Executive Leadership

Andrew Balkwill | Principal

Andrew Balkwill was appointed to the position of Principal in 2020, and is a distinguished educator with a wealth of leadership experience within Catholic education. Prior to joining Mercedes College, Andrew was Principal of Thomas More College, and Principal of Sacred Heart College Middle School. Andrew has also worked as a Principal Consultant within the Catholic Education Office mentoring and supporting others across a range of sites.

A person of deep faith, Andrew is committed to our ethos and highly values the Mercy Keys that are embedded in the daily life of our College. He believes strongly in the partnership schools have with families, and that there can be a successful pathway to graduation for every student.

Andrew has an enthusiastic commitment to the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

In addition, Andrew is a Board Member of the SACE Board of South Australia, an independent statutory authority of the South Australian Government that provides the SACE and delivers professional learning.

Narelle Sandercock | Deputy Principal

Narelle Sandercock joined Mercedes College ahead of the  2023 academic year as our Deputy Principal, bringing more than 20 years of educator and leadership experience to our team.

Narelle is an active promoter of mutual respect, positivity, and educator efficacy, having held teaching and leadership roles with Sacred Heart College, Cabra Dominican College, Nazareth Catholic Community, Star of the Sea School, and Seymour College.

An evidence-based pedagogy leader, Narelle holds a Bachelor of Education (Specialisation), Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement), and post graduate qualifications including a Master of Education (Leadership and Management) and Graduate Certificate of Religious Education. Narelle demonstrates a passion for life-long learning and is currently completing another post-graduate qualification in the Master of Business Administration with Adelaide University.  

Barry Roberts | Chief Operating Officer

Our Chief Operating Officer since 2017, Barry joined Mercedes College in 2011 as our Director ICT. Prior, he held public and private sectors positions in Australia, as well as with Fortune 500 and market leading organisations in the United Kingdom and Netherlands.

Barry is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Associate Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management and holds a Bachelor of Computer Science and post graduate qualifications in Project Management.

Barry’s professional interests include strategic planning and its role in broader whole of organisation planning, plus Enterprise Risk Management.

Senior Leadership

Helen Ayliffe | Assistant Principal, Religious Identity and Mission (APRIM)

Also referred to as our Director of Mission, Helen has been a member of the Mercedes College community for the past 16 years, bringing 36 years of teaching experience to her work.  She has also served the Emmaus Catholic Parish communities  as Sacramental leader, Children’s liturgist, Mass Commentator, Lector, and Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist since 2002.

Helen brings with her advanced qualifications, including a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary), a Graduate Certificate in Catholic Education, and near completion of her Masters in Educational Leadership through Catholic Education, which complements her completion of the Aspiring Leaders Programs (with CESA) and D.U.D.F (St. Etienne, France) language teaching qualifications.

Helen attests that working with the buoyancy and spiritedness of our wonderful Mercedes College community energises her soul.

Adrian Chiarolli | Assistant Principal, Teaching and Learning

Adrian holds a postgraduate Diploma in Educational Computing, a Masters in Educational Leadership, and has a passion for identifying and collating multiple sources of data, including evidence of student learning and indicators of engagement and teaching effectiveness. The results of evaluating this data enables our College to celebrate areas of strength as well as plan and resource ongoing improvements.

His teaching experience includes Information Technology, Psychology, Mathematics, and the IB Diploma Theory of Knowledge, and since joining us in 1999 he has guided how we incorporate technology in education. He's expanded his leadership across curriculum, teaching and learning since 2002.

Adrian is a member of the Australian Council of Educational Leaders, with a strategic focus on the shaping of teaching and learning and effective use of data. He is also a proud Mercurean, our past parents' association, as his daughters attended Mercedes College from Reception to Year 12.

Kellie Osborn | Head of Junior School

With more than 20 years' experience as an educator and leader in Catholic primary schools, Kellie has brought her passion for improving educational standards and developing strong cultures of learning to our Junior School team since 2019. Kellie is deeply committed to the holistic education that's at the heart of Catholic schools, and leading a learning-focused community where student wellbeing is maximised.

A firm believer that learning opportunities must prepare students for academic success, and contribute to the development of the whole person, Kellie actively encourages students to become discerning young people with a strong commitment to social justice and community.

Kellie holds a Master of Education (Catholic Education), a Bachelor of Education (Junior Primary/ Primary) and Graduate Certificates in Theology, Curriculum Methodology, Curriculum Design and Scripture, and has studied at St George’s College in Jerusalem and travelled through the Holy Land.

