Governance

Deputy Principal

Dr Bek Duyckers commenced at the College in 2022 in an innovation focused senior leadership role before being appointed as Deputy Principal. 

Dr Duyckers offers unique leadership guidance in turning ideas into reality through a consultative and collaborative approach. She is passionate about staff development, adaptive cultures, student agency and growing great human beings that go on to make a difference in our world. 

Dr Bek Duyckers's leadership will help drive the College agenda forward, leading our community in learning that encourages students to be innately curious, engaged in their learning and the world around them, confident in themselves, empathetic and reflective. 

Dr Bek Duyckers has contributed to leadership discussions and presentations through future schooling forums, projects through AISWA and SCSA and has presented at state, national and international conferences. She has also been active in the educational community as a Youth Engagement Manager for TEDxPerth and an Executive Member of ACEL WA Committee. 

Dr Bek Duyckers has three Masters of Education (Leadership, Learning Difficulties and Gifted Education). Her doctoral research focused on the intercultural communication competence students acquire when collaborating with students from another country using digital technologies - developing global competences purposefully in our increasingly globalised world.

Director of Educational Operations

Mr Lee Molyneux joined Coomera Anglican College in July 2007 as the Senior Geography Teacher after six successful years teaching in the state sector in the North West of England. Arriving in Brisbane with his new wife, he was eager to embark on a new chapter of life and has since witnessed the College’s tremendous growth. Over the years, Lee has taken on various pastoral leadership roles across Junior Secondary and Senior Secondary, as well as a staff development position. 

Mr Molyneux is a passionate advocate for ‘whole child’ education, valuing experiences that extend beyond the classroom. He believes that real life is the greatest teacher, and he strives to provide students with opportunities to learn through authentic, hands-on experiences. 

Holding a BA (Hons) in Geography and IT, along with a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Management, Mr Molyneux is equally dedicated to staff development. He has served as a National Assessor of Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher (HALT) applications, supporting educators in their professional growth. 

In his new role, Lee looks forward to building meaningful relationships with staff and students, fostering a community that inspires success and lifelong learning.

Director of Wellbeing

Miss Julie Kemp joined the College in January 2024 as the Director of Wellbeing. 

Miss Kemp is a dedicated and accomplished educator currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Tasmania (UTAS), with a research focus on health literacy and wellbeing in adolescents. With a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of New England (UNE) and a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education from Deakin University, Julie possesses a strong academic foundation.

With an impressive 30 years of teaching experience in independent schools across Tasmania, Victoria, and the United Kingdom, Miss Kemp has cultivated a breadth of knowledge and expertise in the field of education. Her passion for sport, music, and travel further enriches her teaching philosophy.

Miss Kemp has spent 6 years serving as the Head of Middle School at Scotch Oakburn College and 5 years as Head of Year 9 at St Michael’s Collegiate School, both Independent Schools in Tasmania, demonstrating exceptional leadership skills and a commitment to the holistic development of students. Furthermore, Julie has contributed significantly to the educational landscape through a one-year tenure in a corporate role as the Curriculum Lead for Health and Physical Education in the Department for Education, Children, and Young People, also in Tasmania.

Throughout her career, Miss Kemp has served in various key positions, including 4 years as Head of House, 2 years as Director of Sport, and 2 years as Daily Organiser at St Michael’s Collegiate School, as well as Head of Department at Carmel College in the United Kingdom. These roles have greatly contributed to her ability to effectively manage and inspire both students and faculty members.

As a current PhD student at UTAS, Miss Kemp remains dedicated to advancing her knowledge and contributing to the future of education through rigorous research and innovation in health literacy and wellbeing. Her diverse experiences, coupled with her passion for improving educational outcomes, make her an asset to the field of education.

Business Manager

Mr Ryan Diaz brings extensive financial and leadership expertise to Coomera Anglican College, where he has been a valued member of the College community for six years. After serving as Financial Controller for five years, Ryan was appointed Business Manager in 2024, continuing to deliver excellence in financial management and operational oversight.

Mr Diaz holds a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and is a Chartered Accountant, a member of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand. He is also a Certified Public Accountant with the Institute of Public Accountants and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

In his role as Business Manager, Mr Diaz is dedicated to ensuring the College’s financial sustainability and operational efficiency, supporting the College’s vision to provide a dynamic and innovative learning environment.

