Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) Governance Statement

Penola Catholic College is a school which operates with the consent of the Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne and is operated and governed by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Ltd (MACS).

MACS governs and operates 292 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese to continue the mission of Catholic education to proclaim the Good News and equip our young people with the knowledge, skills and hope to live meaningful lives and enrich the world around them.

Because the good work of educating the young is a co-responsible task led by every member of the Catholic school community, School Advisory Councils have been established to provide a crucial point of connection between the wider school community and school leaders.

This governance model was designed to ease the administrative burden on our schools and parishes, allow parish priests to focus on the mission of education in the parish, enable greater collaboration between schools and ensure greater consistency in school policies and procedures.

More information on MACS is available at macs.vic.edu.au.

School Advisory Council

The Council plays a pivotal role in the life of the College. It provides governance and oversight and collaboratively participates in setting the strategic direction of the College. Working closely with the Principal, the Council oversees the College’s alignment and faithfulness to the Charter and the highest quality of stewardship.

To ensure that the Council is in the best position to support the Principal and the College, it is critical that each member of the Council brings skill and experience that complements the skills and experience of the other members, as well as the skills and experience relevant to the Council’s responsibilities.

The School Advisory Council provides a crucial point of connection between the wider school community and school leaders.

Member of the School Advisory Councils are inducted and commissioned at the beginning of each school year.

School Advisory Council Members 2023

Executive OfficerMr Robert Dullard
President of the Association of Canonical AdministratorsFr Dishan Candappa
ChairpersonMrs Karen Harvey Collings
Deputy Chairperson-
Parent representatives

Mrs Louise Pacor
Mrs Karen Harvey Collings
Ms Anne Mclean
Mr Mark Buttigieg
Ms Denise Stolfa

Staff representativesMr Stuart Harrison
College CaptainsMiss Siala Maelasi

Miss Leah McGrice

Business ManagerMrs Jennifer Vinten
SecretaryMrs Julie Lyons

Executive Members

Mr Robert Dullard
Fr Dishan Candappa
Mrs Karen Harvey Collings

Finance and Risk Members

Fr Dishan Candappa
Mrs Alfina Astuto
Mr Robert Dullard
Mrs Jennifer Vinten
Mrs Karen Harvey Collings