Get to Know: Dean of Education

Dean of Education

The Mandurah Catholic College Dean of Education role is new in 2023. Mrs Karen Hall has held Assistant Head of Year and Head of Learning Area positions and more recently Acting Deputy roles

Brief summary of professional career:

My professional career spans over 30 years, where I have worked in a range of environments in Australia and UK as a social worker, learning coordinator, teacher trainer and secondary teacher.

As a qualified teacher, I taught Modern History and Humanities and developed the Psychology curriculum. I am currently teaching ATAR Psychology, alongside my Dean of Education responsibilities.

I moved into middle leadership roles starting as a Head of Year (HOY), eventuating to a position as Head of Learning Area for Humanities and Social Sciences. As an experienced curriculum practitioner, I carried out consultancy work for CEWA as an Expert Curriculum Leader.

During my professional career I have qualified as a coach and mentor for teachers and practicum teachers. Since then, I moved into leadership roles in 2020/21 as acting Deputy Principal of Teaching and Learning and successfully gained a position as Dean Of Education in 2023. 

What are you most looking forward to, in your role this year?

I enjoy the diversity that this role brings such as working with teachers, middle leaders, the ILT Team, SEN Team and external partners within education. I particularly enjoy meetings with students whether it is to discuss academic matters or WACE concerns. 

Professional passion, or educational philosophy:

I am passionate about learning and always feel I can learn from others; life is a learning journey. I hope to inspire young people to have confidence to believe in themselves to succeed. 

What is a fun fact about you?

We recently travelled the whole of Australia, clocking up over 33000kms. I believe the best experience in life is to get out there and just do it. 

Key responsibilities of your Role:

Key aspects of the role include curriculum, assessments, external reporting, school based exams and national testing, scholarships and extension/ gifted and talented programs.