New Staff Members
Introducing Mr Joseph Doyle
It is a privilege to assume the role of Assistant Principal at Saltwater P-9 College in 2022. I am thoroughly looking forward to contributing to your unique school environment, which is being built from the ground up.
In terms of a little background about myself, I grew up in country Victoria, in a town called Yarrawonga, and come from a family of 7, including 4 brothers. I moved to Melbourne to start my professional journey by completing an education degree at Deakin University.
Since then, I have worked in multiple primary schools in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. My most recent role was leading the Literacy program at Wheelers Hill Primary School.
Outside of work, I love sport, movies, camping, and food. My wife and I have recently become parents for the first time, with our daughter Lila being born in April 2021, so it has been a busy time for us! I look forward to meeting everyone during the next period of time and continuing the great work that is happening at Saltwater.
Joe Doyle
Introducing Mr Mark McInerney
Hi, my name is Mark McInerney, and for the last 4 years I have been an Assistant Principal at Essendon Keilor College. There I lead student management, engagement, wellbeing, respectful relationships and SWPBS programs and teams, along with being the Director of Football for their Elite AFL program and Coach of the SSV AFL Premier League Senior Boys side.
I pride myself on building relationships built on trust, honesty, transparency, and inclusivity for all, to foster and enhance learning, achievement, and connectedness for students and staff while building the capacity of those around me in a supportive and hopefully enjoyable way.
I feel privileged with my appointment to Saltwater P-9 College and am looking forward to being a part of the College community. I will take the time to meet and get to know all of our students, staff, and families as we embark on what will be an innovative and exciting year.
In 2022 we welcome our inaugural Year 7 student cohort for the College, along with over 200 new Prep students transitioning from Kindergarten to being Primary students with us. It is mine and collectively our responsibility to provide our students with a learning environment that is productive, safe, challenging, and supportive with genuine teacher care being demonstrated, and I look forward to working together to ensure this.
Introducing Hayley Mann
My name is Hayley Mann and I have been a teacher for 12 years. 3 years ago, I moved to Australia from England and have enjoyed the last 2 years being part of the Saltwater family, teaching in the younger years.
I am looking forward to starting my new role next year as Leading Teacher.
Introducing Mr David Vivoda
Dear Saltwater Community,
My name is David Vivoda and I am honoured to be announced as a Leading Teacher at Saltwater College for 2022. It brings me great joy to be able to continue to create a culture of internally minded students here at Saltwater College.
Throughout my teaching career, I have spent the past 6 years working in both mainstream and IB schools. In 2016 I started my teaching career at Altona Meadows Primary School and then I moved onto Seabrook Primary School in 2018, where I worked till coming to Saltwater P-9 College in 2020. During my time here, I have been very blessed to have the opportunity to meet the Saltwater Community and become a part of its culture. Since 2020 I have been a Learning Specialist here at our school and it has been a position where I’ve had the privilege to support and develop children and staff in their understanding and knowledge. Having spent most of my teaching career in the Internal Baccalaureate programme, I can confidently say this programme truly supports and guides students and teachers to think and become internationally-minded citizen.
As a Leading Teacher at Saltwater College, I will endeavour to guide our students, staff and families through our core work in connection with our mission and vision. I am very excited to continue to work alongside the wonderful community that Saltwater has. I can’t wait to be a part of this new journey we will be taking in 2022.
David Vivoda
Leading Teacher
Saltwater P-9 College
Introducing Mrs Anne Farrugia
Dear Saltwater Community,
It is with great enthusiasm that I announce my new role as a Leading Teacher at Saltwater P-9 College in 2022.
I have worked as an educator and leader in a range of roles in my experience, working within the International Baccalaureate Programme. As a lifelong learner in an ever-changing world, I believe that one must continue to be curious, critical, and creative, this stimulates our learning and unleashes our potential. It has been an absolute pleasure working with the students, staff, parents and the wider community of Saltwater College.
Education is my passion and I look forward to continuing to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring members of our Saltwater College Community.
2022 will be a big year for Saltwater College, with much to look forward to!
As we continue our journey to become an accredited International Baccalaureate school, I look forward to building upon the successful culture that we have built and outcomes for all learners in 2022 and beyond.
Anne Farrugia
Leading Teacher
Saltwater P-9 College
Introducing Ms Sarah O Connor
Hi, I’m Sarah, a local Salt Water Coast resident who moved to Australia in 2015. I have been in education for over 15 years, 8 of which were in my home country of New Zealand. I am currently a Leading Teacher at a neighbouring school and working towards a Master’s degree in Psychology and Counselling.
I have a passion for wellbeing and engagement for all students and am excited to be bringing my energy and passion to Saltwater P-9 College in 2022. I may be a familiar face to some, we’ve possibly crossed paths on a morning walk, perhaps been opposing partners on the netball court, or maybe even reached for the same item at the local IGA.
For those, I have met and those I am yet to meet, I look forward to seeing you all in the near future and working together to foster wonder, success and inspiration with your children.
