Meet the KPS Tutoring Team

Vanessa Jefferson

Tutor

My name is Vanessa Jefferson, I am a wife, mother of two (aged 5 and 9) and a member of the tutoring team. I have had several years of teaching experience, both as a classroom teacher and in learning support. In my short time at Kingswood Primary School, I have worked across many year levels including, Prep, Year 2, 3, and 5. I love being part of the tutoring team because I really enjoy working with students in small groups with a targeted focus and a very personalised approach to their learning. I love being part of the school community, this is a terrific school with wonderful students and staff who are all committed to learning. In my spare time, I love writing and drawing - and hope to publish my own children’s book one day! I also enjoy gardening, going to the gym and my family’s weekly Friday movie night. If you see me around school, please stop and say “hello”! I would love to continue getting to know the wider school community. Thank you all for supporting our tutoring program!

Jacinda Galgano

Tutor

My name is Jacinda Galgano and I am a tutor at Kingswood Primary School and a part-time business owner. Alongside my passion for teaching, I have a passion for all things of beauty. Owning a business and tutoring leads to a very busy life, but I wouldn’t have it any other way as I get to fulfil both my dreams.

In my spare time, I love a good cuddle with my cat, going for nature walks and tackling small house projects for my new home - putting flatpacks together is not as easy as I envisioned! I discovered my passion for working with children through being an employee at a children’s play centre for 8 years where I hosted their parties. Throughout my teaching career in the last 5 years, I have taught both the junior and senior school and even Performing Arts. Being a tutor at Kingswood Primary School has been an incredibly positive experience due to the wonderful school community here. The staff and students are so welcoming, respectful and all display a growth mindset. As a tutor, I strive to support students in a positive, engaging learning environment and cater to their individual learning needs. Thank you to the Kingswood Primary School Community for being so supportive of our tutoring program!

Gemma Holmes

Tutor

Hi, my name is Gemma Holmes, I’m Mum to an 11-year-old daughter, a border collie and a tabby cat. I’m really lucky to work as a tutor as part of the team at Kingswood Primary School. It's a fantastic school and I have really enjoyed getting to know so many students. I’m originally from England and moved to Melbourne almost 6 years ago.

I have worked in both special education and mainstream schools over the last 11 years, with students from early years to 18 years of age and consider myself very lucky to have had the opportunity to spend time in so many areas of education.

I believe that every child should have the opportunity to achieve the best of their abilities and I strive to support that in my work as a teacher.

In my spare time, I like to explore and see new places with my daughter, going on adventures wherever we can.

Travel is one of my passions and I want to visit as many countries as I can. I take my dog to the beach as often as possible - I love this at any time of year, in all weather. I also really enjoy having a go at new activities and recently had my first experience of the potter's wheel, making a vase and a bowl. I’ll have a go at anything once and love a challenge. Thank you to all the staff and students at Kingswood Primary School for being so welcoming, it’s great to be part of the school community.

Dahlia Fridman

Tutor

Hi, my name is Dahlia Fridman and I am proud to be one of the tutors at Kingswood Primary School. I have been teaching for over 20 years and have experienced a range of roles, from teaching junior school to being a science teacher. My passion has always leaned towards students who require additional support. For the last 12 years, I followed this passion and became a Literacy Specialist teacher, teaching individual students and small groups. I am so pleased to continue this passion at Kingswood Primary School as a tutor. It is a wonderful experience teaching at this fabulous school. The staff and school community have been so welcoming and supportive.

In my spare time, I love to walk and take day trips with my family. I also love dancing and Calisthenics. This is my 4th year and I can’t wait to perform on stage in competitions at the end of the year. I also enjoy drawing and painting. It is relaxing and rewarding seeing my “masterpieces” decorate my walls!

Thank you Kingswood Primary School for this amazing opportunity.

Geeta Joshi

EAL Teacher

I am Geeta Joshi, I have a master's degree in English Literature, and I am a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) trained teacher with teaching experience of working with primary, secondary and university students in Melbourne.

I also have a good understanding of current trends in educational thinking and practice and the ability to inspire a love of learning in children.

This year, I will be working with junior students at Kingswood Primary School who have English as an additional language (EAL). I will be supporting them with their learning in general, as well as a specific focus on English; in terms of reading, writing, and speaking and listening. This support is funded by the Department of Education and is being used to support all EAL learners at Kingswood.'

Book Week 2021