faith and Mission, Head of Campus, and Executive Deputy Principal, along with extensive experience in student wellbeing. Chris is passionate about creating school environments where young people are known, valued, supported, and empowered to flourish. Grounded in the belief that academic excellence and student wellbeing are closely connected, Chris is committed to fostering a culture of belonging, resilience, faith formation, and holistic development. With qualifications in Music and Theology, including a Master’s degree in Theology majoring in New Testament Christology, he brings a strong foundation for integrating faith, learning, and pastoral care. At Tarneit Campus, Chris is focused on nurturing a vibrant learning community where excellence, wellbeing, and faith support students to thrive and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Mikaella Nelson

Campus Principal, Mambourin

Staff profile

Mikaella Nelson

Campus Principal, Mambourin

Mikaella Nelson brings over 15 years of dedicated experience within the Lutheran education system, having worked across primary school settings in both the Northern Territory and Victoria. Throughout her career, she has held various leadership positions demonstrating her dedication to creating effective learning communities. Mikaella possesses a wealth of knowledge in inquiry learning and the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP). Her teaching approaches are grounded in student-centred and inquiry-based approaches. This allows students to delve into their learning and develop their own understanding of the world. Mikaella believes in nurturing each student’s God-given talents so they can serve others. Her goal is to create an inclusive environment where a diverse array of students can thrive through personalised learning in modern educational spaces. 

Maria Denholm

Head of Primary Years, Tarneit

Staff profile

Maria Denholm

Head of Primary Years, Tarneit

Maria Denholm joined Good News Lutheran College as a teacher with over 30 years of teaching experience. She completed a Graduate Diploma in Theology and is a passionate advocate for teaching Christian Studies. Sharing her faith with others and guiding students to learn more about God's love and forgiveness is a highlight of her career. Maria has held many leadership positions and has completed the Leadership Development Programme through Lutheran Education Australia resulting in a Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership. Completing a Graduate Certificate in Mathematics led her to become an advocate for teaching Mathematics in a way that is accessible to all students and results in understanding, not just memorisation. From this, she has led professional development courses with teachers in Australia, Hong Kong and the Philippines. 

Daniel Wood

Head of Secondary Years, Tarneit

Staff profile

Daniel Wood

Head of Secondary Years, Tarneit

Daniel Wood has worked in Lutheran education in South Australia for 16 years before his recent relocation to Good News Lutheran College. Trained as an English and History teacher, Mr Wood developed a passion for student wellbeing early in his career and has served as a House Leader and as Senior School Wellbeing Leader, Head of English, and SACE Leader (VCE equivalent) prior to joining Good News. Most recently, Mr Wood served for four years as Senior School Leader at Concordia College in Adelaide. In addition to his teacher training, Mr Wood holds a Master’s degree in Education and Lutheran Theology, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership. He is accredited as a leader in Lutheran schools. Mr Wood’s passion for Good News Lutheran College was borne during his recent two-year stint serving as a consultant to the College board. He is focused on creating environments which promote belonging, and working with young people and their families to achieve their learning goals.

Shemalah Anthony

Head of Learning

Staff profile

Shemalah Anthony

Head of Learning

An experienced leader in the educational sector and current Head of Learning at GNLC, Shemalah brings over 13 years of experience across the Victorian education system in both primary and secondary contexts. She has held key roles including Innovation and Pedagogy Leader, Head of English/LOTE, and Instructional coach; as well as facilitated multiple national workshops for educators. She is recognised for her expertise in evidence-based teaching and curriculum design. Her passion for research-driven literacy and high-impact professional learning help foster practices that create meaningful engagement in the classroom and is underpinned by Christian values of service, humility, and stewardship. Rooted in contemporary research, she applies evidence-based curriculum design, including backward design and cognitive-load–aware instruction, to enhance learning outcomes.

Rodney Majaya

Head of Marketing

Staff profile

Rodney Majaya

Head of Marketing

Rodney Majaya joined the GNLC Leadership Team in 2025, bringing deep expertise in strategic marketing, branding, digital communication, events and stakeholder engagement gained across the last 14 years. With a strong background across the not-for-profit, technology, and education sectors, Rodney leads the Marketing & Community Partnerships team to strengthen GNLC’s profile as a values-led and future-focused school. His work champions authentic storytelling, brand elevation, strong community relationships, and targeted enrolment strategies that support the College’s growth and Christian mission. Rodney is committed to ensuring that every interaction with GNLC, whether online and in person, reflects the heart of the College.

Joshua Hauser

Head of Ministry

Staff profile

Joshua Hauser

Head of Ministry

Joshua Hauser has served as the chaplain at Good News Lutheran College for over a decade, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to his role as Head of Ministry. With a background in Lutheran education spanning Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Victoria, Joshua is deeply committed to fostering relationships and nurturing faith within the college community. Joshua holds a Graduate Diploma in Theology, a Diploma in Counselling, and a Diploma in Youth Work. His educational journey reflects a passion for equipping himself to support students, staff, and families in their faith and personal development.

Steven Tkaczuk

Head of Primary Years, Mambourin

Careers at Good News Lutheran College

Good News is a growing P–12 college across two campuses in Melbourne's west, with opportunities spanning teaching, learning support, administration and leadership. Explore what working here involves, see current openings, or register your interest for roles ahead.

Careers at Good News

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We are growing across two campuses in Melbourne's west, and we are hiring teachers, support staff and leaders who want to build something with us.

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