Headquarters:
2 St Mary's Road, Sydney, NSW 2000
Year founded:
1824
Number of employees:
105
Phone:
0 9235 0500
Email:
fleur.cane@syd.catholic.edu.au
Website:
smccsydney.syd.catholic.edu.au
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/smccsydney
Kerrie McDiarmid
College Principal
Christopher Maoudis
Assistant Principal – Senior School
David Timillero
Assistant Principal – Middle School
Leadership
Appointed principal of St Mary’s Cathedral College in 2023, Kerrie McDiarmid brings over 27 years of teaching and leadership experience. Recognised as one of The Educator’s Most Influential Educators, she is known for her innovative vision and commitment to educational transformation. McDiarmid previously led St Clare’s College Waverley and has held roles at Marist College Kogarah and the University of Notre Dame. Her leadership is marked by a passion for whole-school improvement, a growth mindset and empowering both staff and students. Under her guidance, St Mary’s has been recognised for groundbreaking teaching approaches and a strong focus on student success.
College Principal
Kerrie McDiarmid
Christopher Maoudis became assistant principal of senior school at St Mary’s Cathedral College in 2023, bringing over 20 years of experience in education. Previously deputy principal at St Clare’s College Waverley, he has also served as director of learning and teaching. Maoudis is dedicated to fostering innovative, data-informed teaching and building staff capacity through collaboration and reflective practice. He has taught senior English, religious education and history, always encouraging excellence and teamwork. Known for his strong rapport with staff, students and parents, Maoudis’s leadership has consistently driven positive change and strong educational outcomes.
Assistant Principal – Senior School
Christopher Maoudis
Appointed assistant principal of middle school in 2023, David Timillero is known for his deep commitment to student growth and wellbeing. With leadership experience at Bethlehem College, Ashfield, and Holy Spirit Catholic College, Lakemba, he has focused on building strong relationships within school communities. He integrates life skills and moral education into the curriculum, nurturing resilience, empathy and respect. Timillero’s leadership is marked by initiatives that support both academic achievement and personal development, ensuring students are prepared for the complexities of modern life. His dedication leaves a lasting, positive impact on every school community he serves.
Assistant Principal – Middle School
David Timillero
Suzanne Georgiou
Assistant Principal – Junior School
Suzanne Georgiou was appointed assistant principal of junior school at St Mary’s Cathedral College in 2024. With extensive experience as deputy principal at St Charles’ Primary and Galilee Catholic Primary, she specialises in gifted education and curriculum reform. Georgiou is passionate about using contemporary teaching approaches and educational research to drive student achievement. Her leadership is defined by energy, dedication and a strong focus on inclusive learning. Georgiou’s excellent communication skills empower students, staff and parents, always placing their wellbeing at the centre of her decisions. She is committed to building a vibrant, supportive learning culture.
Assistant Principal – Junior School
Suzanne Georgiou
Belinda VanderGert
Assistant Principal – Liberal Arts
Belinda VanderGert joined St Mary’s Cathedral College as assistant principal of liberal arts in 2023, bringing over 20 years of educational leadership experience. She has played a key role in curriculum development and student wellbeing initiatives across Sydney and Melbourne. VanderGert champions innovative teaching practices and has led the implementation of the Character Education program, promoting resilience and ethical growth. She fosters a collaborative environment where academic excellence and personal development go hand in hand. VanderGert’s leadership is defined by her commitment to inclusivity and empowering every student to reach their full potential in a supportive school
Assistant Principal – Liberal Arts
Belinda VanderGert
Thomas Hunter
Assistant Principal – Mission
Steph Leeson
Business Development Manager
Margaret Leau-Sulusi
Business Development Manager
Pam Chhabra
Manager – Residential Strata
Appointed assistant principal of mission in 2023, Thomas Hunter is passionate about character education and student development. He leads both ATAR and vocational programs, emphasising high expectations and broad skill development. With experience working and volunteering for charitable NGOs, Hunter encourages students to make a difference and engage deeply with ethical and cultural questions. He is especially focused on religious education and outreach, fostering a collaborative, meaningful environment. Hunter looks forward to supporting students across the new K–12 co-educational context, helping them grow from their earliest years through to graduation.
Assistant Principal – Mission
Thomas Hunter
Steph Leeson immigrated from the UK 14 years ago and began her Westpac career as a specialist lender. Now a business development manager, she supports mortgage advisers across Auckland and Northland, offering expert guidance and support. Leeson is highly regarded for her lending knowledge, responsiveness and collaborative approach. Her dedication was recognised nationally as a finalist for the 2025 NZ Adviser BDM of the Year award, reflecting her impact within the third party channel.
