Senior Leadership Team

Mrs Jan Anderson

Assistant Principal

Qualifications: B. Ed. (Primary – Physical Ed., Australian History)

Mrs Anderson completed her Bachelor of Education degree at Deakin University, majoring in Physical Education with a minor in Australian History.

Since commencing at Bacchus Marsh Grammar in 1990, Mrs Anderson has taught across a wide range of year levels from grades 3 to 6 and has also been a specialist Physical Education teacher.

In 2003 she became Coordinator of grades 5 and 6, a position she held for a number of years.

Mrs Anderson has been an Assistant Principal for four years and was made Child Safety Officer in 2016.

Mr Justin Cooper

Assistant Principal

Qualifications: B.Sc (St.A), P.G.C.E , M.Ed (Research)

A Science graduate of St. Andrews University in Fife, Mr Cooper began his teaching career in 1995, working in a diverse range of settings including Psychiatric and Emotional Behavioural Disorder environments. He also established and ran a trial of inclusion units within a mainstream school prior to emigrating to Australia in 2008 with his family.

After a time teaching at Melbourne High, he was offered a position at Bacchus Marsh Grammar in the last term of 2008. Since then he has found this community to be very much in alignment with his pedagogy, with life-long learning and care being valued. He has a particular interest in Cognition and later years’ development. The community has provided many opportunities to share his enthusiasm for learning, including completing a Masters of Education by research.

New to the leadership team in 2019, Mr Cooper is now working within the domain of neurodiversity and, through this, exploring ways to improve engagement and outcomes for all members of the Bacchus Marsh Grammar community. He not only acknowledges the huge benefits this school and the wider Australian community has provided his family, but also that such environments are only possible with the dedication and care of everyone associated with it.

Mr Ben Davie

Assistant Principal

(Chemistry) (Hons), Post Grad. Cert. Ed. (Science), MRSC, Cert IV (Training and Assessment)

Mr Davie graduated with Honours from Leeds University, before completing his teacher training at the University of London. After working in London for two years he moved to Australia, working at a Special Needs school and running an outdoor education centre for children with special needs.

Since joining Bacchus Marsh Grammar in 2005 he has held a range of positions. His achievements have included establishing our VCAL program as its first coordinator, implementing a new reporting system as Director of Assessment and Reporting, together with his roles as Director of Daily Organisation and Data Management and Assistant Principal, Timetabler. 

Mr Davie’s children attend Bacchus Marsh Grammar, testimony to his belief in the School and all that it represents.

Mr Rob de Wit

Assistant Principal

Administration (Maddingley)

Qualifications: B. Commerce, Grad. Dip. Ed. (Secondary), Cert IV TAA

Completing a Bachelor of Commerce from Deakin University in the late 1990s, Mr de Wit worked for one of Australia’s largest retailers for over 10 years before deciding it was time for a career change; he then completed his teaching degree at Australian Catholic University in 2010.

Mr de Wit started his teaching career in the Catholic system teaching Commerce subjects at both middle school and VCE levels, as well as holding several leadership positions including being the Daily Organiser and as Head of Interschool Sport.

Joining Bacchus Marsh Grammar at the start of 2019, teaching VCE Accounting and Economics, Mr de Wit was assigned the role of Middle and Senior School Daily Organiser.

He was then appointed to the role of Assistant Principal – Administration in 2022, Mr de Wit oversees the Daily Organisers at the Maddingley Campus as well as construction and maintenance of the school’s timetable.

Mr de Wit’s eldest child started at Bacchus Marsh Grammar in 2019 and has taken full advantage of all the opportunities that the school offers.

