Learning Diversity Leader - Dan Filippini
My name is Dan Filippini, and I am the College Campus Learning Diversity Leader at Antonine College. I have been part of the Antonine community for 18 months, and during this time I have come to truly appreciate the unique and enriching culture that defines our school. The foundation of Antonine College in the Maronite Faith, through the Antonine Sisters, has been a deeply faith‑renewing experience—one I did not anticipate when moving from New Zealand. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity.
As Learning Diversity Leader, I bring five years of experience in learning diversity from my previous role as Deputy Principal: Guidance and Support. At Antonine College, I work closely with teachers and school leaders to ensure learning environments are inclusive, responsive, and genuinely supportive of a diverse range of learning needs. My role is grounded in collaboration, working alongside staff to problem‑solve, clarify expectations, and implement practical adjustments that enable students to access learning with confidence and dignity.
I place a strong emphasis on clarity and consistency, supporting colleagues to navigate processes related to learning adjustments, documentation, and shared responsibility. Central to my approach is the belief that learning diversity is not an “add‑on”, but an integral part of effective teaching practice—embedded in thoughtful planning, flexible pedagogy, and strong professional relationships.
Above all, my work is guided by advocacy, realism, and care. I aim to support staff in making informed decisions that are sustainable, purposeful, and centred on student wellbeing, while fostering a school culture in which differences are understood, respected, and supported across the wider community.
Education Support Officers
Education Support Officers (ESOs) play a key role in supporting inclusive classroom environments by working alongside teachers to implement planned learning adjustments and support student engagement. They contribute to consistency, structure, and wellbeing by reinforcing routines, assisting students to access learning tasks, and responding flexibly to needs as they arise. The role is grounded in collaboration and clear direction, with ESOs supporting learning as guided by teachers and established plans, while offering valuable insight through their day‑to‑day observations. Strong partnerships between teachers, ESOs, and leaders ensure the role remains purposeful, professional, and focused on enabling students to participate confidently in learning.
Antonine College’s ESOs:
Gillian O’Connor
In my role as an Education Support Officer at Antonine College, over the course of ten years, I have supported students with a diverse range of needs from Year 7 through to VCE and VM with expertise primarily in English and Humanities. The focus of my role is to ensure an inclusive environment whereby students reach the lesson learning Intention and achieve the success criteria within a learning area. I value my role in developing students' learning to reach their goals and increase their motivation, confidence and well-being. An important aspect is building communication with teachers, which is open and effective, leading to greater understanding, engagement and success of students. Developing students' learning through various methods, such as written, verbal and visual and witnessing their success is central to my role and continues to be motivating and rewarding.
Dolly Pichardo
Witnessing the joy in students’ achievements is the highlight of my job. I feel blessed to be part of this and surrounded by students' academic growth and maturation. As an ESO, I get the opportunity to work with individuals with additional needs one on one and in a classroom setting, mainly with Maths and Science. The rapport built with students makes my job even more enjoyable as I am able to nurture and strengthen the existing skills present in the students. Our support as an ESO goes beyond just helping them learn; it also benefits their physical, mental and psychological well-being.
Leah Sassine
Hi, I’m Leah! I’ve been working at Antonine College for the past three years as a part-time Education Support Officer. As a past student of the college, it’s really special to be back in a place that played such a big role in my own schooling. I love supporting students in their learning, building positive relationships, and watching their confidence grow as they become more independent and take on challenges they once found difficult. I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary and Secondary), specialising in Health and Mathematics, and I really enjoy putting what I’m learning into practice in the classroom while helping students. I especially enjoy working in Maths and Humanities classes alongside students.
Josephine Zabboughi
Hi, I'm Josephine, some of you may know me from Antonine Sisters Childcare Centre, where I worked for several years before coming to Antonine College. This is now my 3rd year as an ESO at St Joseph's campus and quite possibly my most favourite role. The bulk of my time is spent assisting in our wonderful Food Tech Kitchen, and when I'm not there, I will be in the classroom. Religion classes are my favourite as I can almost guarantee there's something new to learn in each lesson - even after 3 years!
I am very proud to work with such dedicated staff and students. The satisfaction and gratitude I receive from being part of the Antonine community make getting up in the morning that bit easier.
Karina Diab
Hi everyone, this is Karina Diab here from the Education Support team.
Most of you know me as Miss Karina. I enjoy everything biology, environment, science, and math. My Lebanese background gives me the ability to provide support in the Arabic language. I work closely with teachers to support students and provide them with individual support where needed. I am patient and passionate about education and assisting others to receive the learning they deserve, since with education comes knowledge and success in life. Helping others is one of my strong points, and I’m more than happy to offer a hand where I can. I’m interested in reading, travelling, and spending time in nature - if you ask my mom, at one stage, I was interested in becoming an actress in Hollywood and going to NASA. Working with Antonine College and its community is a heartwarming experience, and I am glad to be part of this thriving organisation.
Mariam Wehbe
I’ve been working at Antonine College for the past three years and am currently entering my fourth. While obtaining my Bachelor of Education (Secondary), my role in education support has shone a new light on the importance of education for all types of students through differentiated learning and ensuring that they can reach the academic standard. Specialising in Math and Science, I aim to help students complete their coursework by working one-on-one or teaching small groups. The Maronite community at Antonine is one like no other. Bonded by the college’s motto - Faith, Hope and Love, the college works together to promote religious values while ensuring that the students are learning a vide variety of subjects.
Sally Fedhail
Hi, my name is Sally, and I’ve been working at Antonine College since 2023. I really enjoy being part of Antonine because of the strong sense of family and faith within the community. As a former student, it is nice to now work in a place where my colleagues know me, have seen me grow, and were a part of that journey. My role in the library allows me to utilise and showcase my creativity through designing displays and creating inviting spaces that spark interest for students. I enjoy finding new ways to encourage their curiosity and help them develop a love for reading and learning. Additionally, I assist students with Religion during exam periods, helping deepen their understanding of the life of Christ and the Catholic Church. Being able to support them, build positive connections, and watch them grow is one of the most fulfilling parts of my job. It’s really special to come full circle and give back to a school that helped shape who I am today.