College Leadership Team

Michael Pepper, Principal

Having decided to pursue a degree in education in 1978, I feel blessed to have been working as a teacher and leader in Catholic schools in WA for the past 40 years.

Beginning as a teacher of Design and Technology, I was fortunate to undertake Head of Learning Area and Assistant Principal roles which provided rich and rewarding experiences in the education of students from Years 7-12.

An ambition to work in the Kimberley region of WA became a reality when, following a very brief period working at Luurnpa Catholic School in Balgo Hills, I was appointed to the position of Principal of St Mary’s College Broome in 2012.

Commencing at Bunbury Catholic College in 2020 provided me with an opportunity to work with the outstanding staff and students at BCC, a role which I greatly look forward to each and every day.

We continue to pursue excellence in education and achievement of the personal best for each and every student, while staying true to our College motto, in the words of Micah 6:8, to ‘Act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with your God.’

Deb Garbutt, Deputy Principal

I am one of two Deputy Principals at the College. My role centres primarily around the pastoral care of both students and staff, with academic responsibility for the three year groups assigned to me.
I served in this role for the past seven years, having previously been a Deputy Principal at Mater Dei College, Edgewater.

As a Deputy Principal of seven years, my role centres around the pastoral care of students and staff and I have academic responsibility for three year groups.

Bunbury Catholic College is an outstanding school that offers students every opportunity to succeed. An Honours Degree in English and a Master of Education: Religious Education enable me to play an authentic part in the quality Catholic education offered at the College.
This role is a privilege and personally rewarding; I relish every interaction in the classroom and in the many co-curricular activities on offer.

Murray Hegney, Deputy Principal

I have always had a love of science, wanting to know how things work in this wonderful world that God created for us. I have an Honours degree in Science and a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education. I am currently studying for a Master of Education Leadership and Management.

I have not always been a teacher, spending 10 years as a research scientist specialising in plant physiology and biochemistry, then 15 years as a project and business manager for biotechnology and agricultural production companies, both in Australian and in South East Asia.

When I moved into teaching, it was to share my love of learning with others. I am passionate about education of the whole person. From my own varied personal and professional experience, I understand the need to promote not only the intellectual and physical development of our students, but also their emotional, social and spiritual development.

Within the caring environment of Bunbury Catholic College, this is something we do well. It is a privilege being a teacher and leader within the BCC community. Every day presents an opportunity to be transformative in the life of a student or a fellow member of staff.

Brent Steere, Bursar

As an experienced business leader with 32 years’ experience in Catholic education including 27 at Bunbury Catholic College and five years at Servite College in Perth.

In the role of Bursar, he has responsibility for the operation of the finance and property aspects of the College.

Brent has qualifications in Accounting, Governance and Management.

His vision is to provide excellence in service that supports and promotes a commitment to Bunbury Catholic College in the Marist tradition that includes inclusion and care for all.

Daria Smith, Religious Education Coordinator and the Marist Association Coordinator

My responsibilities include ensuring Religious Education programs for all students follow the mandated curriculum and supporting teachers, so they deliver Religious Education which is thoughtful and engaging. These roles both afford me the opportunity to foster the Marist Charism at the College and in the community.

Education is central to Marcellin Champagnat’s vision “to make Jesus known and loved”. He believed this could be achieved by making the students in Marist schools “good Christians and good citizens”. At the College we work hard to make his vision a reality.