College Executive

Mr Andre Casson joined BBC as the College’s 10th Headmaster in 2022. Prior to his appointment at Brisbane Boys’ College, Mr Casson was the Head of the Australian International School (AIS) in Singapore, where he oversaw the strategic direction and growth of this high-performing institution. Responsible for the care of infants through to students completing Year 12, AIS adopts the Australian Curriculum as the basis for the primary years, with senior programs integrating with the NSW Higher School Certificate, or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.

Andre graduated from the General Management Program, Harvard Business School, he has a Diploma in Education from The University of Notre Dame Australia and a Bachelor of Science, from The University of Western Australia. Mr Casson boasts previous experience in the Brisbane GPS school environment, being a former Deputy Head of Senior School at Churchie prior to relocating to Singapore.

We are pleased to welcome Andre and his family into our BBC community for the 2022 academic year and are excited to share in his vision for the future of the College.

Read more about BBC’s 10th Headmaster – Mr Andre Casson

Mr Scott Murphy joined Brisbane Boy’s College as Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School in January 2023. Before his time at the College, Mr Murphy was the Deputy Head of Secondary School at the Australian International School in Singapore. He has over 18 years of teaching experience both internationally and in Australia, specialising in adolescent development. Prior to moving to Singapore, he held several leadership positions in schools in Victoria.

Mr Murphy has extensive experience with pastoral care and a proven ability to develop bespoke wellbeing frameworks to assist all students in their school activities. He has a particular interest in Academic Wellbeing, an area in which he has presented at several international conferences. He is currently completing his dissertation in the field. This philosophy considers how the school can better use data to understand each individual student’s welfare as well as their academic needs to create the most successful environment to allow them to thrive.

Mr Murphy is a keen sportsman and enjoys engaging with the plethora of co-curricular activities that are part of life at the College.

DipT (USQ), BEd, MEd, EdD (QUT)

Joining BBC mid-way through 2017, Dr Leigh Hobart has brought with her extensive curriculum knowledge and a broad range of teaching and leadership experience in high performing schools.  Her experiences during a long-standing educational career include Principal, Deputy Principal, Head of Curriculum, university lecturer, AITSL Initial Teacher Education Panel Chair and Professional Development Network Committee member. Identified as a future educational leader, Leigh started her journey at BBC leading curriculum in the Junior School.  At the beginning of 2019 she was invited to take on the newly established role of Head of Academic Performance and Innovation.

Dr Hobart is driven to engage students with learning opportunities that promote creativity and facilitate thinking. Her background in teaching – from Prep to tertiary students – allows for the development of a fluent and well-structured curriculum for BBC boys.  She works closely with Heads of Departments and Heads of School to ensure that strong foundations are provided in Literacy and Numeracy, combined with authentic, relevant and engaging learning opportunities to ensure boys are well equipped for the future.  From introducing an award-winning literacy program, to implementing new Senior Curriculum, to leading innovative programs across year levels, she takes pride in working collaboratively towards a shared vision based on an unwavering commitment to student improvement and success beyond expectation.

BA, Dip Ed, (Qld), Dip Res Sch Serv (ACU), Grad Dip Trg & Dev, Grad Dip Mgt, MBA (HRM), (UNE), MEd (Mgt) (Merit) (USQ) MACE, MACEL

Mr David Bell joined Brisbane Boys’ College in January 2018 from Toowoomba Grammar School where he was the Director of Sport and Activities.  Prior to that he was the Director of Staff Development and also Deputy Head of the Middle School at Churchie, Deputy Head of Boarding and Head of Year 12 at Ipswich Grammar School, Head of Geography at Sevenoaks Preparatory School in Sevenoaks, Kent, UK, and a classroom teacher of English and Geography and resident boarding master at Brisbane Grammar School.

