Our People

Robyn Miller assumed the role of Principal at Iona Presentation College in Western Australia at the outset of 2021. Central to her current vocation is the embracing of the Presentation charism, with a dedicated emphasis on nurturing empowered 'can do' young women primed for the challenges of tomorrow's world. 

Preceding this appointment, Ms Miller held the esteemed position of Principal at Kolbe Catholic College for an impressive span of 11 years. Holding dual Masters degrees—one in Educational Leadership and the other in Religious Education—she boasts over 40 years of service within Catholic educational institutions, spanning both Western Australia and New South Wales. Ms Miller's devotion to youth education is obvious, as she ardently champions the comprehensive development of students. Through her leadership, she remains resolute in her commitment to providing students with the optimal learning opportunities essential for future triumphs. To bring this vision to fruition, she has been a driving force in establishing contemporary learning environments that facilitate the integration of an array of teaching and learning methodologies. Ms Miller's focal point resides in refining pedagogical practices within the classroom, concurrently fostering a culture where staff are consistently encouraged and supported in their journey of reflective practice.  

Ryan Shelton is a dynamic and dedicated educator with a fervour for fostering growth, innovation and a culture of excellence. As the Deputy Principal (PreK to 12) Learning & Innovation at Iona Presentation College, Ryan employs his extensive experience and passion to cultivate an environment that encourages comprehensive learning and inclusivity.

Joining Iona at the start of 2022, he brought along his rich expertise from his previous tenure as Deputy Principal - Learning in another Catholic PreK-12 school. Ryan's responsibilities are diverse, overseeing staff growth, development, formation and leadership, as well as steering the College's Vision for Learning and the overall PreK-12 culture of the College.

A family man with three children, Ryan holds a strong passion for sport that parallels his dedication to education. This enthusiasm contributes significantly to the vibrant learning culture he fosters within the school.

His qualifications, which include a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education, a Graduate Certificate of Religious Education, and a Masters in Education (Leadership & Management), underpin his commitment to inspiring others to reach their full potential. Through his leadership, Ryan continues to make a profound impact on the Iona Presentation College community.

Maria Garbin is an accomplished and passionate educator who believes in the transformative power of single-sex schools and education. As a dedicated member of the Iona Presentation College community, Maria is committed to working in partnership with families to create a better world by nurturing students' growth, facilitating learning and fostering shared values between school and home.

Maria takes pride in her relational approach, which contributes to building a safe and supportive environment for students and staff. Recognising the significance of student wellbeing and pastoral care, she places great importance on providing support and advocacy on behalf of students. Maria also understands the need to cultivate accountability and resilience, believing that these qualities are vital for students future successes.

With an unwavering dedication to improving student wellbeing and cultivating a sense of belonging, Maria strives to create an environment where students can thrive and flourish in all aspects of their development. She is passionate about developing compassionate students who possess the confidence and skills to navigate the challenges of life beyond the school environment.

Having completed a Bachelor of Education at Notre Dame University with a major in Religious Education and Politics and Law, Maria is currently pursuing a Masters of Education (Leadership & Management). Her commitment to ongoing professional development and personal growth, as well as her ability to promote and foster the pedagogical and pastoral vision of the College, make her an invaluable asset to the Iona Presentation College community.

Maria has worked in the Pastoral Care space within education for seven years. Prior to joining the Iona community in 2023, she was previously Director of Wellbeing at CBC Fremantle where, amongst an array of responsibilities, she was at the forefront of developing and implementing an overall Year 7 to 12 framework for mental health and wellbeing.

With Maria's unwavering dedication, she continues to make a positive impact on the lives of students, fostering a culture of care and growth so that all students can reach their full potential and strive for their personal best in all endeavours.

Ray Rose is a dedicated and passionate educational leader, currently serving as the Head of the Junior School at Iona Presentation College. With a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to fostering academic excellence, Mr Rose has established himself as a respected figure within the Iona community.

Prior to his current role, Mr Rose served as a primary school principal for three and a half years, where he showcased his exceptional leadership skills and unwavering dedication to students' success and building community. This experience provided him with valuable insights into the educational landscape and equipped him with the necessary tools to lead the Junior School at Iona Presentation College effectively.

Mr Rose holds a Bachelor of Education degree from Edith Cowan University, and pursued further studies and obtained a Master of Religious Education from Notre Dame University, further enhancing his expertise and understanding of the holistic development of students.

Having been a part of the Iona Presentation College community for over 5 years, Mr Rose has cultivated a deep understanding of the College's values, mission and educational philosophy. He brings this knowledge to his role as Head of the Junior School, where he works tirelessly to create a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for young students.

With his dedicated approach, passion for education, and extensive experience, Ray Rose continues to make a positive impact on the Junior School at Iona Presentation College. His leadership and commitment to excellence inspire students, teachers and the broader school community, making him a highly respected figure in the field of education.

James joined Iona Presentation College in December 2020 as Business Manager. The role has oversight of Financial Stewardship and Commercial Operations of the College, including Property Management. 

Prior to joining Iona, James worked at HBF Health Limited. James brings 30 years’ experience across various industries including education, aged care, health care and health insurance having worked in senior financial roles covering board, audit committee, property and financial committee reporting, budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, treasury and cash management, financial control, month end, yearend and statutory reporting.

