

WITH the start of the new school year upon us, Shepparton ACE Secondary College has welcomed two new staff members to its fraternity.
Keerthi Dias Bandaranayake is a maths teacher originally from Sri Lanka, who is a testament to hard work, persistence and an unending desire for knowledge. He began his university studies in mathematics at 17, without much thought on a future career.
“When I went to university. I was too young. I was only 17 years I didn’t know the head or tail above the university,” said Dias.
After his studies were finished, he spent years working for a German-owned manufacturing plant in Sri Lanka, working his way to management. Dias then decided to throw his life on its head after 23 years in the workforce when he went back to university to study for his first master’s.


“I thought of then doing something worth sharing my knowledge, I thought, why don’t I go and teach somewhere? So, I am here to become a teacher,” said Dias.
Three masters’, a PhD, and a move to Australia later, Dias has begun his role at ACE.
Katie Spasojevic is the new cultural advisor at ACE. It was the education and care her sons received at ACE while she was working in aged care that inspired her to go back to study a Diploma of Community Services.
“I say I have been with ACE a very long time. My two sons come through and did their schooling through ACE. I want to help children. To support them with their education and to break the cycle of our culture. I want to show them that there are other things out there if you want them,” said Katie.
The smaller classes and supportive nature of ACE College will help Katie and Dias thrive in their new chosen careers.