From the Principal’s Desk

Dear Families,

What an incredible week it has been at Mitcham Primary School! A heartfelt thank you to everyone for your understanding and flexibility with the change of date for our Community Evening. It was so rewarding to see families, students, and staff come together on Wednesday to create a truly memorable celebration. The atmosphere was filled with joy, laughter, and a wonderful sense of connection. Events like these highlight the strength and spirit of our school community, and we are so grateful for your ongoing support.

I also want to acknowledge how wonderfully our students have embraced the recent transition sessions. Their enthusiasm and adaptability have been inspiring, and it has been a pleasure to watch them explore new spaces, engage with their peers, and step confidently into the next stage of their learning journey.

Looking ahead, we are all eagerly anticipating Tuesday, 10th December, when students will meet their 2025 classroom teachers and classmates. This is always a special moment, as it sets the tone for a smooth start to the new year. We can’t wait to see the connections that begin to form and the excitement that builds for the learning opportunities ahead.

As the year draws to a close, it is time to reflect on the contributions of our wonderful staff and share some important updates for 2025.

We wanted to update you on some important changes within our senior leadership team. We are pleased to announce that Michelle Anderson is now the Assistant Principal responsible for Disability Inclusion, Wellbeing, and Engagement. Michelle will be working closely with Laura Ellis, our Learning Specialist of Student Wellbeing. Beau Robertson's Learning Specialist role will continue in 2025 with a focus on Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning. Both Laura and Beau will have reduced teaching loads to fulfill the requirements of their new leadership positions. Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited to welcome Donna Johnston as our Staff Professional Learning Community Coach, Netanel Koles as the Mathematics and ICT Coordinator, and Isaac Delaney as the Literacy Coordinator.Detailed below are the 2025 teaching teams, please note these teams have been slightly adjusted to what was previously published. The team leader for each level is also identified below. We hope this information helps you know who to reach out to for any inquiries you may have.

Farewell to Departing Staff

As is often the case at the end of a school year, we must say goodbye to some valued members of our Mitcham Primary School community as they embark on new adventures:

Katrina Ballard: After 27 years as a much-loved and highly valued member of our Education Support Team, Katrina Ballard is retiring. We thank her for her remarkable service and the positive impact she has made on our students.
Deb Williamson: After an incredible career in education, Deb is retiring at the end of this year. Her warmth, dedication, and expertise will be deeply missed by all.
Anika Harris: Anika will be taking a year away from Mitcham to teach in Darwin. We wish her all the best in this exciting new chapter.
Marina Rich: After 14 years at Mitcham Primary School, Marina is leaving to take up a position at Melbourne Montessori School in Brighton, we wish Marina every success with her new role and responsibilities.
Shea McFarland: Shea is taking a year of leave to follow her passion and is starting her own sewing business. We are excited for her and wish her every success.
Lauren Lamont: Lauren is expecting a new addition to her family early in the new year. We send our warmest congratulations and look forward to her return after family leave.
Catherine Primerano: Catherine is also excitedly preparing to welcome a new addition to her family in the new year. We wish her all the best during this special time and look forward to her return after family leave.
Louise Merlino: Louise is stepping back from full-time work but will remain a familiar face, returning as a Casual Relief Teacher (CRT) in 2025.
Bella Norman: Bella leaves us after a year as an Education Support staff member to start her teaching career at Dorset Primary School. We wish her every success and lots of fun as a Grade 2 teacher.

Welcome to 2025

While we say farewell to some, we are excited about the year ahead and are pleased to announce our teaching teams for 2025.

Prep

Prep A - Isaac Delaney - Literacy Coordinator

Prep B - Ashlee Moore - Team Leader

Prep C - Stephanie Youssf

Grade 1

1A - Tilly Birkett

1B - Tara Buckle - Team Leader

1C - Beau Robertson (3 days) and Sophie Robertson (2 days)

Grade 2

2A - Jayne Crigan - Team Leader

2B - Donna Johnston - Staff Professional Learning Community Coordinator

2C - Ella Revell

Grade 3/4

3/4A - Emmerson Hickleton

3/4B - Netanel Koles - Mathematics and ICT Coordinator

3/4C - Kristy Parslow - Team Leader

3/4D - Bharti Sood-Anand

3/4E - Riley Wallace

Grade 5/6

5/6A - Lauren Cerra - Team Leader

5/6B - Kristy Maitland (3 days) and Kate Xenophontos (2 days)

5/6C - Nathan Percy

5/6D - Claire Todeschini

Cycle 2

1-3A - Val Berardini

1-3B - Judith Sivasubramanium

Cycle 3

4-6A - Sandy Kaye

4-6B - Judith Ryall - Montessori Team Leader

Specialist Team

Performing Arts - Caitlin Kolokathis - Specialist Team Leader

PE - Laura Ellis (3 days) and Kate Price (2 days)

Art - Emma Bates (2 days) and Kate Heuston (2 days)

Indonesian - Glenda Thjin

Auslan - Lisa Cooke

EAL - Michelle Dybing

STEM - Rebecca Peters (4 days) and Erena Cain (1 day)

Tutor Learning Initiative - Sandy Stuart

We are so grateful for the contributions of all our staff, past and present, in making Mitcham Primary School the incredible place it is. Please join me in wishing those leaving all the very best and in welcoming our 2025 teaching teams.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to foster a strong and connected school community.

Warmly,

Erin

The Fathering Project

Mitcham Cup

The Fathering Project End of Year Celebration