Staff News

New Staff

Justin Ordona

Science and Chemistry Teacher

We are pleased to welcome Justin Ordona to the Huntingtower staff as he joins our Science Department, stepping into the role while Samantha Reedy begins her parental leave. Justin will be teaching Science and Chemistry and will also take on a Mentor role, bringing a broad skill set and a strong passion for student development.

Justin is a highly experienced and versatile educator, having taught in a range of schools across Australia and internationally. Most recently, he taught Chemistry, Physics, Science and DigiSTEM at St Leonard’s College, where he was also a Year 8 Learning Mentor and played a key role in curriculum development, including designing comprehensive units for Year 8 Science. His prior experience includes teaching Chemistry and PE at the Canadian International School in Tokyo, where he also served as a VCE-level mentor and PD presenter and held leadership responsibilities for large-scale academic testing.

He holds a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education (Secondary) with a major in Chemistry and minor in Mathematics, as well as a Master of Education in Digital Learning from Monash University. He brings with him a student-centered approach, known for building strong, positive relationships with his students, supporting wellbeing and academic growth and providing clear and structured feedback.

Beyond the classroom, Justin has contributed to school life through sports coaching, outdoor education camps and strength and conditioning programs. His commitment to holistic education and his ability to connect with students both academically and personally make him a fantastic addition to our school community.

We warmly welcome Justin and look forward to the energy, experience and mentorship he will bring to Huntingtower.

Celebrating Our Education Support Personnel

On Friday 16 May 2025, the Huntingtower community came together to celebrate Education Support Personnel (ESP) Day - a meaningful occasion to recognise the invaluable contributions of our general staff.

From administration and IT support to maintenance and grounds, teacher aides and many more, our support personnel are essential to the smooth running of the School. Their dedication, professionalism and care are deeply appreciated by students, staff and families alike.

To mark the occasion, staff gathered in the staffroom for a special morning tea, thoughtfully prepared by our wonderful canteen team. which included not only delicious treats but also a few thoughtful surprises to bring smiles and laughter to the room. 

Please enjoy a selection of photos from the morning tea below, capturing the spirit of the day and the genuine gratitude felt across our community.

To all our Education Support Personnel - thank you. Your work makes a difference every day and we are truly grateful.

Rising Star Award

Congratulations to Warrell Head of House, Mr Andrew Smale, on being named one of The Educator’s Rising Stars – a national recognition celebrating the top teachers and educators in Australia under 35.

Andrew is a thoughtful and committed leader who contributes meaningfully to life at Huntingtower. In his role as Head of House, he supports students with care and consistency, helping to build a culture of respect, connection and belonging. The Educator highlighted emotional intelligence and professional training as key qualities of a Rising Star, attributes Andrew demonstrates daily.

In recognition of this outstanding achievement, Huntingtower is proud to award Andrew $3,000 towards his continued professional development. 

We’re also thrilled to share that Huntingtower has received a School Leadership Award, honouring schools that nurture and empower emerging educators to lead, grow and innovate.

Mrs Simone Nuroo

Director of People & Culture