New Staff Profiles cont...

Kellie Heathcote - Grade 3B

My name is Kellie Heathcote and I am excited to join Carnegie Primary School as the 3B classroom teacher in 2026. I am a graduate teacher but have worked in Education Support as a classroom aide and doing small group intervention programs for 7 years, most recently at Southmoor Primary School in Moorabbin. 

When I am not at school I am a mum to three teenagers who keep me very busy driving them around and cooking. At home I have a pet cavoodle, Millie and a cat, Lex.  I enjoy spending time with my kids, cooking, beach walks and binge watching whatever new series is out.

I have been warmly welcomed by the CPS staff and am looking forward to getting to know the students and meeting the parents and families in the CPS community.

Emma Atkinson - Grade 2B

My name is Emma Atkinson and I am excited to have become a formal member of the CPS community after being lucky enough to complete casual relief teaching at the school last year. This is my 25th year in education and I am thrilled to be teaching the amazing 2B students. Over my years as a teacher, I have completed post graduate studies in Individual Learning Differences and the International Baccalaureate Program. I created a tutoring business whilst on maternity leave where I focussed solely on literacy; a love of mine. 

When not wearing my teacher hat, I am spending time with my 12 year old son and boisterous groodle. I love to swim at the Carnegie pool, walk in the mornings and spend time with my family and friends. 

What a fabulous community CPS is, I am excited for the year to come!

Theresa Blaauw - Learning Specialist 

My name is Theresa Blaauw and I am looking forward to working at Carnegie Primary School. I started my teaching career in South Africa and have been working as a teacher in Australia for 10 years now. In those years of teaching I have taught many different year levels, led many teams and even been an Acting Principal. I love learning and helping!

Some of my hobbies include reading and gyming. I have recently been learning how to sew, that has been a very humbling experience. I am sure that the more I practice the better I will get. 

My family consists of my husband, 12 year old son, a cavoodle named Huxley and a very hungry cat, Luna.

I look forward to getting to know all your faces and eventually putting names to them.

Rachael Seaton - Performing Arts

Hello Everyone!

My name is Rachael Seaton and it's a pleasure to be joining Carnegie Primary school as the new Performing Arts Teacher! I've been teaching in a high school environment for the past eight years and prior to that teaching EAL to international students. I am originally from New Zealand and was a primary teacher there before moving to Melbourne in 2012.

Outside of school I enjoy going to trivia nights, making art and weekly Zumba classes! I have a 2.5 year old son who keeps me very busy and a very fluffy cat called Lucky.

I'm a Carnegie local so if you spot me in Woolies, say “Hello!”

Nicole Hudson - Visual Arts

Hello! My name is Nicole Hudson and I’m very pleased to be joining Carnegie Primary School as the Visual Arts teacher this year. I began my teaching career in 2018 and have taught across all grade levels, as well as Physical Education and Visual Arts—though art has always been my true passion.

Before becoming a teacher, I worked in a range of administrative roles across various government agencies, before ultimately finding my place in teaching.

Beyond the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my daughter, family and friends, and love swimming, dancing, heading to the beach, listening to music, visiting galleries and creating art.

I’m looking forward to being part of the Carnegie Primary School community and getting to know the students, families and staff.