Mr Darren Gibson

Assistant Principal

Head of Junior School (Maddingley)

Qualifications: B.Arts. B.Teach. M. Instructional Leadership

Mr Darren Gibson brings over two decades of experience in primary education to his role as Assistant Principal – Head of Junior School at Bacchus Marsh Grammar’s Maddingley Campus. He began his teaching career at Holy Trinity Catholic Primary School, where he taught for seven years and held several middle leadership roles. He then spent 16 years at Ivanhoe Grammar School, including 13 years as Head of Primary, contributing across areas such as global education, student leadership, and the performing arts.

Career highlights include presenting at an international Round Square Conference in South Africa and serving on the Victorian Board of the Independent Primary School Heads of Australia (IPSHA).

At BMG, Mr Gibson is dedicated to supporting students’ academic and personal growth, empowering teachers through evidence-based practice, engaging with families and working collaboratively to ensure the school continues to thrive.

Outside of school, he is a passionate sports fan who enjoys AFL, NFL, basketball and cricket, and stays active by cycling and spending time outdoors with family and friends.

Mr Scott Bayne

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL – HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL (MADDINGLEY)

Qualifications: B. Ed. (Hons), M.Ed

Mr. Bayne began teaching in 1995 after serving in the Royal Marines. He spent ten years in the UK as the Head of Physical Education, Health, and Sport at specialist middle schools. He then became an Advisor and Educational Consultant.
In 2005, Mr. Bayne moved to New Zealand with his family and became the Head of Health and Physical Education at high schools in the South Island. In 2016, he took on the role of Head of Physical Education at a private high school in Adelaide. By 2022, he joined Bacchus Marsh Grammar, bringing nearly 30 years of teaching experience across three countries.
Mr. Bayne has taught students from Year 4 to Year 12, as well as adults and teachers. As the Head of the Middle School, he is passionate about adolescent development and guiding students through this important stage of their lives. With two grown children and a wife who is also an educator, Mr. Bayne is a strong advocate for lifelong learning. He believes in the advantages it brings and the benefits it offers as we grow, continually using up-to-date research and knowledge of contemporary adolescent development to improve educational outcomes for his students, while also valuing learning from life's experiences to grow as a person.

Mrs Natalie Desira

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL – HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL (MADDINGLEY)

Qualifications: B. Biological Science (Environmental science and Animal behaviour), Dip. Ed. (Science and Mathematics)

Mrs Desira studied a Bachelor of Biological Sciences at Latrobe University majoring in Environmental Science and Animal behaviour. After her studies, she then completed research work in her field. Later she then completed a Diploma of Education at the Monash University qualifying as a secondary school teacher in the disciplines of Science and Mathematics.

Mrs Desira has enjoyed many varying roles at Bacchus Marsh Grammar, from tutor teacher, classroom teacher of Science and Mathematics subjects, Year Level Coordinator for both years 11 and 12, VCE Coordinator and Assistant Head of Senior School.

Currently, Mrs Desira is Assistant Principal – Head of Senior School. In this capacity, her focus is the development of the academic ability of students and helping support them through their senior years of schooling.

Mrs Sally Savic

Assistant Principal

Head of Junior School (Woodlea)

Qualifications: B.Ed. M. Specialist Teaching (Literacy)

Mrs Sally Savic brings a broad range of experience to her role as Head of Junior School, having worked across Catholic, public, and independent education systems. She began her teaching career at St Vincent de Paul in Strathmore and has held a number of leadership roles, particularly in the area of literacy, which remains her professional passion.

Sally holds a Bachelor of Education from Australian Catholic University and a Master of Specialist Teaching (Literacy) from Federation University. Her focus is on nurturing students who are not only strong academically, but also socially and emotionally, in line with Bacchus Marsh Grammar’s core values.

With four children of her own, including one currently attending BMG and a husband who is also an educator, Sally brings both professional expertise and personal perspective to her work. She is especially committed to student wellbeing and the development of language and literacy skills as a foundation for lifelong learning.

Mr Michael Abramovic

Assistant Principal – Head of Middle School (Woodlea)

Qualifications: B.Arts. B.Teach.

