Teacher & Education Support Staff Profiles

What do you like about Highvale Primary School?

I like how supportive and collaborative the staff at Highvale Primary School are, especially for new teachers. I also really like the strong sense of community at HPS.  There is a strong emphasis on building positive relationships with students and families. The school’s welcoming culture makes it an enjoyable place to teach and learn.

When not at school I like to…….

When I’m not at school, I like to relax, and spend time with family and friends. I enjoy unwinding with a good movie or TV show. I like to recharge by taking on some dance sessions so I feel fresh to bring back positive energy. 

If I wasn’t a teacher I would like to be……….

If I wasn’t a teacher, I would like to be a criminologist or possibly a prosecutor. I have a background in criminology and enjoy investigating and problem-solving, particularly in the pursuit of fairness and justice.

My family

My family consists of my mum, dad, and younger sister. Sadly we don’t have any pets because my mum has a pet allergy. My extended family, including my grandparents and cousins, all live in China and I value staying connected with them despite the distance.

History of employment? (where have you worked)

I qualified as a teacher back in 1986 in England andI taught in the UK for 9 years before having my three children and moving to Australia with my family in 2004. I returned to teaching in 2011, working as a classroom teacher at Orchard Grove Primary School in Blackburn South , then as a CRT at this school and then at Highvale. This is my fourth year at Highvale now- I have been a CRT, a Tutor and in the past couple of years, a member of the fantastic Specialist team.

If I wasn’t a teacher I would like to…

Work in the music industry. I love music and especially live music. I have always dreamed of being a backing singer in a band!

When not at school I like to…….

Exercise as much as I can- I love Aqua Aerobics in the pool. I also love singing in my choir, Pop Choir. We have done many performances and even appeared on TV a few times! Singing makes me feel happy and I have made so many friends from my singing community.

My family

I have three gorgeous adult children- Maddy is 31, Sam is 28 and Dom is 24. Maddy is married and now a mum herself. I now have two beautiful grandchildren- Noah who is 2 and  Aria, who was born on January 30 this year, I love being a Granny!

History of employment? (where have you worked)

I have worked at Highvale for 11 years as a woodwind instrumental teacher and band conductor. For the past 5 years I have been teaching Performing Arts as well!

Who was your favourite teacher at school and why?

My favourite teacher at school was my year 3 teacher. I remember that he was kind, encouraging and used to often play the guitar while we all sang along. 

When not at school I like to…….

Spend time gardening, hiking, camping, sewing and reading!

My family

I live with my partner Andrew. I also have two brothers and three crazy nephews!

What makes HPS a great school to work at?

HPS is a great school to work at because of its strong sense of community. The students are enthusiastic and respectful, and the staff are supportive and welcoming. HPS is also a diverse and inclusive school where everyone feels valued, making it a positive and enjoyable place to work and learn.

When not at school I like to…

When I’m not at school, I enjoy staying active, particularly through running. I compete in professional sprinting, with the 400m being my favourite distance. Sport has always been a very big part of my life. I’ve played a variety of sports growing up and enjoy watching them too, especially athletics and AFL!

If I wasn’t a teacher I would like to be…

If I wasn’t a teacher, I would like to be a physiotherapist. As an athlete, I’m really interested in how the body moves, recovers, and stays healthy, and I enjoy helping others improve their physical wellbeing. 

History of employment?

I have worked in education support for three years, and this year is my first year teaching. This is my second year at Highvale, where I have enjoyed growing my teaching practice in such a supportive and inclusive school community.

What do you like about Highvale Primary School?

HPS has a very inclusive and welcoming environment. It doesn’t matter whether you have just started working here or been here for ages, the kids and community make an effort to get to know you and learn about you and vice versa. Everyone is keen to learn and play and enjoy their day at the school.

When not at school I like to…….

Spend time with my children, be outside and go for walks, exercise, play beach volleyball, play board games, read a good book and bake delicious things. 

If I wasn’t a teacher/ES I would like to be……

A Speech Pathologist or interpreter. Language and Linguistics has always been a passion of mine and my undergraduate degree was Languages and Linguistics. I would still love to work with kids, which is why being a Speech Pathologist would be high on my list and I have studied German, French, Italian, Spanish and Greek so I love learning languages and their morphology, syntax and grammar.

My family

I have a husband called Rory and two beautiful girls: Maeve (3.5yrs) and Aurelia (9 months). We have a black Kelpie named Murphy and two cute spiny leaf insects.

What makes Highvale PS a great school to work at?

Highvale primary is a great school to work at because of the supportive and collaborative community. During my time at Highvale I have felt very welcomed and valued by all students and staff members. 

When not at school I like to…….

When I am not at school I like to play footy and soccer as well as spend time with my friends and family. I also enjoy doing puzzles and playing board games. 

My family…

My family is made up of my mum, dad and two older sisters as well as four noisy cockatiels who think they run the house. 

If I wasn’t a teacher/ES I would like to be…

If I wasn't an ES or studying towards becoming a teacher I would want to become a physiotherapist. As someone who is always dealing with a sports injury,  I love seeing all the different exercises that help recovery and make people stronger.