Headquarters:
2 St Mary's Road, Sydney, NSW 2000
Year founded:
1824
Number of employees:
95
Phone:
07 3821 8999
Email:
info@smccsydney.catholic.edu.au
Website:
smccsydney.syd.catholic.edu.au
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/smccsydney
“We put our customers at the centre of our business, responding to brokers in a proactive and timely manner and working with the customer to understand their unique risk profile and tailor appropriate solutions”
Erica Kofie, QBE
Kerrie McDiarmid
College Principal
Christopher Maoudis
Dean of Senior School
David Timillero
Dean of Middle School
Leadership
In 2023, Kerrie McDiarmid was appointed principal of St Mary’s Cathedral College, the oldest school in the Sydney Archdiocese. An innovative leader, she is set to guide the 200-year-old all-boys school into a new era as it transitions to a dual-campus, K-12 co-educational institution with a fresh vision for learning. Previously, she served as principal at St Clare’s College Waverley and held roles in pedagogy at Marist College Kogarah and as a lecturer at the University of Notre Dame. With over 23 years of teaching experience, McDiarmid’s passionate, reflective approach has led to significant growth in student outcomes and recognised her as one of Australia’s Most Influential Educators.
College Principal
Kerrie McDiarmid
Christopher Maoudis was appointed dean of senior school at St Mary’s Cathedral College, Sydney, in 2023. With over 20 years of teaching experience, he previously served as deputy principal at St Clare’s College, Waverley and held roles as director of learning and teaching and administration coordinator.
Maoudis is passionate about fostering innovative, data-informed teaching practices and empowering staff through collaborative approaches. His experience in reflective practice has enhanced leadership across secondary education. Having taught senior English, religious education and history, he encourages staff to pursue excellence, building strong relationships with students, parents and colleagues to achieve remarkable outcomes.
Dean of Senior School
Christopher Maoudis
David Timillero was appointed dean of middle school at St Mary’s Cathedral College, Sydney, in 2023. Previously, he served as deputy principal at Bethlehem College and Holy Spirit Catholic College, taking on roles like director of wellbeing and curriculum coordinator in both systemic and independent Catholic schools.
Timillero is deeply committed to building meaningful relationships within the school community. He prioritises holistic student growth, combining academic achievement with personal development and character formation. His leadership fosters resilience, empathy and respect, equipping students with essential life skills. His dedication to nurturing strong connections leaves a lasting impact on the students he serves.
Dean of Middle School
David Timillero
“We put our customers at the centre of our business, responding to brokers in a proactive and timely manner and working with the customer to understand their unique risk profile and tailor appropriate solutions”
Erica Kofie, QBE
“We continue to see cyber as a key opportunity and will be further developing customer-centric solutions across various geographies and segments in line with our growth aspirations”
Erica Kofie, QBE
Leadership
“We continue to see cyber as a key opportunity and will be further developing customer-centric solutions across various geographies and segments in line with our growth aspirations”
Erica Kofie, QBE
“We put our customers at the centre of our business, responding to brokers in a proactive and timely manner and working with the customer to understand their unique risk profile and tailor appropriate solutions”
Erica Kofie, QBE
Leadership
Suzanne Georgiou
Dean of Junior School
Suzanne Georgiou was appointed dean of junior school at St Mary’s Cathedral College, Sydney, in 2024. She previously served as deputy principal at St Charles’ Primary School and Galilee Catholic Primary School and worked as a gifted education curriculum coordinator at St Mary-St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Maroubra.
A passionate educator, Georgiou is committed to using contemporary teaching methods and educational research to enhance student learning. Specialising in gifted education, she has led impactful reforms in curriculum and assessment. Her strong interpersonal skills empower students, parents and staff, ensuring their concerns and well-being guide her decision-making. She is dedicated to fostering a vibrant learning culture.
Dean of Junior School
Suzanne Georgiou
Belinda VanderGert
Dean of Liberal Arts
Belinda VanderGert was appointed dean of liberal arts at St Mary’s Cathedral College, Sydney, in 2023. With over 20 years of experience in education, she has held various leadership roles in curriculum, teaching and learning and wellbeing across Sydney and Melbourne, playing a vital role in shaping academic programs and student wellbeing initiatives.
VanderGert leads initiatives focused on fostering student growth and collaborates with staff to enhance pedagogy and teaching practices. She has implemented the Character Education program at St Mary’s, instilling values that promote personal growth and resilience. A passionate advocate for student wellbeing, she creates a supportive environment where families and staff unite to help students thrive, ensuring they develop both academically and personally.
Dean of Liberal Arts
Belinda VanderGert
St Mary’s Cathedral College Sydney, a co-educational K–12 school in Sydney’s CBD, combines Catholic education with the unique opportunities of a global city. This environment enables students to become strong communicators, problem-solvers and leaders, prepared to contribute positively to society.
With a focus on student efficacy, the college believes how students perceive themselves and their futures has a significant impact on their success in later years and influences their post-school choices.
“It is imperative to expose them to experiences and discourses that allow them to make better choices, have more ownership and feel a greater sense of engagement with their learning,” says principal Kerrie McDiarmid.
The college is committed to an approach that moves beyond surface learning, with an emphasis on critical thinking and independent problem-solving, equipping students to apply their in-school knowledge to real-world situations. Its Phronesis Program prioritises character development connecting wellbeing, spirituality and academics to ensure student flourishing.
