Page 37 - 2020 Altiora Vol 72

ALUMNI NEWS | 37
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ALUMNI NEWS
GRADUATION CELEBRATIONS
GRADU A TION CELEBRA TIONS
Jonathon Mascarella (2000)
Jonathon Mascarella (2000) completed his Ph.D.
in Education from the University of Notre Dame
in Sydney. Jonathon is currently working at Loreto
Kirribilli as the Coordinator of eLearning and
Innovation, which he describes as a “fun, dynamic and
challenging role!”
Daniel Morris (2011) pictured right, graduated in
Daniel Morris (2011) pictured right,
2019 from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, with
a B.Music, specialising in Ancient Music, studying the
Lute. Daniel has performed with various groups, from
intimate settings to operettas and large concerts.
Daniel was scheduled to perform earlier this year,
with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, however this
was cancelled due to the pandemic shutdown. Daniel
has now enrolled at UNSW to undertake an Honours
degree in Aerospace Engineering.
Matthew Hedges (2016)
Matthew Hedges (2016) has graduated with a double
degree from ANU. He has a Bachelor of Archaeological
Practice and a Bachelor of Classical Studies. Matthew
will now undertake his Master of Arts by Research at
Sydney University.

VALE
Dr Michelle Bannister-Tyrrell, 3 September, 2020
Dr Michelle Bannister- T yrrell, 3 rd rd September , 2020
Dr Bannister-Tyrrell will be remembered with fondness
by many BMGS Alumni, and past and current members
of staff. Michelle taught English at BMGS from 2004 to
2010, was a much-loved Pitt House Tutor, and served as
Acting Head of Junior School in Term 4, 2007.
Dr Bannister-Tyrrell began her journey in gifted
education at Charles Sturt University, completing a
Master’s of Education (Gifted Education/Leadership).
After spending many years in schools Dr Bannister-
Tyrrell moved to the University of New England where
she lectured in gifted education to undergraduate and
post graduate students. She supervised a number of
Masters and Doctoral students researching issues in
gifted education. Her research included rural and remote
gifted issues, Twice Exceptionality from preschool to
secondary students, gifted Aboriginal issues, online
delivery for gifted students, metacognition, and critical
thinking.
Her Ph.D thesis - The Engagement of Metacognition during Critical Literacy Discourse by Young Talented
Readers was completed in 2012 and ,in 2014, Dr Bannister-Tyrrell was awarded the Beth Southwell Outstanding
Education Thesis Award and the 2015 John Geake Outstanding Thesis Award. In 2013 she attended the
University of Cambridge as a visiting scholar. Michelle presented at numerous state, national and international
conferences on a range of topics related to gifted education. She also published a number of articles and book
chapters on various aspects of gifted education.
Passionate about Twice Exceptional gifted students, Dr Bannister-Tyrrell was driven to take a co-leadership role
in the first National Research project studying teachers’ knowledge and understanding of Twice Exceptionality.
It was whilst working on a second national research project trying to assess the number of students in Australian
schools who may be twice exceptional that Dr Bannister-Tyrrell became ill with MND.
Our thoughts are with Dr Bannister-Tyrrell’s husband, Tony, (pictured above with Michelle; past Chair of BMGS
(2009)
(2006)
P & F, who recently gained his Ph.D in Psychology - Science), their sons David (2006) and James (2009), and their
extended family.