Introducing Mrs Eli Qafsesi
Greetings Saltwater community!
My name is Eli Qafzezi. I am excited to be part of the teaching staff at Saltwater College P-9 in the 2022 school year. I am a highly dedicated and professional educator that has experience working as a teacher at both local and international levels. I strongly believe in new, innovative methods of delivering teaching and facilitating learning in the 21st century.
Working with the wonderful Saltwater P-9 College family, I am committed to continuing to deliver an exceptional PYP (Primary Years Programme) with the aim of driving students towards excellence. By using students’ voice and agency throughout inquiry-based learning and personalised learning plans and goal setting, I embed the school’s vision, ‘Wisdom begins with Wonder’ in every lesson in my teaching.
I hold both primary and secondary qualifications and after completing the Master of TESOL-EAL (English as an Additional Language) Component with the University of Melbourne, I am optimistic about providing thoughtful learning experiences for students in the classroom and online learning platforms. I enjoy catering to individual learning needs and encouraging active participation coupled with the passion to “make the difference” in the Saltwater community children's lives and stimulate further growth and development.
I look forward to working collaboratively with the Saltwater community in years to come.
Yours sincerely,
Eli Qafzezi
Introducing Ms Natasha Palombi
Dear Saltwater Community,
My name is Natasha Palombi, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as a newly appointed Classroom Teacher at Saltwater P-9 College for 2022. I recently completed my Bachelor of Education P-12 at Victoria University. For the past year, I have worked at Iramoo Primary teaching Year 1.
I am very passionate at encouraging students to think creatively and critically. John Dewey said, “education is not preparation for life: education is life itself”. I believe it is my responsibility to provide students with the skills and strategies to maximise their potential and become life-long learners. I look forward to ensuring my students engage in an inclusive, safe and equitable learning environment. I am eager to build and maintain positive relationships with students, colleagues, parents/carers and the wider community of Saltwater P-9 College.
Natasha Palombi,
Introducing Mrs Lynette Taylor
Hello my name is Lynette Taylor, I have been teaching in the western suburbs of Melbourne for ten years and I am really excited to become a part of the teaching staff at Saltwater P-9 College in 2022. I have taught all of the year levels from Prep to six and have also had the opportunity of teaching Visual arts.
I love to learn new things and challenge myself and I work hard to create a classroom where everyone has the opportunity to learn in a safe environment every day.
I know that no two people are the same so I embrace these differences to help our students become caring, friendly, resourceful and resilient members of our school and society.
My family has lots of pets including a bearded dragon, eclectus parrot, quails, fish and a duck. I enjoy reading and having movie nights with my two daughters. I also enjoy going to the Zoo and going on day trips with my girls. Christmas is my favourite time of the year because I love the decorations and being able to spend time with my family.
I am looking forward to meeting you all very soon.
Introducing Mrs Sue Vandermeer
Hello Saltwater community!
My name is Sue Vandermeer, and I am delighted to be joining the year 5 team for 2022.
A little about me:
I have been an educator at Alamanda College for the last 4 years and previous to that, I spent 10 years as Education Support at Carranballac P-9 College.
Prior to entering the Education sector, I was a member of the Royal Australian Air Force and had the privilege of serving and travelling around this great country of ours for 14 years
I am married and have three children aged 22, 20 and 19.
I also have two dogs (Jack Russell Terriers) and one cat.
I love AFL and cricket and follow the Sydney Swans and the Melbourne Renegades. Both teams have not done the best over the last few years, but I am a loyal supporter.
I look forward to getting to know you all in 2022 and working together to ensure a successful year, across all areas.
Introducing Mrs Sophie
Hello, my name is Sophie, I am a new member of the Saltwater P-9 College team.
In the 20+ years I have been in classrooms, I can tell you two truths; First truth; it is a privilege to work with your children. Second truth; Walt Whitman and Malala Yousafzai were right: be curious, not judgemental, and one child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.”
I take this approach with me into every class.
My background in multicultural education and educational research will inform my collaboration with students and staff as a Learning Specialist (MYLAN & Coaching), to put into practice the goals of Saltwater P-9 College.
I know I have done my job well when the students I work with feel positively about their ability to learn in their classroom. I know I have done my job really well, when my students look forward to learning and are becoming self-motivated learners. I view my role at Saltwater College as a brilliant opportunity to be part of something wonderful with an excellent team and caring community.
Outside school hours I am happiest with my family, in the garden, camping, in a stationery shop, reading a good book, or shooting the breeze with my geriatric Schnauzer, Sergeant. I’m an enthusiastic lifelong learner with a weakness for good coffee and Ted Talks, who is so looking forward to meeting you all, and doing a lot of active listening.
Mum-muk, (Gurindji word roughly meaning take care/go well/until next time)
Sophie.
