Meet the Staff!

Following two years of limited mixing of staff and parents, we felt it timely to share some details of the great team we have at St Joseph's. I could not be prouder of the work they do for our students and I count my blessings to be working alongside our 2022 staff.

Kate Callinan

Year 6 Classroom Teacher and Senior Coordinator

Bachelor of Education at La Trobe University

A mum to 2 children and our dog Eddie.I love to be active and get out and about on the weekends with my family. I also enjoy a good book and having the Netflix all to myself!

Hayley Knight

Learning Support Officer. 

Hello! I am currently in my third year studying Bachelor of Education (Primary) at the Australian Catholic University in Melbourne.

Over the past 5 years, I have worked as a Learning Support Officer in the little town of Colac but have made the move to Melbourne to finish off the last two years of my studies.I love all things food, so I have been enjoying exploring new places around my home and getting to know the area. I have felt so accepted in the St Joseph’s Community, thank you for welcoming me.

Marcus Rimondini

Learning Support Officer

Diploma in Primary School Education

I have worked in the music and film industry for the last 12 years. I ran a music publication, made a feature-length documentary and currently run a community-based podcast community.

Karen Redenbach

Learning Support Officer

Certificate 4 in Education

It was straight out of high school for me and into banking for 15 years and 10 of those years I worked in Human Resources. I am married to Michael and we have 2 sons, Damian 20yrs and Matthew 15yrs and would you believe both boys are taller than me! When my boys were in primary school, I started a sewing business where I taught sewing in their school for 7 years. Last year Michelle asked if I would start sewing lessons at lunchtime for the SJM students. We had a lot of fun and many of the students have asked me when will sewing start again. Fingers crossed it is in Term 2... Watch this space...

In the past 10 years, I have worked on school productions as the costume coordinator at my sons' school and SJM. My passion has always been to be a teacher, so I decided to look into working as an LSO. I went back to study after 40 years and received my certificate 4 in education. So here I am teaching the wonderful children at SJM. My hobbies are sewing, calligraphy, watching my boys play sport, catching up with friends and I barrack for the mighty bombers.

Celia Williamson

Classroom Teacher

Graduate Certificate in Religious Education Australian Catholic University

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Primary) – Graduated with Honours. Monash University

Diploma in Children’s Services Swinburne University

This is my 6th year as a teacher and I still absolutely love it! I have been fortunate enough to teach across many different grades in different schools and feel this has enabled me to continue to grow as an educator. Learning is lifelong and I love to learn and always keep an open mind. In my free time, I enjoy travelling, running, reading and socialising with my friends and family. I have greatly appreciated the warm welcome and support I have received from the St Joseph's community and look forward to getting to know you all more across the year!

Mrs Lynnette Stone

School Officer

I am originally from New Zealand. I have a professional background in Finance and Administration. I love playing Netball, Walking and spending time with family.

Nevinka Curtain (Miss Vink)

Bachelor of Teaching 

Certificate 3 Education Support

I work in Learning Support and currently assist children in years 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. It is a very satisfying job and St Joseph's is such a beautiful environment to work in. We have two teenage children Matthew and Emily, our 12 yr old dog Charlie and Howie our cat. I love boats, rowing, catching up with family and friends.

Marta Cummings

Bachelor of Education (Primary) University of Melbourne

Junior School Leader and Art Teacher

I feel very privileged and lucky to teach visual arts. I enjoy teaching a subject that is hands-on and creative. I love watching the children develop their skills and be in the moment as they make and create artworks. I am really looking forward to the art show, which is an opportunity to celebrate the arts with our community. This will be my third art show. Throughout my teaching career, I have taught Prep, Year One and Year Three Four. This is my sixth year teaching art. During my time at Melbourne university I was lucky enough to go on a school teaching placement for a semester to Indulkana, a small remote community just south of Alice Springs This experience was incredible and quite life-changing for me as I learnt so much about the Anangu culture, language and way of life.

I have two young girls who keep me very busy. I coach their basketball team and I have just joined the school council at their primary school. I love to run and do yoga and LOVE an adventure trip in the outdoors. My top adventure trips have been climbing Mt Kilimanjaro, The Overland Trail in Tasmania, camping in Kakadu National Park on top of a 4WD car (safely away from the crocs) and more recently the coastal trek on the Mornington peninsula. I love our school and this community and I am really looking forward to bringing the community together through the arts in 2022!

