Welcome new staff
Joining our community : Part 1
We are delighted to have a number of new staff join our community this year. Over the next couple of newsletters we will bring you a short introduction to each of them. Please say hello when you see them around.
Elenni Balis
I am thrilled to be joining Northcote High School to teach English. I come to this role after more than a decade working in the news media as a subeditor, which saw me keeping abreast of the world's happenings, writing snappy headlines, fixing copy, interviewing film and TV stars and always keeping to tight deadlines. After all that I needed a change of pace and spent six years teaching yoga before heading back to university for the third time (a lifelong learner, it's true!). I still teach yoga and practice it every day.
I like to read have been in a bookclub for about 10 years which has seen many heated debates but more belly laughs. The Merri Creek is where I run and I love and loath it in equal measure. I am most looking forward to getting to know my new students, what they like, and what they are capable of. When I was at school I participated in ALL the co-curricular activities possible so would love to get involved in what Northcote has to offer. I have always wondered what it looks like inside that beautiful red-brick building on St Georges Road and am slightly apprehensive about learning so many new names.
Brian Vo
My name is Brian, I enjoy playing video games and skateboarding in my spare time. I used to run a League of Legends event at my previous school and look forward to sharing this interest with other students. I’ve completed a Business and Commerce Degree at Monash University specialising in Quantitative Economics and I am excited to share my passion and knowledge with everyone.
Camille and I have been married for 4 years, we have a 2-year-old daughter named Xyla and we’re expecting another one in late March. 2022 will mark my 6th year as a teacher and I still find it as enjoyable as ever. My previous experience includes 7 years working and managing a deli, 7 years working as a Stevedore in Port Melbourne and 2 Years in Sales and Customer Service for electrical cables. I've lived most of my life in the outer fringes of metropolitan Melbourne and I am curious to see if there is any noticeable difference in living standards and opportunities based on locality. I can't wait to see what new and exciting experiences Northcote has to offer.
Erin Gogerly
As a past student of Northcote High, I am very excited to be returning in 2022 as a Health and PE Teacher. After graduating from RMIT in 2019, I was lucky enough to spend 5 months travelling through Europe just before the pandemic hit before beginning my teaching career at the end of 2020 at Viewbank College. As a PE teacher, I’m a big sports fan, though as a St Kilda supporter haven’t experienced a lot of success! I currently play footy locally for the Fitzroy Football Club and in the past have played at VFLW level. During the off season and over school holidays I love getting down to Apollo Bay with friends and family, or spend my time in the many cafes and restaurants of Fitzroy, Brunswick and Northcote. I can’t wait to get back to Northcote High and invest in the community that I got so much out of as a student!
Maureen Sweeney
Howdy! Let’s start with the obvious…my name.
My parents named me Maureen. My schoolfriends named me Moz which stuck.
I grew up on the Northern Beaches of Sydney and I still LOVE THE BEACH!
I’m 50 years young and married to my best mate Jas. Together we have 4 daughters Niz (Elizabeth28) Shan (Shannon26) Ez (Eireann24) & Squid (Grace20). We have two pooches Morris & Theodore and a turtle, Hunter.
I love most everything except Cheese… I really dislike Cheese (I know I know this is just plain wrong!) I’m trying to like it & I make the best cheese platters! I LOVE LOVE LOVE SUMMER and CHRISTMAS but have no desire to experience a white Christmas because well you know...COLD! I also love travelling the globe exploring food, culture and history. I have my Certificate IV in Tourism and use it to plan and book my own explorations. My next trip OS is June 2022 when we head to Spain, Portugal and Italy to celebrate our 50th birthdays.
I have been working with kids for over 20 years in varying roles, mostly in Education Support but in the early days I worked in Day Cares, Pre Schools and Kindergartens in both Victoria and NSW, I then moved into Primary Schools and more recently high Schools. I love what I do and getting paid is a bonus!
Oh! And I don’t like ignorant people with internet access.
Did I mention Cheese?
Tim Snow
My Name is Tim Snow and I am starting at Northcote as a Health and PE teacher. I got into teaching after living in Barcelona, Spain for 2 years where I played Hockey professionally and was employed in a secondary school as a conversation assistant in English classes. I loved the experience of teaching overseas and this sparked my passion to pursue a career in teaching. In 2021, I worked at Yarra Valley Grammar School and Camberwell Girls Grammar School in their Sport and PE departments whilst completing my final year of study at Deakin University.
Outside of school I love being involved in sport. I played Hockey for Victoria, overseas in the Spanish National League and for many years for Doncaster in Premier League. Currently, I am player/coach Blackburn South Cricket Club which has been a great experience, particularly being able to influence the culture of the club and develop young players. I am big bombers fan and can’t wait for us to win the premiership is 2022, it’s our year!!!
I’m looking forward to getting started at Northcote High and can’t wait to get to know the students and staff.