Meet Our Tutors
- February 26, 2020
Our Boarding Tutors work with the Years 7, 8 and 9 girls every Monday to Thursday from 6.30 pm to 8.00 pm and are available to other Year groups after this time.
Our Boarding Tutors have commented many times in the first week few weeks that the students are working well and asking for help when needed.
A big thank you to our wonderful team of tutors! Their roster and speciality can be seen in the table below. We also have Aimee Dean, Ursula House Supervisor who is a Maths and Science Teacher and is happy to support the girls.

We’d like to introduce you to our Study Tutors.

CHARMAINE VERSLUIS
What inspires you to teach?
I’m inspired by the belief that teachers are so much more than just educators: they support, prepare, nurture and encourage their students, often long after their time together has come to an end. A belief that was confirmed only recently when I was told by one of my past students (now in his 40s) that I was the catalyst for him pursuing his art and becoming a visual art teacher. A truly wonderful compliment!
What other schools have you taught in?
Throughout my career as a Visual Art and HASS teacher I have taught at Iona Presentation College, Mosman Park; Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College, North Sydney; Newman Senior College, Churchland and Divine Mercy College.
Favourite Quote?
I have quite a few favourite quotes, however, the ones that resonate the most are:
“Small gestures can have a big impact” and “A smile cost nothing but gives much”.

LISA SHELLEY
Who inspires you as a teacher?
I really love it when my students get that “little win”. Whether it’s finally “getting” something that they have struggled with for some time, an improvement, no matter how small, or just learning something really cool and interesting that goes on to inspire them.
What part of the school year is most exciting to you?
I love the start of the school year. Everything is new and exciting and you can really start fresh in all of your classes with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and motivation.
Favourite quote?
“What day is it?” asked Pooh.
“It’s today,” squeaked Piglet.
“My favourite day,” said Pooh.

MELISSA TROLIO
What inspires you as a teacher?
Such a difficult question to answer, as there is so much in the 21st century to be inspired by. But firstly, I was inspired to become a teacher because of some of the great role models I had as both a student at high school and then into my studies at university. Secondly, as a teacher, you are always a learner, and to be a teacher means to be a student always. This was one of the main reasons I pursued further studies at Masters level. Thirdly, I always want to inspire my students, so being a better teacher means better learning. And finally, keeping my teaching knowledge current inspires me, especially with such fast-changing times, the field of education is set to undergo a sea of changes. Sharing my skills and empowering my students in the process is highly gratifying.
If you could choose another job what would it be? Either a baker or a pastry chef! I absolutely love baking and creating all kinds of sweet treats for my family and friends so would love to be able to pursue this further in another life!
Favourite quote?“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” – Mother Teresa

CHENELLE LEATT-HAYTER
What inspires you as a teacher?
Being a teacher presents many challenges, but I am always inspired by the satisfaction and pleasure I get from seeing that my teaching is having a positive influence on student learning and wellbeing. Knowing that I have helped a student persevere to complete a challenging assignment, improve their marks in a test or achieve a personal goal is a great feeling, and is the reason I’ve continued in my role as a Boarding Study Supervisor for the past eight years.
What is something not many people know about you?
It’s’ a fairly recent hobby, so not many people know that I’ve started competing in Khanacross motorsport events. I drive a beaten-up little Proton Satria, aptly dubbed “The Atomic Bomb!”
Favourite quote?
“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” – Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, J.K. Rowling
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Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.