From the  Assistant Principal

Professional Learning Communities 

This week a team of school leaders have embarked upon a journey of PLC training. Professional learning communities (PLCs) are an approach to school improvement where groups of teachers work collaboratively at the school level to improve student outcomes.​ Over the last 12 months, in anticipation of this training we have been working hard as a staff to develop deeper understanding of student data as well as establishing a culture of inquiry when investigating student growth and learning needs. Our team of Shaun McClare, Lochie Anderson, Kylie Drummond, Chelsey Lloyd, Bron Steele, and myself are really excited to be leading this journey for Kalinda.

Returning Staff

This year we have been excited to welcome back a number of staff to Kalinda who have been on family leave. Whilst many of them have not been gone long, I know that after a few years of remote learning, there are sometimes faces that don't feel quite as familiar so I thought I would welcome them here with a little word from the staff themselves. We are so thrilled to have these fantastic teachers and colleagues back at Kalinda. 

Steffie-Lee Ruggeri (4AR)

My name is Steffie-Lee Ruggeri and I have been a teacher for around nine years. I have taught at Kalinda since 2020 but in 2022, I was on Maternity Leave spending lots of time with my beautiful one year old daughter Phoebe. 

I live locally with my husband, Phoebe and our two crazy Staffies named Brick and Kirra. I love teaching and am excited to be back in the classroom this year!

Carmel D'Amico (Tutoring)

Hi Kalinda Community, my name is Carmel D’Amico and I am returning to Kalinda this year after having a year on maternity leave. I gave birth to my beautiful little boy Hunter at the end of 2021. I am also a mum to my big 4 year old Kindy girl Ivy. This is my 9th year at Kalinda! This year, I’m really looking forward to being back working in the tutoring program, as it will give me the opportunity to work with students from all different year levels.

Bianca Davies (P.E)

Hi everyone! I’m Miss Davies and I am very excited to be teaching PE and Sport with Mrs Oakley this year. I have been a classroom teacher for 15 years but finally get to teach the subject I am most passionate about! When I’m not at school, I have two girls at home, aged 4 and 8 months, who keep me very busy. I spend most of my spare time these days having tea parties on the trampoline, watching Bluey and cleaning the highchair. I'm looking forward to getting to know each of the students I teach and helping them develop their PE skills!

Jess Oakley (P.E)

Hi, my name is Jess Oakley. I’m returning back to Kalinda from maternity leave. I’ll be working part-time, teaching Physical Education to the Grade 5/6 and Foundation classes. I’ve really enjoyed being back, and have a new level of appreciation for all parents. 😊

Take care Kalinda, you mean a lot to me. 

Lauren Hopkins

We are kind. We are resilient. We are respectful.