Biography

My name is Mary Nicola, and I have the privilege of serving at St Mary and St Mina’s College as Acting Head of College, whilst still ensuring I teach within my passion area of Human Society and Its Environment.

This year, I am teaching Year 11 and Year 12 Economics — subjects that allow students to engage critically with the legal, economic, and social structures that shape our world. I am deeply committed to cultivating informed, compassionate, and socially responsible young people who are equipped not only for academic success, but for meaningful contribution to society.

I am no stranger to Coptic education. I was blessed to be formed within a Coptic education myself, attending Coptic schooling from Year 5 through to Year 12. That lived experience has profoundly shaped my vocation as an educator. It is both humbling and deeply fulfilling to now serve within the same faith-centred educational tradition that helped shape my identity, faith, and purpose.

My teaching journey began at St Mark’s Coptic Orthodox College, where I taught across a range of HSIE subjects from 2007 to 2012, while also serving as a year 8 and 9 High School Year Coordinator. I then continued my vocation in education at St Mary and St Mina’s College from 2013 to 2018, before returning full-time in 2021, where I remain today as the Acting Head of College from March, 2026

Education and Accreditation

I hold a Bachelor of Business (Marketing and International Business) from the University of Technology Sydney, graduating with a High Credit average, followed by a Graduate Diploma of Education (Business Studies and Economics) from the University of New England, also with a High Credit average.

I am Professionally Competent Accredited (2011) and remain committed to ongoing professional formation, completing my AIS Senior Leadership course in 2025.

Leadership and Service

Leadership and service have always been central to my personal and professional life. My journey began as:

• Primary School Captain (St Mark’s College)
• Secondary School Captain (St Mark’s College)

From there, I continued serving within both Church and school communities as:

• Sunday School Teacher (2006–2011)
• High School Year Coordinator (St Mark’s College)
• Board Member — Exodus Youth Worx, Rockdale (2014-2015)
• Secretary — St Mary’s P&F Committee
• House Patron — St Mary’s College (2021-2023)
• Head of HSIE (2022–present)
• Head of Welfare, Executive (2024–present)
• Acting Head of College (March 2026-present)

My vocation has always extended beyond the classroom, grounded in the belief that education must form the whole person — spiritually, emotionally, academically, and socially.

Contributions and Projects

I have been blessed to lead and contribute to several initiatives that reflect this holistic vision, including:

• Co-researching and publishing a book on the Coptic Martyrs of Egypt’s January
  25th Revolution
• Supporting the College’s inclusion in HICES and HICES Debating
• Serving as a parent seminar speaker, with sessions published on the Upper Room

Media App

• Marking HSC examinations in:
• Business Studies (multiple years)
• Legal Studies (multiple years)

I have taught extensively across the HSIE curriculum, including Business Studies, Legal Studies, Economics, Commerce, Geography, and History.

Service Learning and Global Outreach

A particularly meaningful dimension of College life for me is our commitment to Christian service beyond our immediate community. I have been part of the leadership team coordinating our Overseas Service-Learning Trips, including:

• Fiji Service Trip (2024)
• Philippines Service Trip (2025)
• Fiji (Suva) Service Trip June 2026

These experiences allow our students to live out the Gospel through diakonia — service in action — cultivating humility, gratitude, and global awareness.

Philosophy of Education

As an educator and welfare leader, my philosophy is deeply grounded in our Coptic Orthodox faith. I believe that every child is created in the image of God and entrusted to our care not only to be taught, but to be shepherded. My work in Welfare is centred on building structures of pastoral care that reflect the Church’s mission — fostering belonging, spiritual formation, wellbeing, and moral leadership in our students.

To serve at St Mary and St Mina’s College is more than a profession — it is a calling. It is a place where faith and learning walk hand in hand, where ancient tradition shapes modern formation, and where young people are prepared not only for careers, but for lives of purpose, Christian witness, and service.