Leadership Team
Ann Cleary
Principal
Ann is an educational leader committed to ensuring young women have the opportunity to experience excellence in education across a broad range of curriculum offerings. She is an advocate for Catholic Education in the ACT, having joined the system almost 20 years ago, following a successful career as a research scientist. Ann uses her background in scientific research to inspire students’ interest in the Sciences and the breadth of further education, and her analytical approach informs school decision making. She is passionate about the importance of student engagement through the development of contextual learning programs, development of students’ understanding of growth mindset and active pastoral care of students. Ann strives to enable all students to experience academic success in an inclusive, faith-filled learning community.
Phil Coe
Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching
Since entering the field of education, Phil has held the positions of Classroom Teacher, Head of Department, Head of Senior School & Deputy Principal. Prior to this, he worked as a computer programmer and business analyst, and has qualifications in Information Technology, Business Administration & Religious Education. Phil believes a positive, inclusive and student-centred culture of challenge & support encourages students to engage in a variety of experiences and develop a range of skills. The aim is to produce well-rounded individuals who are confident, strong, lifelong learners ready to take their place in the world. He is looking forward to working in partnership with staff, parents & students to further develop excellence in student academic achievement and overall wellbeing.
Caroline McCaffrie
Assistant Principal Pastoral Care and Wellbeing
Caroline has focused her career as an educator on empowering girls and young women to reach their personal best. She has taught in Catholic and independent girls’ schools in the ACT and NSW for over a decade, following a career in corporate law. As a leader of pastoral care, she knows that girls flourish in all-girls’ schools and recognises that wellbeing is essential to academic progress and personal growth. She therefore implements evidence-based programs to enhance girls’ social and emotional learning. Caroline believes that education is a ‘team event’ and she engages parents and carers in partnership to support their daughters’ learning.
Mark Chifley
Assistant Principal Mission and Culture
Mark has been an educator for 28 years. His goal in education is to ensure that every student is striving to reach their personal best. Mark has worked as a classroom teacher, coordinator, Assistant Principal and Acting Principal. He has worked in the ACT and NSW teaching from Kindergarten to Year 12.
Mark’s role as Assistant Principal covers two portfolios Mission and Culture. Under Mission he will ensure that all the members of the St Clare’s community are walking in the footsteps of St Clare and attaining the most from their opportunities at St Clare’s and being involved in the broader community. While Culture he will support the teachers to ensure that they can deliver their best teaching and therefore benefit the students in their learning.
Vikram Bhatia
Business Manager
Vikram has over 17 years of experience as a finance professional working in the public, private and tertiary education sectors. Vikram holds tertiary qualifications in accounting and business management and is a CPA. He specialises in management accounting and business strategy development.
In addition to being a specialist, Vikram is also a generalist. As the Business Manager of the College, he is responsible for overseeing the College’s day to day operations. In addition to being responsible for the College’s Finances, Maintenance and Building Works and IT Section, he also manages all Support Staff employed at the College. He is passionate about sustainability and is taking various measures to reduce the carbon footprint of the school. He is looking forward to working with the College community and making positive contributions in his role.