As the Head of BBC’s vibrant Middle School, David enjoys the responsibility of seeing his young charges evolve and mature towards independence. He leads a committed Middle School staff who understand the unique needs of Years 7 to 9 boys and tailor their academic programs to engage and enthuse their students with a carefully crafted blend of rigour and fun.  All of this occurs against the pastoral backdrop of a cohort-specific wellbeing program based on the science of Positive Psychology and directed towards helping boys understand how to apply their character strengths to work through setbacks and build resilience. Exposure to specific study skills programs, service and leadership opportunities mean that Middle School boys make their transition to the Senior School well prepared for the challenges of their senior years.

Dip Teach (QUT), Grad Dip Bus Comm (QUT), MEd Leadership (ACU/BC)

Sean is a passionate educator who has held leadership roles across multiple sectors. Prior to joining Brisbane Boys’ College, Sean was the Head of Senior School at Canterbury College, and the Dean of Learning and Teaching at St. Joseph’s, Nudgee College, having previously worked in curriculum development roles, and, as a Head of English.

Sean’s focus is on staff development, overseeing all elements of professional practice, including the College’s Partnership Coaching program, professional learning, performance planning and career development. Sean is further charged with making connections with organisations, such as higher education institutions, that can provide valuable opportunities for our staff and students. Sean enjoys teaching English, and Philosophy and Reason, as well as connecting with students through roles in boarding, rugby and tennis. Sean is committed to providing opportunities for Social Action, having recently led a group of students on an Indigenous Immersion experience to Cape York.

Mrs Summa Todd joined Brisbane Boys’ College in January 2023. Before her appointment as Head of Junior School at BBC, Mrs Todd was the Deputy Principal of Wilston State School, a high-performing primary school with an enrolment of over 850 students. She comes to the College with 14 years of experience leading schools in Queensland.

Mrs Todd has a proven ability to create high-performing teams and develop leadership capacity within them. Her commitment to the school and passion for her craft and the students in her care is remarkable. Mrs Todd is also an expert on student and community engagement, working closely with students and their families to ensure the best possible outcomes for all students to grow and succeed.

Beyond the classroom, Mrs Todd has a passion for co-curricular involvement for all students and has a particular interest in football (soccer), which she used to play and coach.

BEd (Sec) (QUT)

Mr Mark Pavone joined Brisbane Boys’ College in October 2016 as the Prep to Year 12 Sportsmaster. Previously, he was the Director of Sport at Sydney Boys High School (NSW AAGPS member school) and Director of Sport at Cannon Hill Anglican College (TAS member school). He is an experienced Health & Physical Education, Business and Christian Education teacher.

Characterised by his integrity, energy and interpersonal effectiveness, Mark is a strong believer that learning happens both inside and outside of the classroom and is committed to ensuring the co-curriculum offerings of the College contribute to delivering a world-class learning environment for our students.

The role of Head of Co-curriculum is to lead the strategic management, development, administration and promotion of the College’s thriving and extensive co-curriculum offerings. Integral to modelling and articulating the College’s culture and values, this role ensures high quality coaching and mentoring across all activities and encourages high levels of participation by all boys, at all levels and abilities. Mark is focused on achieving excellence across all competitive, service learning, cultural and academically enriching activities.

An experienced brand builder with Director and General Manager experience incorporating general management, communications, marketing, licensing and sales-based responsibilities. With a proven track record of executing vision by converting strategic plans into commercial business success and an expertise across destination marketing, education and consumer products.

Leanne Smith is an experienced business professional having spent more than twenty years  in the education sector.  She has contributed to a broad range of environments, from large to small, coeducational, single sexed and boarding schools. Leanne is passionate in her wish to provide high quality services and facilities to young people and teachers.  Leanne’s experience in managing building projects is extensive, having completed substantial renovations, new builds and master planning projects across three schools. As a Company Secretary, Leanne has developed skills and gained experience that ensure governance practices are at an exemplary level within her organisation.  Leanne has completed the Women’s Leadership Forum at Harvard Business School. She has served on a number of boards and committees, including the Association of School Business Administrators and the Australian Ballet School as Director and Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee. Leanne holds a Master of Business Administration from Deakin University, is a CPA and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.