Mr Abramovic obtained a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Teaching from The University of Melbourne. He has been invited back to address beginning teachers and their mentors at the Melbourne University Beginning Teachers Forum. He is currently undertaking a Masters in Education - Leadership and Learning through Deakin University, furthering his dedication to professional growth and leadership.
With experience across both governmental and independent educational settings and a deep commitment to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment, Mr Abramovic has held a variety of leadership roles, including Head of Year, Head of Mathematics, and School-Based Numeracy Coach. His leadership experience includes leadership of the key portfolios of Wellbeing and Engagement, Data & Insights, eSmart accreditation and overseeing whole school curriculum transition in K-9 settings.
Mr Abramovic is particularly passionate about Middle School education, recognising these years as pivotal in shaping students' academic success and personal development. He is driven by the belief that a vibrant, values-driven Middle School culture is essential for students to thrive both academically and personally. His focus on building strong, fluid pathways for students’ academic and personal growth ensures they are supported in their transition to high school and are given ample opportunities to discover and pursue their academic interests and personal passions.

Mrs Nicole Heywood

Assistant Principal

Head of Senior School (Woodlea)

Qualifications: BA. Photography, Grad. Dip. Ed. (Secondary), M. Educational Management

Mrs Heywood began her teaching journey at Bacchus Marsh Grammar in 2002 as a pre-service teacher and has been a dedicated member of the school community ever since. With experience teaching a wide range of subjects including Art, Photography, Media, VCD, Textiles, French, and CCT, Mrs Heywood brings creativity, versatility and a strong commitment to student development.

Over the years, Nicole has held a number of leadership roles including Year Level Coordinator (Years 9–12), Head of Art, and Head of Year 7 at the Woodlea Campus. Her work with the VCAA as a Studio Arts assessor and presentation at the Middle Years Schooling International Conference reflect a deep engagement with both curriculum and professional learning.

Now serving as Head of Senior School – Woodlea, Mrs Heywood is focused on working collaboratively across both campuses to deliver exceptional educational experiences, support staff development and contribute to a positive and adaptable school culture.

Outside of school, Nicole is a passionate artist who enjoys photography and painting whenever time allows.

Ms Celia Patterson

Assistant Principal - Chief of Staff

Qualifications: B Arts (History), Grad Dip Ed (History & Jewish Studies), Grad Dip Adolescent Health & Welfare, Prof Cert Instructional Leadership

Ms Patterson studied a Bachelor of Arts at The University of Melbourne in the late 80s, whilst at the same time training for rowing and representing Australia. Rowing played a significant part in her early adult life and through coaching, she came to the realisation that teaching would likely be an excellent career option. Towards the end of her rowing career, she completed a Graduate Diploma in Education at Monash University and began teaching at a school in Melton the following year.

In 1998, she held her first leadership positions as Head of History and Head of House. Holding the role of Year 8 Coordinator in 2002, she was inspired to complete further study in order to understand the contributing factors behind certain student behaviours. After completing a Graduate Diploma in Adolescent Heath & Welfare, Ms Patterson held the role of Head of Pastoral Care for several years, before becoming Head of Campus.

In 2011, Ms Patterson began teaching at Bacchus Marsh Grammar and soon after was supported in completing a Professional Certificate in Instructional Leadership, which developed her capacity to lead people, with a focus on improving student learning outcomes. Most recently, Ms Patterson has been the Head of Humanities, holding that position since 2019.

In 2024 Ms Patterson was appointed Chief of Staff. This role has a whole-school responsibility, working across campus to support academic staff to deliver programs in line with school policy and procedure. In 2025, she will also sit on the Learning and Teaching Committee.

With a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to education, Ms Patterson is passionate about helping to make BMG the best school it can be.

