Senior Leadership Team - Tamborine Mountain College

Head of Secondary

Mr. Justin Andrews joined Tamborine Mountain College in 2023 as Head of Secondary. He is an educator with a diverse background in shaping educational experiences across the globe. Hailing from Canada, he earned his BSc and BEd, laying a strong foundation in the sciences. His journey took him to the UK from 2008 to 2012, where he served as a Mathematics and Physics Coordinator at a school just southeast of London.

Relocating to Australia, Justin spent a decade at A.B. Paterson College as a Head of House and a dedicated advocate for pastoral care, wellbeing and leadership. In 2023, Justin brought experience and passion to Tamborine Mountain College, embracing the smaller community and bespoke approach to teaching and learning. Justin's journey is one of unwavering dedication to education, transcending borders and inspiring students and fellow educators alike.

"You will graduate TMC as a person who has mastered the art of learning and can understand the strength of hard work - because building decent human beings is our measure of true success."

Mr Justin Andrews Head of Secondary

Head of Primary

Mr. Mark Stevens (BA, GradDipEd) joined Tamborine Mountain College in Term 4 of 2014. As the College's Foundation Head of Primary, Mr. Stevens officially opened the Primary campus doors for the first time at the start of 2015. Prior to arriving at Tamborine Mountain College, Mr. Stevens was a teacher for ten years at one of Tamborine Mountain College's affiliate schools.

Mr. Stevens has a keen interest in Mathematics, Science and Music, and he is an active member of the Independent Primary School Heads Association (IPSHA).

"I am truly grateful to be part of the most friendly, welcoming school that I know of. If it takes a village to raise a child, I am glad that TMC is our village."

Mr Mark Stevens Head of Primary

Director of Early Learning

Mrs. Rachael Fernandez (BEd) joined Tamborine Mountain College in 2020 as Pre Prep teacher part-time before her appointment as Director/teacher in 2021. The Early Learning Centre offers care and education for children 3 - 5 years in the Kindy and Pre Prep Rooms. To meet the needs of all families we offer Before and After School Care during the term time and Vacation Care in the holidays.

Mrs Fernandez studied in New Zealand first at Wellington Teachers College before completing her Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) at the Australian Catholic University. She believes passionately about the early years being an important time in a young child’s learning journey and believes all children are capable learners. As a teacher she supports inclusivity for all children to learn and engage building successes for life through play based learning and intentional explicit teaching. Mrs Fernandez looks forward to working in partnership with the families and children who come in contact with the centre.

"Early childhood empowers children to learn and flourish together. Experiences in their early years will have effects that last a lifetime."

Mrs. Rachael Fernandez Director of Early Learning Centre

Acting Director of Teaching & Learning

Following a career in the field of Environmental Science, and working as a Chemistry/Psychology and General Mathematics teacher at a local State High School, Rebecca came to TMC to take up the role of STEM Coordinator. Whilst in that space, she used her teaching experience and passion for STEM to create life long learners; improving student engagement, pedagogical practices and academic outcomes within the STEM subjects. Recently, she has stepped into the role of Director of Teaching and Learning, where she is dedicated to working with the amazing teachers of TMC to enhance educational practices, fostering an environment of reflective practice and ensuring that the curriculum meets the diverse needs of all students.

"Education is not the filling of a pale, but the lighting of a fire" - William Butler Yeats

Mrs Rebecca Smith Director of Teaching & Learning

Business Manager

Ms. Marion Baxter, our esteemed Business Manager at Tamborine Mountain College, has been an invaluable member of our Senior Leadership Team since 2017. Marion brings with her a wealth of experience from the realms of education, not-for-profits, hospitality, and mining, backed by an impressive background as an MBA/CPA. With a passion for advocating for educational and not-for-profit organisations, Marion has generously dedicated her time to volunteering on several boards, contributing her expertise to the broader community. In her role as Business Manager, Marion thrives on the diverse challenges that come with overseeing the various facets of advancement for our College. Beyond her professional commitments, Marion is a proud local resident of Tamborine Mountain, deeply connected to the community she serves. Her dedication and expertise make Marion an integral part of the Tamborine Mountain College family.