Welcome to our new 2025 Staff 

Mathematics Teacher - James Tan 

Hello, my name is James Tan. I am extremely excited to join Brinbeal Secondary College in 2025 as a Mathematics Teacher. 

I have been teaching Maths and Chinese language for the last 13 years including precious UK experience. I have worked as YLC and SSL liaison teacher before, and organised Melbourne camp and Chinatown experiences previously. 

I love most numeracy related real life activities outside school. I’m really looking forward to meeting the Brinbeal Secondary College community next year.

Science Teacher - Tenhae McNally

Hi, I'm Tenhae. I am so excited to be part of Brinbeal Secondary College. 

I have taught right across the spectrum of 7 to 12 in  a range of subjects including Science, Math, Health, Food Tech and Visual Communication. I have passion for all things science, and hold a Biomedical Degree as well as a Masters of Teaching (Secondary).  

In my free time I enjoy getting away and going off grid in our camper van with our dog Buddy or taking the     motorbikes out on a nice day.  I love all things rainbow, a goofy dance and the opportunity to try something new. I look forward to meeting you all. 

Humanities Teacher - Rashika Caldera

Hi, my name is Rashika, and I’m thrilled to be joining the Brinbeal Secondary College community as a Humanities teacher!

I hold a Master of Teaching from Federation University, completed in 2023, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Additionally, I earned a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Colombo. With five years of teaching experience, I am passionate about creating enriching learning opportunities that help students develop critical thinking and real-world problem-solving skills.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with family, reading, and exploring new places. I’m always excited to engage in conversations about education and business trends!

I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone at Brinbeal Secondary College next year!

Mathematics Teacher - Edward Cupido

Hi, I’m Edward.  I’m a teacher with a love for adventure, having taught in various countries and helping young minds unlock their potential to achieve their goals. 

My mission? To create an inclusive classroom where

every student feels respected and empowered to thrive. When I’m not inspiring the next generation, you’ll find me traveling to new places or enjoying weekends filled with family time and grandchildren. 

I’m also an avid gardener and a huge fan of rugby league and rugby union—nothing beats cheering for my favourite teams.

Health and PE Teacher – Austin Perrott

G’day, my name is Austin Perrott and I cannot wait to get started at Brinbeal Secondary College in 2025 as a Health and PE teacher!

I join BSC as a permission to teach teacher whilst I finish off the last three units of a Masters of Secondary Education degree at Federation University. After spending 5 years working as a strength and conditioning coach, I am very excited to be moving into health and PE teaching.

I love sport and exercise and in my spare time you’ll catch me watching AFL, soccer or cricket and lifting weights in the gym!

I look forward to meeting everyone in the future 😊

Science and Vietnamese Language Teacher - Uyen Phan 

Hi, my name is Uyen Phan.

I am thrilled to be appointed as a Graduate Teacher, specialising in Science and Vietnamese language. Before transitioning into teaching, I worked on several molecular and medical research projects across Australia, the UK, South Korea, and Vietnam. Biology has always been my greatest passion, and I’m eager to inspire the younger generation through engaging classroom discussions and hands-on activities.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy participating in social activities like food festivals and fundraising events, as well as playing and supporting sports like table tennis and soccer. I believe our new Brinbeal Secondary College will become a vibrant community where everyone can come together, enjoy learning, and thrive.

I can’t wait to meet you all!

Digital & Systems Technology Teacher - Nicholas Bevilacqua

My name’s Nicholas Bevilacqua, or as the students will know me: Mr B, and I’ll be the Systems Technology teacher from 2025.

I’m excited to join the Brinbeal community and bring with me over 10 years of teaching experience. I’m passionate about creating a classroom environment where students feel empowered to express their creativity and share their ideas. I’ve spent most of my educational career teaching STEM to primary school students, and I look forward to building on that foundation with high school students.

When I’m not in the classroom, I love spending time outdoors and following sports. I’m a die-hard Carlton supporter (go Blues!) in the AFL and a huge fan of Melbourne United in the NBL.

I’m really looking forward to getting to know everyone and contributing to the vibrant learning environment here!

Humanities Teacher - Preeti Maharaj

Hello, my name is Preeti. I am a part time English and Humanities teacher, a PhD student as well as an educational consultant. I specialise in the development of curriculum, student voice and agency, instructional practice, literacy and numeracy across curriculum areas. 

My PhD focus is about how teachers navigate their identities, students’ identities and educational institutional identities when engaging with anti-racist practices and policies in schools. This is borne out of the intersections of my lived experiences as a migrant Woman of Colour, a teacher and school leader of two decades.

I finally gave myself permission to explore the creative arts in middle age. 

I love working with teenagers and being part of a school community. Working at a brand new school has always been a career goal and I am looking forward to all the things we will create together as Brinbeal grows.

Performing Arts Teacher - Chiara White

Hi! I am Chiara White and I am very excited to take up a position as a performing arts teacher at Brinbeal Secondary College. I have been performing and creating all of life. I have 5 years experience teaching Performing Arts, English and Psychology within a school setting and in that time I have had the pleasure of taking students to the second round of the wakakirri story dance competition and was director, vocal coach and choreographer for a developing school's first production. 

On a weekend you may be able to catch me with my dogs, going to see a musical or caring for some of my 80 indoor plants. 

English Teacher - Javaria Ismail 

"Hi, my name is Javaria and I’m delighted to join Brinbeal Secondary College in 2025 as an English teacher.

I cherish the opportunity that English classrooms provide to cultivate creative and critical thinking in my students, enabling them to realise their potential to author their lives and worlds.

Beyond the classroom, I enjoy reading, exploring new places, and spending quality time with family and friends. 

I'm also passionate about languages and speak four languages fluently. Can’t wait to meet you all – see you in 2025!"

Food Technology Teacher - Deborah Elliss 

I am very enthusiastic about starting at a very new school which gives me the opportunity to get to know the students well, as they progress through the school. 

I love teaching Food Studies, which is an essential life skill for everybody.

I have a  Groodle puppy called Charli and a short haired cat called Nugget.

I have 2 grown up sons, only one of which loves cooking!

Looking forward to meeting you in 2025.

Chinese Language Teacher - Ella Xu

Nǐ hǎo! My name is Ella, and I am thrilled to be joining Brinbeal Secondary College in 2025 as the Chinese teacher. 

I have been teaching Chinese for many years and am excited to share my language and culture with the students next year. 

After school, I enjoy taking my Labrador for walks, reading, watching TV, and gardening in my backyard. 

I’m looking forward to meeting the wonderful students and families of Brinbeal Secondary College!

Mathematics Teacher - Sherry Lu

Hi, I’m Sherry.  I am thrilled to be joining Brinbeal Secondary College in 2025 as a Mathematics teacher. 

Having recently completed my Bachelor of Teaching with a major in Mathematics, I am passionate about making math accessible and enjoyable for all students. I firmly believe that everyone has the potential to be a "mathematical person" with the right mindset and support.

In my spare time, I love spending quality moments with my family, whether it's watching a movie together or exploring the outdoors on nature walks. I'm looking forward to inspiring a love of learning and helping students achieve their best at Brinbeal.