Head of Senior Secondary (Year 10 to Year 11)

Mr John Campbell joined Coomera Anglican College in 2007 as the Head of Science and has since taken on key leadership roles, including Head of Senior Schooling and Head of Senior Secondary. 

Before joining the College, he held an Associate Lectureship at the University of New England and served in various leadership capacities at New England Girls’ School, including Head of Faculty, Head of Year, International Baccalaureate Coordinator, and Deputy Principal.

A graduate of the University of New England, Mr Campbell holds degrees at Bachelor, Honours, and Master’s levels, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Education. With over 30 years of experience in Anglican schools, Mr Campbell brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to support senior secondary students and their families through the crucial final years of their academic journey.

While many College graduates pursue ATAR pathways and tertiary education, John collaborates closely with the Pathways and Careers Futures Coordinator to ensure every student has access to an educational program tailored to their individual goals. His guidance helps students achieve their best in both academic and cocurricular pursuits, while embodying the College values of Imagine, Listen, and Respect.

Head of Junior Secondary (Years 7-9)

In 2018, Mr Greg Golder joined the College as Head of Junior Secondary. He is a born and bred Gold Coaster with 20 years teaching experience in both the state and independent systems, in Australia and England. 

Mr Golder holds a Bachelor of Education and Master of Education. Mr Golder believes a well-balanced approach to education that incorporates the arts, physical pursuits, faith and service, in conjunction with a rigorous academic programme, holds the key to achieving success. 

The development of strong positive relationships between all stakeholders within the College community are fundamental to the growth of the individual and encourages stakeholders to get involved with College events when they can.

Head of Primary

Mrs Carolyn Thistlethwaite joined the College in July 2021 as Head of Primary. With over 20 years of experience in the education sector, Mrs  Thistlethwaite's vision for the College is to lead a Christ centred learning community where learning is relevant and significant to their world. 

With a Master of Education in innovation and leadership and most recently completing an Advanced Leadership course with NESLI, Mrs Thistlethwaite is passionate about making sure learners are engaged and challenged in supportive and respectful ways here at the College. 

Mrs Thistlethwaite moved to the Gold Coast in 1998 when she began her career in education as a teacher at Coomera Anglican College.  After 5 years at the College, Mrs Thistlethwaite moved on to pursue leadership roles at John Paul College and Trinity Lutheran College. 

Leading Trinity Lutheran College as the Head of Early and Junior Years has given Mrs Thistlethwaite vast experience and with a love of learning herself and a passion for leading learning, Carolyn is excited to be back at Coomera Anglican College heading up the Primary Campus. 

Mrs Thistlethwaite has presented at workshops and conducted school-based evaluations through her previous role as a consultant with the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO). Mrs Thistlethwaite has also written papers for educational magazines, most recently for AHISA’s magazine titled Leadership. 

As an avid Anglican Carolyn holds values of integrity, passion, community, creativity, and quality and is looking forward to guiding the College through their inquiry teaching and learning journey and helping the children to flourish in life.

Director of Early Learning Centre

In 2007, Mrs Jenifer Rees joined the College as Director of the Early Learning Centre having over 20 years Primary teaching experience in the independent system and 5 years as Foundation Director for St Mary’s Catholic Child Care Centre. 

Mrs Rees holds a Bachelor of Education, Advanced Diploma of Children’s Services, Diploma of Children’s Services and Certificate III in Children’s Services. In 2011, Jenny also accepted the responsibility as Manager of the Outside School Hours Care Service in the College. 

As Director Mrs Rees has ensured that, the Early Learning Centre has achieved a rating of ‘Exceeding National Quality Standards’ in accordance with the Education and Care Services National Law and Education and Care Services National Regulations through the accreditation process. 

Mrs Rees has been a lead Director in the Education and Care Services for the Brisbane Anglican Diocese. Within this role, she has provided mentoring to fellow Directors in both parish and school based services. Jenny has a passion for high quality Early Childhood Education. 

Mrs Rees believes that children are creative, capable and intrinsically motivated to explore and discover their world and achieving great things. 

As Director of the Early Learning Centre Jenny is responsible for all aspects of the management of the Centre. As part of her role Mrs Rees supports opportunities for structured and free play experiences and facilitates an environment in which children can: explore, create, imagine, adapt, challenge, problem solve, believe and pursue their interests in order to reach their potential. 

As point of entry to Coomera Anglican College, Mrs Rees aims to ensure that children and their families have a sense of ‘belonging to a Christian caring community’ that begins in the Early Learning Centre and continues through to Year 12.