James is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand.

James’s motivation is that, in some small way, he is ‘making a difference’ for each Iona students’ school career.

Gemma Thomson is a passionate, faith-filled woman who seeks to role model the Church that Christ calls us to be; missionary, humble, inclusive and joyful. 

As the Dean of Mission and Catholic Identity at Iona Presentation College, Gemma leads with energy, enthusiasm and a deep care for those left furthest behind. 

The co-author of Making Jesus Real 24/7, Crossroads and Prayers and Reflections for Australasian Teachers, she enjoys the opportunity to share her lived experience of faith with others. 

Gemma has an unquenchable thirst for the Presentation Charism. Gemma is blessed to work closely with the Presentation Sisters at local, national and international levels in the area of justice, faith and mission. She works closely with the International Presentation Association as Chair of the Priority Action Focus Group for Women and Children and is the Co-Chair of the Nagle Education Alliance of Australia (NEAA) Faith Network. 

A lifelong learner, Gemma lectures pre-service teachers at the University of Notre Dame Australia and is currently undertaking further postgraduate research at the same university. 

Gemma actively participates in several Archdiocesan Committees pertaining to education, formation, strategy and synodality in Perth and was a member of Fifth Plenary Council of Australia; a role in which she was called to deeply listen, speak authentically, and represent the voices of the wider Church in Australia. 

Debra is an accomplished professional who serves as the Dean of Co-curricular at Iona Presentation College. In her role, she is entrusted with the responsibility of driving the strategic direction of Co-curricular programs, ensuring that Iona offers a wide array of innovative and advanced opportunities to all its students.

With a keen focus on aligning Co-curricular programs with the strategic objectives of the College and the unique requirements of the students, Debra actively engages in planning, programming and managing these offerings. Her goal is to enhance the relevance of Co-curricular programs, foster a sense of teamwork among students and encourage their active participation whilst upholding the cherished values of Iona. Debra firmly believes in the pursuit of personal excellence and motivates students to achieve beyond the confines of the Curriculum.

Debra's extensive background in all-girls' education adds invaluable insight and understanding as she leads in her role. Moreover, her breadth of leadership experience, including positions such as Interim Principal, Deputy Principal Wellbeing, Deputy Principal Curriculum and Head of Year further enhances her capacity to effectively drive the strategic direction of Co-curricular programs.

Debra holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Languages and Social Sciences, a Diploma in Education, and a Master of Education with a specialisation in Leadership & Management. In addition to her expertise in Co-curricular development, she brings experience as a Politics and Law teacher and Humanities teacher, enriching her understanding of diverse educational domains.

With her extensive knowledge, passion for education and commitment to holistic student development, Debra plays a pivotal role as the Dean of Co-curricular, shaping the Co-curricular landscape and fostering a vibrant and enriching environment at Iona Presentation College.

Walking alongside young people for eighteen years, Karen has developed an immense passion for education that supports and empowers learners to be compassionate, inspired, critical thinkers of the future, leading from the heart with a distinct sense of purpose and a strong spirit to make a difference to the world. She places an emphasis on authentic, trusting relationships that nurture the holistic development of the whole child – socially, emotionally, physically, cognitively and spiritually.

In her leadership, Karen is dedicated to growing educators and leaders to be lifelong learners, who foster a welcoming environment of discovery, where the uniqueness of each and every young person is valued and celebrated. She prioritises igniting passions, encouraging curiosity and creativity, and believes that all individuals should be given the hope, support, sense of belonging and opportunity to let their light shine. 

Karen is a relational and agile leader and a highly reflective practitioner. Through her desire to continuously learn about child development, she furthered her Primary Bachelor of Education and completed a Master of Education in Early Childhood with additional units in Leadership at the University of Notre Dame. She thoroughly enjoys engaging in leadership development programs and research and enthusiastically uses this learning to inspire her work with current and future leaders within Iona Presentation College and beyond. 

As the Dean of Operations, Amber excels in managing the intricate workings of our school, overseeing crucial areas such as timetable coordination, staffing, and daily operational matters. With a harmonious blend of analytical dexterity and creative thinking, coupled with her extensive knowledge of the school and its staff, Amber goes above and beyond to ensure that our students extract maximum value from their time at Iona, immersing themselves in the rich offerings provided.

With an extensive background in all-girls' education, Amber champions the cause of female empowerment through education, particularly focusing on enhancing female participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. Her journey started as a Health and Physical Education Teacher, and in 2010, she became an integral part of Iona's community. From 2013 to 2017, she assumed the role of Head of Health and Physical Education, and upon her return from maternity leave in 2020, she embraced her current position as Dean of Operations.

Amber's influence extends beyond the administrative realm, as she is highly regarded as an accomplished Psychology teacher. Her expertise shines through her involvement in the development and implementation of statewide examination frameworks and syllabus. Armed with a Bachelor of Science, a Post-Graduate Diploma of Education, and currently pursuing a Master of Education (Leadership & Management), Amber is a passionate and dedicated leader, unwavering in her commitment to empowering both teachers and students with the resources they need to flourish.