Laura Saladino

Italian Teacher

Bachelor of Education (Primary)

I am a lover of life and making fantastic memories. I love keeping myself busy and undertaking many hobbies and jobs. At the moment, I am hands-on making necklaces and earrings that incorporate gemstones and polymer clay. I also love candle making whilst hosting and teaching mindful meditations within my side business.

When I am not teaching at St Joseph's, you may see me in another light at a Melbourne Victory or Carlton Blues game. I have just gotten another puppy, and training her at the moment is taking a lot of my time. I am still on the hunt to find the best pasta dish in Melbourne (that isn't my own), and at this stage Poodle in Fitzroy has a fantastic lemon pasta.

I would love to learn the drums or the Spanish language as my next study venture.

Mahla Davies

Sport Teacher

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor Primary Teaching

 Accreditation for Religious Education

It has been my pleasure to be a part of the wonderful St. Joseph's community for 13 years! Over this time I have taken on various roles both as a classroom teacher P-6 and specialist leader in both full time and part-time positions. This year I am very much enjoying taking on the role of Physical Education Teacher where I am able to play a role in each student's development each week. This school holds a special place in my heart as I have over the years been lucky enough to have celebrated getting married and have gone on to have three children while teaching here! I am so fond of the wonderful families and professional staff here at St. Joseph's and enjoy coming to work each week and saying hello or sharing a friendly wave with everyone.

Jasmine Victoire

Prep Teacher

Bachelor of Education (Primary)

I am a second-year Graduate Teacher having completed my studies at Australian Catholic University. I am extremely passionate about volunteer work, having tutored disadvantaged students, teaching in the villages of Solomon Islands and building houses/painting schools in the villages of Cambodia. Some of my interests include arts & crafts, cooking, being active outdoors and reading.

Liam Cleary

Classroom Teacher; Inter-school sports coordinator

Bachelor of Education - Primary

I have had a passion to teach since the latter years of my schooling. At the time I reflected on the positive impact that some of my favourite teachers had on my life and in contrast some of the teachers that had a not so positive impact. This gave me clarity about the importance of the profession and the impact I can have on students in the critical stages of their development into the person they will become. Outside of school, I am a sports tragic (Go Dees) who is happiest when social and/or active.

Amanda Jackson

Literacy Leader; Religious Education Leader

Diploma in Teaching Bachelor of Education

I have been a teacher at St Joseph's since 1988. I love the community spirit so much that I ended up sending my own children to the school. They both blossomed and thrived at St Joseph's and have gone on to study and work in areas they are passionate about.

I have enjoyed teaching at this wonderful school and have worn many hats. I have been a classroom teacher in every year level, as well as being a specialist teacher in Art and P.E. Over the many years I have been fortunate to have worked in leadership roles, such as Junior and Senior co-ordinator as well as Religion Leader. My passion, however, was always teaching children how to read and write successfully and to develop in them a love for literature. In 2018 I became the Literacy Leader and during my first year, Michelle Moore had the foresight to send me on the MSL course. This changed my whole understanding and the direction of the school in teaching students to read and write.I am constantly updating my knowledge and understanding about the science of reading and the cognitive functioning of the brain. I love working with students in this area, and seeing their joy as they make amazing progress is the highlight of my day.

On another note, I do have other passions outside of school. I love the outdoors and every weekend I will be found riding one of my two horses through the Victorian State Forest. I sometimes give riding lessons and have worked extensively with the Riding for the Disabled. Following close to my heels at home is my little blind and deaf dog called Bubbles. He certainly teaches me life skills about resilience. Finally, I love to dance and take weekly lessons to try and keep fit. I may have two left feet, but that hasn't stopped me yet!

If you ever see me around the school, please don't hesitate to stop and say hello or to have a chat. Amanda

Faye Forbes

Learning Diversity Leader

Diploma of Teaching

Post Graduate Certificate in Learning Disabilities

 Masters Degree in Education- Student Wellbeing

I've been so fortunate to have had many roles in a variety of settings and with many talented professionals over a LONG career in Education. I have worked as a Classroom Teacher and in various Specialist Teacher and Leadership capacities in Primary education and enjoyed a 'stint' teaching Training Teachers in Tertiary. How lucky I am to have a job that I love!

My children, James and Sarah give me the greatest joy because of who they are and what they hold as important for themselves and others and I love the way they challenge my thinking... Yep, a very proud Mum here! Gardening has developed as an interest- some plants even surviving a year or more- awesome! Of course, I enjoy sharing meals with friends and family and binge-watching Netflix!