Introducing Mrs Rose Krajsic
Hello everyone - my name is Mrs Rose Krajsic and I am so excited to become part of the wonderful Saltwater College community. I have been teaching for three and a half years and come from a background in childcare and community services.
I have four children of my own, a daughter-in-law and a son-in-law, a one-year-old grandson, and a granddaughter due to arrive in February. I also have a Dalmatian named Oscar, who is extremely spoilt after the long amount of lockdown we have experienced.
I love spending time with my family. My favourite times spent with them include eating meals, laughing, and playing board games with a healthy sense of competition. I moved to Melbourne with my husband and children four years ago from Sydney and have loved every minute of it. I look forward to meeting you all in the new year.
Introducing Mr Cameron Vella
My name is Cameron Vella and I am thrilled to join the Saltwater P-9 College community in 2022. I love my work in supporting students to achieve their best selves and thrive throughout their schooling years.
Some fun facts about myself;
- I enjoy reading fiction fantasy novels, such as The Witcher book series and am interested in reading books from the science fiction genre.
- I love bike riding and am an exercise enthusiast. I believe a healthy body is a healthy mind.
- Writing is one of my favourite curriculum areas, as it is open for students to express themselves creatively.
Introducing Senorita Hewat
¡Hola a todos!
My name is Señorita Hewat and I will be the Spanish teacher at Saltwater P-9 College in 2022. I am new to the school and the area so I’m looking forward to exploring and meeting members of the community.
I am British/Australian and I’ve lived and studied in five countries and travelled to even more. Travelling and learning new languages and cultures are some of my passions, and I can’t wait to share my experiences and knowledge with you all. I also love reading and baking and will go out of my way to pat a dog.
Hopefully, you will love Spanish classes as much as I do.
¡Mucho gusto!
Introducing Kate Seinfield
Hi everyone! My name is Kate Seinfeld (yes like the TV show) and I am thrilled to be a newly appointed Classroom Teacher at Saltwater P-9 College in 2022. This is my first teaching role after having worked in Marketing for a year and finishing off a Bachelor of Music (Classical Voice)/Bachelor of Education (Honours) at Monash University this year.
I am beyond excited to start my teaching career at Saltwater and sharing this experience with you all. Ensuring all students have equal opportunity to learn and creating an inclusive environment are imperative to my teaching philosophy. I like teaching through multiple approaches and creating learning tasks in various modes to cater for the needs of the individual student.
In my spare time, I enjoy beach walks, brunch with friends and singing musical theatre songs on my piano. Looking forward to meeting you all very soon!
Kate Seinfeld
Classroom Teacher
Introducing Mr Payton Meirs
My name is Payton Meiers and I am extremely excited to introduce myself as a classroom Teacher in 2022. I recently completed my Bachelor of Education P-12 at Victoria University. My classroom is a safe place for students to step out of their comfort zone and take risks to improve their own learning experiences.
In my spare time I love watching AFL, talking about sport and playing golf.
I am looking forward to joining the Community of Saltwater P-9 College in 2022.
Introducing Miss Georgia Wetherill
Hi everyone,
My name is Georgia Wetherill and I’m thrilled to be joining the Saltwater community as a classroom teacher in 2022! I recently graduated from Deakin University with a Master of Teaching (Primary and Secondary), specialising in Secondary Drama and Humanities. After completing my final primary placement at Saltwater P-9 College, I’m extremely excited to begin my teaching journey here. I am passionate about creating a safe and positive classroom environment where each student is given the opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential.
I look forward to meeting students, their families, and the wider Saltwater Community in 2022.
Introducing Mrs Rachel Allen
My name is Mrs Allan, I have spent the best part of the past 2 years on Maternity Leave with my beautiful daughter Savannah Allan. I am really looking forward to being back at Saltwater P-9 College and working with some amazing teachers / friends. I have a huge, white Groodle called Boston.
When I am not at school, I enjoy spending my time at the park and reading picture storybooks with my little girl. My favourite subject to teach is Mathematics, closely followed by Writing. Look forward to seeing you all soon.
Introducing Bec Turnbull
Hello! My name is Miss Turnbull (or Miss T). I will be new to Saltwater P-9 College in 2022 and I am so very excited to be joining you! I have been a teacher for 5 years in Hoppers Crossing, I have a 12-year old daughter named Mia who is also beginning Year 7.
We live in Hoppers Crossing with our 3 dogs and 4 cats. We love animals, just in case you couldn't tell. I love nature and exploring new places and anything to do with music.
I am looking forward to an amazing 2022 with you all!
Introducing Ms Shaneece Rizzo
Dear Saltwater Community,
My name is Shaneece Rizzo and I am looking forward to starting my new journey at Saltwater in 2022. I will be in my third year teaching and have previously taught in upper primary. I am passionate about mathematics and coaching sports. I decided to become a teacher shortly after high school as I love to learn new things and guide others to be the best they can be. While studying, I worked as an education support person, working in special education setting, this is where my love for primary education grew more each day. I look forward to meeting everyone celebrating all student success to come.