Mr Denis Merciér-Lee | Deputy Principal MREd, MEdTeach, GradCertComm, BEd, MACE, MACEL, MACSA

Denis comes to Redeemer Lutheran College with over 30 years of teaching and leadership experience in Prep to Year 12 schools. For the last two years he was Team Leader: Teaching and Learning which involved him advising Principals and School Leadership Teams in Catholic Schools across the Northern Territory in strategy, curriculum, pedagogy, inclusion support and student wellbeing.

Denis’s extensive experience encompasses various leadership roles including that of Acting Principal, Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School, Director of Mission and Head of Department in Independent, Anglican and Catholic Schools in New South Wales and the Northern Territory.

Denis was born in Singapore and his family emigrated to Sydney, New South Wales when he was 16 years old. He has extensive experience and understanding of both education in an Asian country as well as in Australia. He has a passion for contemporary curriculum and pedagogy and how to collect, analyse and use educational data to effect improved outcomes for all students.

Denis is a committed Christian whose personal faith is summed up by the Prophet Micah (6:8):

“He has told you, … what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?”

Denis feels blessed to be called to minister among the community at Redeemer Lutheran College as Deputy Principal and is wholeheartedly committed to the College’s Redeemer Master Plan: 2018 and beyond. He is looking forward to collaborating with the Redeemer Lutheran College community so that we can all be faithful to the words of Christ in the Gospel of John (10:10), “…I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

Pastor Brenton Altmann | College Pastor BTh, GradDipEd(Sec), Ordained 1991

Pastor Brenton has served as College Pastor in Lutheran schools for almost 3 decades. In addition to serving as Pastor and teacher, Pastor Brenton has been invited to offer guidance and leadership in the areas of Worship, theology, curriculum development and pastoral care. As a qualified teacher, regular classes have also been an integral part of his service as College Pastor, teaching up to six classes and a range of year levels.

Pastor Brenton is passionate about the variety of opportunities that Lutheran Schools offer with regard to learning and teaching and mission and ministry. These include the education of the whole person within the context of a Lutheran Christian worldview, the Worship life of the college through which students, staff and parents have regular opportunities to hear, reflect on and apply God’s Word and through which students and staff have opportunities to share their insights on God’s Word.

Everyday life in a Lutheran School involves students, staff and parents participating and engaging within a community in which God’s Word and God’s love is being brought to life in the everyday interactions, experiences and relationships that are a regular part of every school day.

Pastor Brenton has also spent over a decade serving in the area of Governance as a member of CLEQ (Council for Lutheran Education Queensland, formerly School’s Council) and more recently as a member of the newly restructured Queensland District Church Board.

One of Pastor Brenton’s favourite verses comes from Colossians 3:16

¹⁶ Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Mr Anthony Vassallo | Business Manager MSc(Mgt), MEd, FBCS, Sloan Fellow (LBS), FIML

Anthony’s education and experience span business, information technology and education from a global perspective.  Born in London, he has worked in the Far East (Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong), the Middle East (Saudi Arabia) and Europe (UK and Germany).  Anthony is a Fellow of the British Computer Society, a Sloan Fellow of London Business School and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Managers and Leaders.  He has a Masters of Management degree from the University of London and has studied at Greenwich University (Computer Science), the MIT Sloan School of Management (Systems Dynamics) and the University of Queensland (Education).  Anthony recently completed a Master of Educational Leadership degree at QUT.

Anthony spent the first 20 years of his working life in international banking, specifically in operations, accounting and IT.  Anthony’s passion, however, is teaching and while working in banks he wrote and ran numerous training courses on aspects of international banking operations.  In his spare time, he has been a Cub Scout leader, provided standardised test preparation training and run dance classes.

After the birth of his son, Anthony and his family moved to Australia and he turned his passion into his career, completing a Graduate Diploma in Education.  He now combines his business skills and passion for education in the somewhat unusual role of teaching Business Manager.  For the last few years, Anthony’s teaching has focussed on Robotics. He also runs the college’s Robotics club.

Besides his work at Redeemer Lutheran College, Anthony also sits on the board of a Lutheran primary school and Queensland Early Childhood Services.

Anthony’s favourite bible verse is from Matthew 5:41 – “And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.”