Mr Richard Murgatroyd

Assistant Principal

Professional Practice

Qualifications: B.A. (Hons.) History, PGCE History & Social Science

With a teaching career that began in the UK in 1994, Mr Murgatroyd brings three decades of experience to their role as Assistant Principal for Professional Practice at Bacchus Marsh Grammar. After an early teaching post in St Helens, complete with cricket heroics and a steep learning curve, Richard spent 20 years as Head of History at Horsforth School in Leeds and became a Senior Leader in Education, supporting teacher development citywide.

Since joining BMG in 2018, [Name] has continued to focus on mentoring, staff development, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in teaching. Their core goal is to support teachers in refining their practice, ultimately enhancing student learning outcomes.

Outside the classroom, Mr Murgatroyd is a dedicated Liverpool FC supporter, Geelong fan and cricket enthusiast. He enjoys weightlifting, beach walks in Ocean Grove and diving deep into all things interesting, just a true sponge for knowledge and life.

Mrs Susanna Mandic

Assistant Principal

Director of STEM and Senior School Initiatives

Qualifications: B. Science (Chemistry), Grad. Dip. Ed (Chemistry, Mathematics) M. Ed (Research)

Mrs Mandic studied a Bachelor of Science at Melbourne University majoring in Chemistry. During her time at Melbourne University she had the opportunity to complete a research task in Chemistry Molecular Development which was later published in the European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry. Following on from her time at Melbourne University, she completed a Graduate Diploma of Education at Federation University in the areas of Chemistry and Mathematics.

To complete a personal goal at the end of 2018, Mrs Mandic finalised her Masters in Education at Federation University with a research title: Applying an Integrated Curriculum to foster differentiation in a Mathematics classroom. She completed her research by incorporating the experiences Year 8 students were exposed to at Staughton Vale and applying these to real-life mathematical problems. She has now started working on her next personal and professional goal of completing her Doctorate of Education at the University of Melbourne. The research title for her thesis is: The impact of timetable changes on School Leaders, Teachers and Students in Victorian Secondary Schools.

At the start of 2014, Mrs Mandic started working as a Mathematics and Science teacher at Bacchus Marsh Grammar. She has taught many subjects over the years including Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, Chemistry and Middle-School Mathematics and Science. Throughout her time at Bacchus Marsh Grammar Mrs Mandic has held various positions of responsibility ranging from Deputy Head of Science, School Timetabler and in 2019 she was appointed Assistant Principal – School Administration. In 2023 she moved into a new role as Assistant Principal -STEM Education.

In 2018 Mrs Mandic’s child began school at Bacchus Marsh Grammar in the Prep Reception program which is a testament to her belief in the school and the opportunities it has to offer students.

She has a strong philosophy that all students should have an opportunity to learn in a safe and nurturing environment that enables them to grow at their own pace. She feels very privileged to work with members of staff to create programs that facilitate student growth.

Mrs Kelly Dilges

Assistant Principal

Director of Literacy Education and Development

Qualifications: B. Arts, Dip. Ed.

Mrs Dilges began her teaching career in 2001, after graduating from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Arts and Diploma of Education. A foundation student of Bacchus Marsh Grammar, Mrs Dilges found herself drawn back to the school as a teacher in 2013. Although the school had physically changed vastly since her time as a student, she found its intrinsic values had remained the same and aligned perfectly with her own core principles and beliefs.

Mrs Dilges has taught a range of subjects across many year levels and held various positions of responsibility throughout her career at previous schools, including Head of Faculty, Head of Pastoral Care and Deputy Head of Middle School. During her time at Bacchus Marsh Grammar, she has taught from Year 5 through to Year 10, with a particular passion for teaching English across the middle years. Her roles have varied from tutor teacher, classroom teacher, Head of History and Geography Department (Junior School) and Assistant Head of English Middle School.

In addition to her role as Assistant Principal, Mrs Dilges oversees curriculum development from Year 5 to 8 and working alongside the Head of Middle School, Year Level Coordinators and classroom teachers to create a rigorous, positive and nurturing environment for students as they navigate their way through their middle years of schooling.