Business Development Manager
Steph Leeson
Margaret Leau-Sulusi brings over 20 years of banking experience to her role as business development manager, having started with Westpac in 2005. Her background includes lending support, senior lending roles and branch management. Leau-Sulusi partners closely with mortgage advisers, providing product expertise and strategic guidance to drive strong client outcomes. Known for her collaborative style and responsiveness, she is passionate about building trusted relationships and delivering customer-focused results.
Business Development Manager
Margaret Leau-Sulusi
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Commercial Manager
Stephen McMillan
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Adam Basaldella
Manager – Claims
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Product Manager
Claire Watson
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Commercial Manager
Stephen McMillan
“We also maintain open lines of communication with advisers so they know what to expect and can plan accordingly”
Hayley Burgess, ANZ Bank New Zealand
“We’ve invested heavily in resourcing and process improvements to reduce friction and speed up approvals”
Hayley Burgess, ANZ Bank New Zealand
St Mary’s Cathedral College Sydney, nestled in the city’s vibrant CBD, is a beacon of educational innovation, blending tradition with a forward-thinking attitude.
Committed to ensuring every student reaches their full potential, the culture is defined by:
data-driven focus on academic improvement
faith-centred focus on character development
creating a supportive and inclusive environment
Central to the college’s progressive ethos is the Phronesis Program, named after the ancient Greek concept of “practical wisdom”. This embeds character virtues and ethical decision-making into every aspect of teaching. Flexible and responsive, the program addresses timely issues, such as empathy and inclusion, through dedicated lessons.
At St Mary’s, students are not only challenged and inspired by a rigorous curriculum but are also encouraged to become independent, creative and critical thinkers. The joy of learning is palpable, with students applying classroom knowledge to real-world situations, fostering both intellectual curiosity and practical wisdom.
The school stands out for its contemporary liberal arts lens, which permeates the curriculum and encourages interdisciplinary exploration. The city’s cultural institutions are woven into daily lessons, activating Sydney itself as an extended classroom.
Signature initiatives, such as the Finding Wonder Festival of Learning, immerse students in iconic sites: St Mary’s Cathedral, the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Art Gallery of NSW and the Museum of Sydney, culminating in a photographic exhibition that celebrates the wonders of the city.
As a world-class chorister school, St Mary’s recognises the transformative power of music and students are given the opportunity to develop their talent in this area. The college’s Middle School (Years 5–8) undertakes integrated learning experiences, for example, it merged geography and science units to design proposals for a vertical green wall, demonstrating authentic engagement with real-world challenges. The winning concept was selected by industry experts from the University of New South Wales and the green wall construction firm Vertikal.
St Mary’s further leverages its city location to forge sustainable and notable partnerships, which include:
Sydney FC Elective: 100% of students reported improved skills and clearer career planning by engaging with professionals beyond the pitch (eg nutritionists and designers).
CSIRO STEM Professionals in Schools Program, which brings industry experts into junior classrooms.
Waterstons’ Cybersecurity program increased interest in cybersecurity careers. Students described the experience as “eye-opening,” while industry partners praised their curiosity and engagement.
University Accreditation: In 2025, 41 Year 9 students earned formal credentials through the Entrepreneurship and Investing course with the University of Technology Sydney.
St Mary’s evaluates its innovation by using a blend of:
academic data
student feedback
external recognition
The college’s future plans include expanding its dual campus model, enhancing bespoke facilities and deepening the assessment of human capabilities in partnership with the University of Melbourne.
In addition, it is evolving its assessment model to better capture process-based learning, particularly in the Middle School, by tracking student growth in metacognition, collaboration and ethical reasoning.
St Mary’s Cathedral College exemplifies how tradition and innovation can coexist.
IQumulate invests in education and people, which are vital to attracting new business and talent to the company.
“We have long tenures for several of our key staff, including some in leadership positions, and this sound working knowledge of our business, practices and industry provides great insights and a wealth of experience to offer our clients,” says Bastow. “Our new head of sales, Graeme Gordon, formerly manager for New Zealand, joins us in Australia to drive our sales strategy and lead our team to successful outcomes for our clients and our business. We look forward to great things ahead with Graeme as he continues to be active and present in the New Zealand market as well as building sound working relationships and new connections in Australia.”
Clients can also expect a lot from working with IQumulate.
“Through active engagement with our trusted broker network, IQumulate provides relevant information, education and training content,” says Graeme Gordon, head of sales. “Our clients can expect IQumulate to support their business in several ways, providing an understanding of what premium funding solutions are available and how IQumulate can spread the cost of insurance and help borrowers get the right level of insurance cover to free up their cash flow for other expenses or business growth opportunities. Premium funding is often considered a tool for those who simply cannot afford to pay their premiums in full. While this is certainly a significant driver for many, it is also successfully used by profitable companies who use premium funding to manage their cash flows more wisely or better manage their liquidity.”
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