Mrs Anastasia Strong | Head of Senior School BEd, DipEd

Anastasia is an educational leader with over 20 years experience in secondary schools.

Graduating from the Queensland University of Technology, Anastasia completed a Diploma of Secondary Education and a Bachelor of Secondary Education. In 2016, Anastasia became an accredited leader in Lutheran Schools, completing a Graduate Certificate in Leadership. 

During her career, Anastasia has served in a number of roles, including classroom teacher, House Leader and for the last eight years, has been the Head of Senior School at Redeemer Lutheran College.
Anastasia believes that pastoral care is critical in enhancing a student’s capacity for personal and academic growth and instilling confidence and hope in our young people, in a rapidly changing world.  She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the area of student wellbeing, is passionate about the mental health of young people and is an advocate for restorative practice in schools. 

Anastasia is well informed in youth culture, emerging issues and trends impacting on teenagers and is committed to assisting students and families navigate through the trials and tribulations of adolescence.
Anastasia was born in London and moved to Melbourne, Australia, as a young girl, before re-locating to Brisbane with her family in the late 80’s. Her schooling was for the most part, in multi-cultural settings and for this reason, she is a strong advocate for inclusive education and celebrating diversity. 

Born and raised in the Greek Orthodox Christian faith, Anastasia has been transformed personally and professionally, by her faith in Christ. Anastasia’s favourite scripture verse comes from Isaiah 40:31: 
“but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”

Anastasia is happily married to Mark and has two children, Maria and Nicholas.

Mr Aaron Hardke | Director of Teaching & Learning P-12 BA, GradCertEd(Th), GradDipEd(Sec), MEdTheol 

Aaron is a dedicated educator with more than 20 years of experience.  He studied Humanities, Literature and Media before completing postgraduate studies in Education at Griffith University. His teaching career spans Primary, Secondary and Tertiary institutions in the state and private sectors.  The majority of his teaching and leadership has been in service to Lutheran Schools in Queensland.  While teaching he has completed further postgraduate studies, in Education, Theology and Leadership. He is an accredited Teacher and Leader in Lutheran Schools.

Having served at St John’s Lutheran Primary School, Living Faith Lutheran Primary School and the Lutheran Education Queensland office, Aaron’s training as a secondary teacher has seen him develop and support teaching and learning in a wide range of contexts.  He has also worked closely with Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) and Lutheran Education Australian (LEA) on various advisory committees and groups over the past decade.

Aaron is passionate about learning and encouraging students to reach their potential by nurturing their unique gifts. As a lifelong learner himself, Aaron is continually seeking new knowledge and skills in and beyond Education.  He loves witnessing students grow, learn, achieve and fail.  Aaron wants students to embrace their mistakes and understand that learning happens through failure, not just success. 

Aaron and his wife Kellie are dedicated Christians and have been lifelong members of the Lutheran Church.  They have 2 children who share their faith and passion for learning. 

He has complete trust is God - “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". Jeremiah 29:11

Ms Lisa Robinson | Head of Junior School BTch(Primary)

Lisa began her career teaching at an international school in Papua New Guinea.  After 4 years of adventures and mentoring from some incredibly skilled professionals, Lisa felt the call of home, and returned to Australia to begin working in the Lutheran Education system in the mid-1990s.  Lisa considers it a privilege to be a part of an educational system that puts Christ at the centre of all that we do and feels blessed to have worked in a number of different Lutheran schools throughout Queensland during her time as a classroom teacher as well as in different leadership roles.  Each of these schools and communities has contributed to her growth professionally as well as personally and spiritually.

Education is about helping students realise they have the capacity to make a difference, not only in their own lives but also in the lives of others.  Helping students to use their voice and make choices that assist them in growing academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually has always been a key driver in Lisa’s desire to work with young students and their families.

Taking on leadership roles such as Head of Learning and Teaching and Director of Student Well-being in previous educational settings has allowed Lisa to delve deeply into learning more about student well-being and the impact that it has on the overall capacity of students to learn and engage in school life.  Her joy is working with students, and spending time with children will always be at the forefront of what she does.

