Getting to know the HPS staff is an important part of building strong connections within our school community. By learning more about the people who work closely with your children each day, families can feel more confident and engaged in their child’s learning journey. Strong relationships between teachers, education support staff, students and families, supports communication and trust, building a positive learning environment for all.

In each newsletter, we will share a little bit about some of our teachers through a Staff Profile. We have asked teachers a range of questions and they have provided their responses. Please enjoy reading about some of our teachers and support staff: Ms Yencken (Prep FY), Ms Coady (1GC & Wellbeing), Ms Milanese (2M), Ms Williamson (STEAM) and Ms McNamara (ES) this week.

Nat Yencken

What makes Highvale PS a great school to work at?

The students, staff and HPS families at our school are all wonderful!

Everyone works together in our school community to make HPS such a fun, supportive and exciting place to learn and work!

What are your career highlights to date?

I have had many career highlights over the years. I definitely love seeing my students start their school journey in Prep learning to read and write for the first time. I also love seeing my past students come back to HPS to share what they are up to now and their chosen career paths!

When not at school I like to…….

Spend time with my family, we love to go to the beach and travel together! Our next adventure is Japan!

I also love playing basketball, running and reading.

My family

My family consists of my husband, Tom and my two daughters, Annabelle (5) and Lyla (10). Annabelle has just started Prep this year and Lyla is in Year 5. We also have two cats, Penny and Bow.

Caroline Coady

What makes HPS a great school to work at?

HPS is a great school to work at because of the staff, students and families who make up our school community. HPS feels like one great big school family who support and care about each other.

What are your career highlights to date?

There are so many! I absolutely love watching students have a ‘lightbulb moment’ where their learning clicks into place and they feel like they finally ‘get it’! I also love teaching students to read. There's nothing better than seeing a child read their first word!

If I wasn’t a teacher I would like to be…

An archaeologist! I think this stems from my love of the Indiana Jones movies as a kid! It’s turned me into a bit of a history nerd!

My family

I am from a huge family! I have 3 big sisters, 16 aunts & uncles and 56 cousins!

I live with my husband and two cheeky cavoodles called Pablo & Holly. My favourite thing to do is go to the beach and have fun with my family.

Jeanette Milanese

What makes HPS a great school to work at?

Highvale Primary School is an excellent school with great kids, friendly teachers & staff and a wonderful school community. I really like the environment and atmosphere our school has, everyone is always kind, inclusive and respectful of one another. Teachers at our school are really passionate, supportive and committed to our students learning and progress both academically and emotionally.

When not at school I like to…Outside of school, I love spending time with my family and friends especially with my pug, Hugo, who keeps life fun and busy. I enjoy travelling and discovering new places, and I’m passionate about photography and cooking, particularly when it means sharing good food and memories with the people I care about.

Who was your favourite teacher at school and why?

My favourite teacher when I was in Primary School, was my Grade Two Teacher, Mr Tuffin. He really cared for his students and ensured learning involved our interests. He always encouraged us to do our best and provided extra support whenever it was needed. My favourite memory of Mr Tuffin, was when he used to read us Roald Dahl books. The first story he read to us was “George’s Marvellous Medicine”, and still to this day, this book is one of my favourites to read. I have even read this book to some of my own students!

If I wasn’t a teacher I would like to be…

If I wasn’t a teacher, I would love to work in medicine, ideally as a surgeon or paramedic. This was actually my original career path, but I quickly discovered that I’m not very well suited to the sight of blood, so teaching became the perfect (and much less faint inducing) alternative.

Caisha Williamson

What do you like about Highvale Primary School?

Highvale’s supportive and friendly community is what makes it a great place to work. It has been wonderful to build strong relationships with students and families over the years.

Who was your favourite teacher at school and why?

My year 2 teacher was my favourite teacher as she was always encouraging, kind and patient. Her influence and understanding of student differences still resonates with me and influences my teaching today.

When not at school I like to…….

Spend time outdoors gardening, going for walks and exploring with my daughter. When I get the time, I enjoy painting, doing puzzles and taking on renovation projects at home.

My family

In my family is my husband Chris and my 3 year old daughter Clare. We are very excited to be welcoming another addition to our family later this year!

Allie McNamara

History of Employment

I began my Education Support role in 2009 at Burwood East Primary School. I came to Highvale in mid 2011 so have been a part of this school for nearly 15 years.

When not at school I like to…..

Read! Read!Read! I enjoy a good book.

I also like pottering around in my garden and spending time with family and friends. I LOVE looking after my grandson Oliver. He makes me laugh and fills my heart with so much joy.

What do you like about Highvale Primary School?

Working alongside amazing staff makes Highvale a lovely place to be. We care about each other and we all work together to support every student’s growth-academically, socially and emotionally.

The students are pretty great too!!

My Family

My husband, Michael.

I have 2 beautiful adult children Bella and Emily and my cheeky, adorable grandson Oliver who is 2 and about to become a big brother very soon! I also have a dog named Harry. He is a rescue dog that I adopted over 12 years ago.

Here are photos of our wonderful teaching team on their first day!

Our Prep Teachers

Our Year 1 & 2 Teachers

Our Year 3 Teachers

Our Year 4 Teachers

Our Year 5 Teachers

Our Year 6 Teachers

Visual Arts Community Connection