The role of St. Thomas Aquinas College’s Board is to ensure that the College attains its strategic objectives.
St. Thomas Aquinas College Board supports the College, and has at heart the wellbeing and learning of all students. It seeks to promote a learning environment in which students can flourish. The Board is strongly committed to preserving and fostering the Catholic identity on which the College was founded.
The Directors of the Board meet regularly with the Principal and have him report on the operations of the College. Of particular focus are the areas of Student welfare, Staffing, Facilities, Risks, Finances, and Policies. The members of the Board foster an environment of open communication with the Principal and are there to provide strategic direction. They contribute to the College governance based on their spiritual, educational, financial and other professional expertise.
The College Board is assisted by an advisory committee that supports the College Board in its governance role of College Finances.
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Australian Values and Democratic Principles
The College Board at all times supports and promote the principles and practice of Australian democracy including:
- The Elected Governments of Australia
- The rule of law
- Equal rights for all before the law
- Freedom of religion
- Freedom of speech and association; and
- The values of openness and tolerance.
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Introducing the St. Thomas Aquinas College Board
Fr. Daniel Themann (Board Chair)
Fr. Themann was appointed to the Board in August 2020 and holds the position of Chairman of the Board. Fr. Themann has a background in business and manufacturing and holds a Bachelor degree in Industrial Management. Presently, he is the District Superior of Australia and New Zealand, which involves overseeing the operations of the Society of St. Pius X in Australia and New Zealand. Formerly, in addition to teaching at both the secondary and tertiary levels, he was the Rector of Holy Cross Seminary, Goulburn, holding that position for five years.
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Fr. Michael Delsorte
Fr. Delsorte is a former Principal of St. Thomas Aquinas College having held that position from January 2008. Prior to this, he held a similar position in New Zealand from 1998 to 2003. He has extensive experience in the education sector and is familiar with the requirements for operating independent schools in Victoria. He has relationships with personnel working in the education sector throughout Australia. Presently, he is the Prior of Star of the Sea Church in Jolimont, WA, and has been a priest for four decades.
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Fr. Sayed Elias
Fr. Elias was appointed to the Board in March 2014, and has a background in the sciences. He was ordained to the priesthood in Econe, Switzerland in June 2005. He is currently the Parish Priest of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Tynong. From the school’s beginning in 1997, the Parish and the College have always had a close relationship, which is still the case today.
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Fr. Anthony McNamara
Fr. McNamara was appointed to the Board in mid 2020. He holds a Bachelor degree in business and has experience in the public and private sectors. Father is a former student of the College, having graduated in 2002. He has a familiarity with Tynong and its surrounding areas and a connection with many former students and the wider school community.
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