As a Christian woman, Lisa has always been passionate about using her God-given gifts and talents to serve others.  The act of service is something that has always been something she has felt called to do.  Having the opportunity to work with young children allows her the opportunity to role model this as well as encourage and advocate for students who feel called to serve others in whatever capacity they feel equipped to do so.

In her current role as Head of Junior School, Lisa works to ensure all members of the Redeemer community feel valued and important.  Working in a vibrant and growing community with staff, students and parents is a pleasure and a privilege that she thanks God for daily.

Lisa often turns to scripture for guidance and comfort.  A Bible verse that fills her with hope is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Mr Andrew Marshall | Pastoral Care Coordinator P-6

Andrew has been working as an educator for the past 17 years after graduating from the University of Tasmania with a Bachelor of Education. This is his first year at Redeemer Lutheran College and he is looking forward to making a positive impact on the school community.

Andrew started his teaching career in Tasmania before making the move to Brisbane, where he has taught in a number of Christian schools. Having recently served at Somerville House as a P-3 Coordinator, he has a strong background with pastoral care and firmly believes that every student has the right to shine and be an individual.

Andrew is empowered by the thought that God is the creator of all people and they are called to care for one another as God has loved and cared for them. This allows strong relationships to be formed and therefore impact positively upon one’s sense of belonging.

In his role as the Pastoral Care Coordinator, Andrew’s actions reflect God through his core values of love, service, humility, courage and hope. These guide him when actively working with the Redeemer community, ensuring they feel supported and well equipped to tackle any situation.

One verse that Andrew looks to for strength and wisdom is from 1 Peter 4:8-10:

⁸ Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. ⁹ Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰ Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

Miss Tamara Zingelmann | Teaching & Learning Coordinator P-6 BEd, BCreativeInd

Tamara has been working as an educator since 2009 after graduating from Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Creative Industries, majoring in Drama and English. She first joined the Redeemer Lutheran College community as a student before returning in 2010 as a teacher in the Senior School.

In 2012, Tamara specialised in Middle Years Education as Curriculum Leader for English. During this time, she developed an interest in exploring the relationship between innovative pedagogy and learning spaces. This interest has seen her research contemporary education practices across a number of contexts. Tamara’s passion for education and curriculum stems from a desire to create opportunities for students to reach their potential through engaging and contextualised curriculum that cultivates a lifelong love of learning.

Tamara has recently taken up the position of Teaching and Learning Coordinator in the Junior School. This role will see her responsible for curriculum development and the teaching and learning of Junior School students. In this position, she is very keen to be able to use her experience across the whole of the college to track learning and pedagogy.

As an advocate for the arts in education, Tamara also values her involvement in the college musicals. She enjoys working creatively with both staff and students as it promotes a holistic education and provides opportunities to partner with students in a collaborative environment.

One Bible verse she turns to in times of reflection is from Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Mrs Jenny Ludwig | Teaching & Learning Coordinator 7-9 BEd, DipT

Jenny has worked as an educator for over 30 years.  She has served in the State and Independent Education systems and has spent the last 14 years at Redeemer Lutheran College.  She has completed further postgraduate studies, in Education, Theology and Leadership and is an accredited Teacher and Leader in Lutheran Schools. 

With a wide range of experience in interpreting curriculum and developing engaging and innovative pedagogy and learning spaces, Jenny has been a Curriculum Leader of Technologies and then Head of Department Lifestyle technologies At Redeemer Lutheran College. She has also acted in the role of Head of Senior School and her previous positions at other schools have included Head of Vocational Education and Head of Senior Schooling.

Jenny is passionate about students being engaged in learning and achieving to their potential. She believes students should be involved in curriculum which provides exciting opportunities, raises expectations and challenges each individual to participate and take risks. 

Her dedication to education, knowledge of curriculum and assessment practices, as well as a desire to serve, have resulted in Jenny working with the QCAA (Queensland Curriculum Assessment Authority) over many years, serving as a Panel Chair and State Panel member and currently as the Chief Endorser of Food and Nutrition.

Jenny is a Christian and member of the Lutheran faith. She believes that in providing quality educational opportunities for all students and striving for excellence in the programs offered, educators such as herself, are encouraging all students to use their God given talents and be equipped for a life in God’s ever changing world.

One Bible verse Jenny gains strength and wisdom from is: Deuteronomy 31:8 - "It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." ESV