
International Student Program Staff
Macleod College has a very experienced and supportive team of staff dedicated to the educational, social and emotional development of our very special group of international students. The key members of this team are:
Mr Mario Panaccio
Principal
Mr Panaccio grew up in the suburb of Macleod and has also been a teacher at Macleod College for over 30 years. He is the son of immigrant parents and places a great value on education and the lifelong opportunities that it provides. In his time at Macleod College he has had the opportunity to undertake leadership positions in a variety of areas (curriculum, wellbeing, careers, pathways, music, student management and engagement) that have given him a holistic view of learning and a deep understanding of the complexities faced by students as they transition through life. As a teacher he taught mathematics and science and was runner up in the 1992 Victorian “Excellence to State Education” Award.
Mrs Colleen Cochrane
International Student Coordinator
Mrs Cochrane is an alumni of Macleod College and a dedicated staff member with a background in Student Welfare, Student Leadership and classroom mathematics. Her experience ensures each international student is well cared for in all aspects of homestay and guardianship. She actively encourages students to take opportunities to promote growth and development of themselves as an individual while managing a growing and diverse International Student Program at Macleod College.
Mrs Ketty Karalis
Intensive English Language Program Manager
Mrs Karalis is a passionate teacher whose energy in the classroom inspires each student to engage and progress in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Mrs Karalis has tapped into her 20 years of experience with English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Humanities education to design a vibrant 20 week curriculum incorporating excursions and incursions, with specialist classes in art, physical education, music, mathematics and science.
Mrs Greta Kechayas
Administrative Assistant
Mrs Kechayas brings a wealth of experience to her role including a background in library and research, assessment and reporting and school administration. Her main role within the International Education program is to support and assist staff and students to achieve their identified outcomes and current priorities.
Ms Jie (Joanna) Wan
Multicultural Education Aide (Chinese)
Ms Wan supports international students and their teachers to bridge the gap in the initial stages of immersion into mainstream classrooms. Ms Wan teaches the Bridging EAL subject, a year 10 elective designed to further support new to country English learners as they prepare for their senior studies. Ms Wan also provides Mandarin Chinese and Cantonese language support to the International Student Coordinator, students and parents of the Macleod College community.
Mrs Ngoc (Tammy) Hoang
Multicultural Education Aide (Vietnamese)
Mrs Hoang works in both the international school and the mainstream College, assisting the students in their transition into the Australian education system. Being an ex Principal from Vietnam, she is able to provide support to students and families, particularly when explaining the difference between the two systems. In the mainstream College, Ms Hoang works as an integration aide supporting students with additional needs in their learning and wellbeing.