Ben Dray | Head of Middle School

Ben joined the College as Head of Middle School in 2022 with experience in a number of education leadership positions, including Assistant Principal, Deputy Head of Campus, and Director of Students.

With a strong passion for wellbeing, and a deep commitment to the holistic growth and development of young people, Ben is currently studying a Masters of Educational Leadership at the Australian Catholic University. He has a particular interest in student agency, restorative practice, and positive education, encouraging a life-long love of learning.

Michael Francis | Head of Senior School

Now Head of Senior School, Michael joined the teaching staff of Mercedes College in 2004. Since then he has amassed experience as a Year Level Leader for Years 10 and 12, as well as developing Pastoral Care programmes to support senior students in their final years of schooling.

As a teacher of Economics and Business, Michael works across the SACE and IB Diploma curricula and developed the MC8 Entrepreneurship Programme, which formerly built Middle School students' skills in design and innovative business thinking.

Michael’s connection to the Mercy ethos of Mercedes College is clear. As a regular participant and Leader of Service work in Cambodia and local refugee advocacy groups, Michael seeks to instil in young people a desire to step into the global community with a purpose to enact positive change in their daily endeavours.

Nicole Borowicki | Director of Learning Enrichment

Nicole joined the Mercedes College community in 2022, bringing a wealth of experience in inclusive education. Her most recent roles have been as Inclusive Education Coordinator and Special Options Teacher in both Catholic and public schools.

Holding a Bachelor of Special Education and a Bachelor of Disability Studies, Nicole is deeply committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where all students feel valued and supported. She strives to ensure that every learner, regardless of their background, abilities, or learning needs, has equitable access to opportunities alongside their peers.

Nicole finds working with students who have additional learning needs profoundly rewarding, as it allows her to empower their growth, confidence, and success.

Anne Way |  Director of Wellbeing and College Psychologist R-12

Anne is a registered Educational and Developmental Psychologist with more than 35 years of experience across the health, disability, and education sectors.

Today she leads our Wellbeing Programmes, services and strategies, but her passion for our College and its lived values truly began in childhood as a Mercedes College student.

Anne is an advocate for best practice and evidence-based resources, and together with her experience builds the psychological capacity of students, staff, and families.

Jennie Bell | Director of Marketing, Communications and Engagement

Jennie joined the College in 2023, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise in marketing, branding, communications, and event management. Passionate about connecting with families, staff, and students, she is dedicated to enhancing every Mercedes College experience.

With experience across multiple sectors — including not-for-profit, corporate, government, and media — Jennie thrives in dynamic environments, excels at building relationships, and has a proven track record in growing successful brands.

She holds tertiary qualifications in Communications, Marketing, and Business Administration. Jennie has a love of colour, enjoys exploring the world, and — rumour has it — has green blood in her veins.

Alice Calnan | Director of Finance

With financial experience spanning multiple industries, including manufacturing, mining and retail, plus more than 10 years’ experience within the independent education sector, including with Rostrevor College, SEDA College, Specialised Assistance School for Youth, and Dara School, Alice brings a wealth of knowledge and professional understanding to our leadership team.

Alice has vast insight across cost analysis and projections, and her professional interests include managing highly functional teams, and providing strong financial advice that’s fair and equitable. She was appointed Director of Finance in late 2021.

Sean Quirke | Director of Timetable and Operations

Sean joined Mercedes College in 2022 after more than 10 years at Tenison Woods College in Mount Gambier.

With a depth of experience in leadership positions including SACE Coordinator, Head of Senior School, and Director of Learning Operations, Sean is also an experienced senior Mathematics teacher in a range of subjects and year levels.

Sean also has teaching experience in Religious Education, plus key SACE subjects including Exploring Identities and Futures (formerly the Personal Learning Plan) and Activating Identities and Futures (formerly Research Project).

Sean is a student-centred professional dedicated to the mission of Catholic Education. As our Director of Timetable and Operations, Sean supports students by facilitating outstanding teaching and learning structures that maximise their day-to-day experiences.

Fergus Grant | Director of Excellence and Culture

Fergus joined Mercedes College in 2004 as a Year 7 teacher, having taught in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Since then, he has held positions as a Year Level Leader (8 and 10) and been a Digital Learning Coordinator.

In 2021, Fergus fulfilled a secondment with Catholic Education South Australia (CESA), as a Change Lead on a range of projects across the state.

A certified HALT Assessor through AITSL and CESA, Fergus is passionate about helping teachers realise their potential, so to convey information and inspiration to their students. He's also a champion of innovation, creativity, and technology in education.

Fergus holds a degree in Psychology, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, and a Masters in Educational Leadership.