St Mary’s structures the educational journey into three stages: foundational learning in the Junior School (K–4), integrated learning in the Middle School (5–8) and specialised pathways in the Senior School (9–12). This approach – foundation, integration and specialisation – builds a strong knowledge base, fosters interdisciplinary thinking and supports students in exploring individual interests. This phased model prepares students not only for academic success but for personal growth.
A hallmark of St Mary’s is its commitment to using the city as an extended classroom. Working with the Leader of Pathways and Partnerships, it has developed programs that connect classroom learning to the broader world.
McDiarmid says, “Staff have designed programs that activate the city as the classroom and prioritise opportunities for students to connect their in-class learning with the world of opportunity that exists beyond school. These experiences expose students to diverse industries, allowing them to make informed choices about their futures and increasing engagement with their studies.”
St Mary’s “In Residence” and “In Partnership” programs exemplify this real-world approach, connecting students with cultural institutions like the Australian Museum and Art Gallery of NSW, as well as partners like HEX and Sydney FC. These partnerships allow students access to specialised facilities, professional mentorship and a firsthand insight into various fields. This experiential learning approach enables students to apply academic concepts in meaningful contexts, preparing them as lifelong learners and adaptable thinkers.
A key initiative at the college is the student parliament, inaugurated by alumnus Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. This parliament strengthens student voice, choice and agency, linking academic learning with governance and civic responsibility.
Recently, students debated the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, directly contributing to the college’s AI policy. This experience provides practical insights into democratic processes, fostering essential skills in leadership, debate and policymaking for life beyond school.
St Mary’s Cathedral College Sydney offers an educational experience that combines depth, authenticity and engagement. Through its commitment to student efficacy, hands-on learning and character development, the college prepares students to face future challenges with confidence, compassion and purpose. This dedication to cultivating well-rounded, lifelong learners sets St Mary’s apart as a model of progressive education.
“We continue to see cyber as a key opportunity and will be further developing customer-centric solutions across various geographies and segments in line with our growth aspirations”
Erica Kofie, QBE
Thomas Hunter
Dean of Mission
Keith Schlosser
Global Chief Information Officer
Dan Draper
Group Chief Underwriting Officer
Simon Williams
Chief Strategy & Distribution Officer, Arch Insurance International
and Active Underwriter, Syndicate 1955
Thomas Hunter was appointed dean of mission at St Mary’s Cathedral College, Sydney, in 2023. With a deep passion for character education, he uses his diverse experiences to encourage students to push their boundaries through both the curriculum and extracurricular activities. Leading non-ATAR and ATAR subjects, he understands that while skill development varies, a common thread of high expectations unites all students.
His work with charitable NGOs inspires him to help students develop strong convictions about making a difference. Focused on religious education and outreach, he engages students in discussions about ethics and culture. Excited about the K-12 co-educational context, Hunter looks forward to supporting students as they transition through their educational journey.
Dean of Mission
Thomas Hunter
Keith Schlosser is global chief information officer at AXIS Capital, where he leads the company’s global information technology and data strategy. He is also responsible for driving change throughout the organisation by delivering high-quality, future-oriented IT services in line with AXIS Capital’s business strategy. Schlosser has more than 30 years of insurance industry experience, spanning roles in information technology, business solutions, marketing and sales. Prior to AXIS, he served as chief information officer for Chubb’s Overseas General Insurance division, where he spearheaded a number of growth, innovation, digital and change initiatives. Before that, he served as CIO at The Travelers Companies international division. Schlosser was also a vice president for marketing technology and web communications at AIG.
Global Chief Information Officer
Keith Schlosser
Dan Draper was appointed group chief underwriting officer in September 2022. He had previously served for more than two years as group head of underwriting at AXIS. Prior to that, he had been group chief risk and actuarial officer at VIBE. Before joining VIBE, Draper spent eight years with AXIS, holding a number of leadership roles that included group chief actuary, chief risk analytics officer, and insurance segment chief risk officer. Before that, he held managerial positions at the Financial Services Authority, XL Capital, and EY.
Group Chief Underwriting Officer
Dan Draper
Kimi leads the Estate Planning and Wealth Protection team and is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. She understands the complex and delicate nature of family estate planning, the technical requirements around probate and estate administration, and the importance of preserving wealth for future generations. Her advice is accurate, commercial, strategic and tailored to each situation.
Partner
Kimi Shah
Kimi leads the Estate Planning and Wealth Protection team and is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. She understands the complex and delicate nature of family estate planning, the technical requirements around probate and estate administration, and the importance of preserving wealth for future generations. Her advice is accurate, commercial, strategic and tailored to each situation.
Partner
Kimi Shah
Kimi leads the Estate Planning and Wealth Protection team and is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. She understands the complex and delicate nature of family estate planning, the technical requirements around probate and estate administration, and the importance of preserving wealth for future generations. Her advice is accurate, commercial, strategic and tailored to each situation.
Partner
Kimi Shah
“Despite the challenging claims environment, QBE’s coverage and risk appetite have remained consistent. Brokers and customers know and understand our risk appetite and the cover we offer, providing them with certainty for the future,” says Erica Kofie, head of cyber proposition. “We put our customers at the centre of our business, responding to brokers in a proactive and timely manner and working with the customer to understand their unique risk profile and tailor appropriate solutions.”
Kofie adds, “Through 2022, QBE successfully delivered significant growth in the cyber sector, reflecting the depth and strength of our team. We continue to see cyber as a key opportunity and will be further developing customer-centric solutions across various geographies and segments in line with our growth aspirations.”
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