School Leaders

Luke Bennett

Campus Principal, Primary School

 

Hi, my name is Luke Bennett and I am proud to be the Campus Principal for our Primary School. I have extensive experience as a teacher and leader across diverse educational settings in both the UK and Australia and have been in this role at Marnebek School for the last 5 years. I am deeply committed to fostering an inclusive school community where every student’s unique needs are recognised and supported.

I lead a school culture where all staff members are dedicated to individualising learning experiences. At Marnebek, we believe that tailoring education to meet each student’s point of need is essential to unlocking their full potential. This personalised approach is embedded in everything we do, ensuring that learning is accessible, engaging, and empowering for every child.

Central to our ethos is the strong partnership we build between students, staff, and families. When we work collaboratively, we create a supportive environment where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our Primary School lays the crucial foundations through rich learning experiences and opportunities, guided by our core values of Resilience, Respect, and Responsibility, which are lived daily by all members of our community.

Our students benefit from a highly skilled team comprising classroom and specialist teachers, allied health professionals, wellbeing staff, and educational support staff. We develop tailored educational programs and place a strong focus on termly Student Support Group meetings, where progress toward learning and wellbeing goals is thoughtfully reviewed and celebrated.

I look forward to engaging with our community throughout the year, working alongside parents, carers, and staff to ensure every student’s journey at Marnebek School is a success.

 

Liam Mara

Campus Principal, Secondary School

 
 

Hi, my name is Liam Mara, and I am the Campus Principal of the Secondary School. I have over 20 years of experience in Special Education, working in a variety of roles including Education Support, Physical Education Teacher, and Classroom Teacher. These experiences have provided me with a strong understanding of the diverse needs of students and the importance of building meaningful connections to support both their academic and personal growth.

I began my journey at Marnebek School in 2020 as the Community Engagement Leader, where I had the privilege of working across most areas of the school and developing relationships with students from all year levels. This role deepened my passion for inclusive education and strengthened my commitment to creating opportunities that empower students to reach their full potential.

My leadership philosophy is grounded in the values of Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience—principles I strive to model and instil in both staff and students. I am passionate about developing a supportive and collaborative school culture where everyone feels valued and encouraged to grow.

In my current role as Campus Principal of the Secondary School, my focus is on fostering a learning environment that prepares students for life beyond school. I take great pride in leading programs that support our students to become confident, independent, and capable lifelong learners. Through a strong emphasis on future pathways, we aim to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary to successfully transition into further education, training, or employment. By connecting classroom learning with real-world opportunities, I strive to ensure every student can see a clear and meaningful link between their learning and their future goals.

At Marnebek, we are dedicated to providing a stimulating and engaging learning environment that recognises each student’s individuality and strengths. I feel incredibly grateful to work alongside such a dedicated team of educators and to be part of a school community that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and continuous learning. Every day, our students remind me why this work is so rewarding, and I am proud to play a role in their educational journey.

 

Dieuson (Juice) Biyendolo

Campus Assistant Principal

 
 

Hi, my name is Juice, and I am the Assistant Principal at the Senior School Campus. I have 14 years of experience in inclusive education, having worked in a variety of roles, including as an Education Support staff member, Wellbeing, Junior School Teacher, Middle School Teacher, and PE Teacher.

Since joining Marnebek in 2022 as Leading Teacher focusing on Community Engagement & Physical Education, I have had the opportunity to work across multiple areas of the school, forming strong connections with students from all year levels. In my current role, I lead Student Engagement and Community Engagement while also managing operations at Corrigans Rd Campus. This role enables me to create enriching experiences that support student learning, strengthen their sense of belonging, and equip them with the skills they need to thrive as lifelong learners.

I am passionate about developing inclusive educational experiences that empower every student to reach their full potential. By working collaboratively with families, staff, and the wider community, I strive to ensure that Marnebek remains a nurturing, engaging, and dynamic learning environment for all.

Beyond my leadership role, I take great pride in fostering a school culture that celebrates diversity, resilience, and personal growth. Whether through tailored learning programs, community initiatives, or extracurricular opportunities, my goal is to inspire students to embrace challenges, build confidence, and develop the skills they need for a bright future.

 

Brent Andrews

Student Engagement Assistant Principal

 
 

Hello! My name is Brent Andrews and I am super excited to be the Assistant Principal for Student Engagement at Marnebek School. I have been in education for 11 years, working in a variety of leadership and teaching roles, including Sub School Coordinator, Head of Health and Physical Education, Head of the Specialist Team, Head of an Educational Academy, Classroom Teacher and Physical Education Teacher. These experiences have shaped my passion for fostering student engagement and creating meaningful opportunities for all learners.

 I joined Marnebek in 2025 and feel privileged to be part of a community that prioritises student development through tailored engaging programs. My role focuses on enhancing student engagement through innovative programs, positive behaviour strategies and leadership initiatives that empower both students and staff. I am committed to creating a school environment where students feel supported, challenged and inspired to reach their full potential.

 My leadership is centred on the belief that engagement is the foundation of learning. By fostering a culture of connection, curiosity and commitment, I strive to ensure that every student experiences success both inside and outside the classroom.

 

Mandy Thomas

Campus Assistant Principal

 
 

Hi, my name is Mandy Thomas, and I am the Assistant Principal at New Holland Drive campus. With over thirty-five years of experience in education, I have had the privilege of working both in the UK and Australia, across primary and secondary schools, and in a variety of mainstream and special education environments.

In addition to classroom teaching, I have taught specialist Music and Physical Education, coached sports teams, and coordinated sporting and music events. I have also held various leadership roles, including Head of Year, Head of Middle School, and Curriculum Leader. I have always been deeply committed to ensuring that all students, particularly those with additional needs, receive the highest quality education possible.

Since joining Marnebek in 2021 as a Leading Teacher, I have worked predominantly with the primary students at New Holland Drive. In my current role I lead Curriculum across the school and manage School Operations at New Holland Drive. My passion for inclusion and creating meaningful educational experiences for our students drives my work, and I am proud to have made a positive impact on the lives of many young learners. I look forward to continuing to work with our wonderful community to provide the best possible opportunities for our students as they continue their journey at Marnebek School.