Joanne Watson

Learning Support Officer

Diploma Early Childhood Education

Certificate IV Integration Aide

Certificate in Cued Articulation

Working with young children has always been a passion of mine. Watching the children grow and being part of their development is such an amazing experience.

As a mother of two, I enjoy getting involved in the children's various sports and activities, of which there are many! As a family, we are looking forward to getting away for some long overdue holidays and reconnecting with family and friends.

Donnella DeVisser

Year 1 Teacher

Bachelor of Psychology at Deakin University

Masters in Primary Education at The University of Melbourne

My inspiration to become a teacher was influenced by my appreciation of great teachers in my time that have opened new worlds for me and I am so enthusiastic about my journey of teaching. This is my fifth year as an educator and I have always been intrigued by the human mind and have learnt the importance of a safe and supportive classroom environment to develop a culture of lifelong learners. Working with children is extremely rewarding, particularly when you see them make progress and develop socially, emotionally and spiritually. I am privileged to have the opportunity to be a part of the St Joseph’s family. My teaching philosophy is to provide all students with a stimulating learning environment that is safe, inclusive and supportive, ensuring that all children reach their full potential. Outside of school, my hobbies include reading, swimming, travelling overseas and spending time with my family. I also enjoy taking my dog named Jett for a walk to the beach.

Jess Chan

Music Teacher

BMus (Hons); 

Master of Teaching Early Childhood and Primary

Here's a little about me, Miss Chan, the music teacher. Some of my favourite things to do outside school involve music! I'm a member of the MSO chorus and absolutely adore choral music. However, I am a lover of many genres and am a jazz vocalist. Whilst I love practising and performing, I adore teaching and have been quite obsessed with pedagogy and learning since I was young.

I do have non-music hobbies, which include consuming audiobooks, crocheting, calligraphy and other crafts, running slowly, aerial tissu/silks, and attempting to learn numerous languages.

I am so thankful to be able to work with the children, staff and community of St Joseph's Primary School.

Kirsten Daws

Year 4 Teacher

Bachelor of Arts

Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning (R-7) 

Graduate Certificate in Religious Education.

Up until the youthful age of 23, I spent my years in Adelaide with my family before deciding it was time to say goodbye and venture off to London, UK. It was here I spent the next four years teaching Year 4 & 5 and stretching my paycheck each week to travel as much of Europe as possible. To my despair, the time came when I had to depart back home, however, instead of blessing my family with my return, I made a sharp turn into Melbourne, my home for the last three years. When I am not in the classroom, I am usually pottering about enjoying a good old dance, escaping the city for a hike or indulging in musical theatre. And, on a final and much more serious note, I am a Port Adelaide Football Club supporter - CARN' THE PEAR!!!

Siobhan O'Dwyer

Year 5 Teacher

B. Ed (Primary)

I have been teaching for 14 years, and I’ve been at St Joseph’s for 4 years. My previous experience includes teaching secondary school, and overseas in the UK and Tanzania. I am a big ‘word nerd’ and have been enjoying doing the Wordle each day with the Year 5s. Outside of school, I am a big Carlton supporter. One of my favourite ways to spend a weekend in winter is to get along to the MCG, watch a really good game (I don’t even care who’s playing!) and get a hot jam doughnut for the ride home.

Clare Smith

Year 6 Teacher 

PGCE - General Primary

BA History & International Politics

I have been teaching for 14 years; I have been at St Joseph’s for 8 years and previous to this I taught at schools in Birmingham and London. I immigrated to Australia in 2013 to start a new life with my husband and much better weather! I have two girls, ages 2 and 4 who keep me very busy; when we’re not going to swimming lessons or watching Encanto, I love going to the G to watch a bit of cricket in summer (don’t mention the Ashes!) or watching the Mighty Hawks!

Kate Bascombe

Year 2 Teacher

Bachelor of Education (Primary)

Prior to teaching at St Joseph's, I spent 3 years teaching over in London. As a child I loved all things Performing Arts and still have a great passion for dancing, singing and musicals. I can also play the guitar and piano.

Georgie Carman

Junior Literacy Teacher; Wellbeing curriculum teacher

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) from ACU

I have been teaching for 15 years, I started my career at St Cecilia's in Glen Iris before taking 18 months off where I travelled and worked across Europe. When I came back I was lucky enough to be employed at St Joseph's and 11 years later with lots of maternity leave thrown in, I am still here! My three kids definitely keep my husband and me very busy but we enjoy taking time out down the peninsula where we enjoy horse riding and going to the surf beaches for a swim and exploring the rock pools with the kids.

More to come in next week's newsletter!