Heads of Year

Andrew Dorahy

Head of Year 12

Andrew was educated at Marist schools, graduated from the Catholic College of Education and started his teaching career at Benedict Marist Brothers College in NSW. In 1984, he accepted an invitation from Br Paul Hough (the then principal) to join the St Augustine’s staff as an English, history and religion teacher. Thirty-seven years and many middle leadership positions in the day and boarding school later, he still enjoys contributing to the lives of the students entrusted to him.

Andrew has taught many staff members and the fathers of current students. He is humbled and grateful to have been part of Marist education as a student and a teacher for over four decades.

Kris O'Farrell

Head of Year 11

Kris joined St Augustine’s College in 2019 with extensive experience in leadership roles in the health and physical education departments and as a lecturer and tutor at James Cook University. Kris holds a double degree in sports science and education from JCU.

As Head of Year 11, Kris enjoys seeing his young charges evolve and mature towards independence. He is passionate about fostering positive relationships with students by showing a genuine interest in each and by caring about their holistic wellbeing. The Year 9 team emphasises that every boy has his strengths, interests and unique characteristics, and it is their job to nurture and encourage him to pursue these. 

Outside of work, Kris has a passion for rugby league and is involved in various coaching roles in the community. He enjoys social sports such as touch football and CrossFit, as well as fishing on the reef.

Neil Gregory

Head of Year 10

Neil brings a wealth of knowledge to his role having spent almost his entire career teaching design and technology. Most recently at Saints he has been teaching the Certificate I in Construction and vocational education in the senior school.  Neil has a passion for imparting life skills that his students take with them as they transition from college to the workforce.

He has a sporting background and has proudly been associated with junior and senior rugby league, regularly attending the Confraternity Shield Competition. Neil runs the bi-annual New Zealand ski and snowboarding trip and is a keen cyclist competing in road, mountain and track cycling.

Aaron Hume

Head of Year 9

Aaron graduated from Newcastle University and began his teaching career in the Maitland area of NSW. His love of travel and adventure led him to apply for a working visa in the UK and he took up a post in London teaching physical education and then moved to make Cairns his new home.

He is passionate about student wellbeing and the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle for young people’s education. This passion has underpinned his work in many roles within middle leadership in the Cairns Diocese, and since 2015 has been Head of Year 9 at St Augustine’s. Aaron teaches religion, humanities and physical education and coaches AFL and soccer.

Outside school, Aaron has a young, active family and enjoys supporting his three children in their physical pursuits, which include AFL, cricket, athletics and dancing.

Nicola Roberts

Head of Year 8

Nicola joined St Augustine’s in 2015 and was captivated by its traditions, strong sense of community and family spirit. With a passion for maths and a love of work she challenges her students to work hard and aim high, encouraging them to become the best that they can be.

As Head of Year 7, Nicola supports the wellbeing and success of each and every one of her students. She fosters an environment that appreciates diversity, effort and achievement through positive and supportive relationships. Nicola values supporting her students in their journey to becoming Marist men of Saints with strong minds and gentle hearts. 

Jordana Purton

Head of Year 7

Jordana joined St Augustine’s in 2019 and fell in love with its traditions, strong sense of community and the Marist characteristic of love of work. Her passion for education was ignited at a young age, and she enjoys not only instilling this passion in her students, but also fostering it within herself. As a lifelong learner she recently completed a Master’s in Education (Behaviour Management).

With a background in theatre arts, Jordana relishes teaching drama and engaging in the school musicals and plays. As Head of Year 7, she believes that every student matters every day and that each can achieve success and become a confident individual. Building on the solid foundations at Saints, Jordana strives to foster an environment that values diversity, effort and achievement through positive and supportive relationships.

Away from the College, Jordana enjoys spending time with her family, husband and dogs.