New Catholic Principals and Religious Leaders formally commissioned in the Diocese of Sale

Newly appointed Catholic School Principals, and Religious Education Leaders were formally commissioned for their work in their school communities by the Catholic Bishop of Sale, Most Reverend Greg Bennet at a Thanksgiving Mass held in the Diocese of Sale.

The Mass at St Francis Xavier College, Beaconsfield brought together education leaders, clergy, staff, students and guests from across the Diocese to celebrate Catholic Education Week which ran from

16 May to 23 May 2025.

As a symbol of leadership, a Missionary Cross was presented to each new leader by Bishop Greg, assisted by the Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Mr Paul Velten, the Chair of the Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL) Board, Mr Garry McLean and the Deputy Chair of the DOSCEL Board, Ms Cathy Jenkins.

Newly appointed Principals:

·   Lia DiCorleto - St Michael's Primary School, Traralgon

·   Stephen Pitt - St Angela of the Cross Primary School, Warragul

·   Ged Shelton - Trinity Primary School, Narre Warren South

·   Brett Van Berkel - Catholic College Sale

·   Gabrielle Verstraete - Mary MacKillop Primary School, Narre Warren North

Newly appointed Religious Education Leaders

·   Loren Bertoncello - St James Primary School,  Nar Nar Goon

·   Gillian Burke - St Agatha's Primary School, Cranbourne

·   Monica Deayton - St Michael's Primary School, Berwick

·   Alisha Johnston - St Clare's Primary School, Officer

·   Emma Morrison - St Patrick's Primary School, Stratford

·   Emily Rogers - Trinity Catholic Primary School, Narre Warren South

·   Cassandra Supple - St Brendan's Primary School, Lakes Entrance

·   Melissa Terry - St Brendan's Primary School, Lakes Entrance

·   Cecily Van Aswegen - St Angela of the Cross Primary School, Warragul

·   Jessica Winterton - St Ita's Primary School, Drouin

Mr Velten said Catholic Education Week was a time to celebrate the Catholic identity within Catholic school communities.

“The leadership and dedication demonstrated by our newly appointed principals and religious education leaders exemplify the commitment to nurturing the spiritual and intellectual growth of our students across the Diocese.”

Media Inquiries: DOSCEL Media and Communications team 0417 534 232