5 minutes with the Foundation Team

Staff profiles are a powerful way to build an authentic community connection. By sharing our stories, passions, and personalities we aim to build familiarity, trust, and a sense of belonging. Most importantly, they remind our community that connection starts with people—people who care, contribute, and show up every day to make a difference

Foundation

5 minutes with Miss Howell:

How long have you worked at Parkdale Primary School? This year is my 5th year teaching Foundation. However, I am actually a former student at Parkdale. I started Prep in 2001 and finished Grade 6 in 2008. I also was lucky enough to have Miss Bradney as one of my teachers! 

What’s your favourite holiday destination? My favourite holiday destination is camping at Wye River with my family over the summer holidays. We have been going each year for the past 20 years! 

What is your favourite sport to watch? I love to watch the footy! Especially the St Kilda games with my family. 

What would you sing at karaoke night? It would absolutely be anything by ABBA, mostly because I know every word thanks to watching Mamma Mia far too many times. Although I’m not sure how enjoyable it would be for everyone else- I wasn’t quite blessed with a great singing voice!

What did you aspire to be when you were older? I think I always wanted to be a teacher (probably because of all the great teachers I had at Parkdale!). I even did my Year 10 work experience with Mrs Richards when she was teaching Prep!

5 minutes with Miss Williams:

What is your ideal way to unwind and relax? Going for a walk to the beach, watching the sunset and listening to music.

What’s your favourite holiday destination? Japan. I loved immersing myself in the culture and enjoying the delicious food.

What is your favourite sport to watch or play? I enjoy watching the footy (specifically watching St. Kilda games). Go Saints!

How long have you worked at Parkdale Primary? I have been teaching Foundation for 4 years now.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Korean BBQ

5 minutes with Miss Woodlock:

What is your most fond childhood memory? I loved going camping every year at the Goulburn River with family and friends. Being outdoors, toasting marshmallows, and floating down the river on inflatables are some of my happiest memories. It’s a special tradition I still continue today!

What is your ideal way to unwind and relax? Walking my dog along the beach with a coffee, then relaxing with a good book or a TV show/movie is my perfect way to switch off.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? The most rewarding part of teaching Prep is getting to know each student and their families. I love being part of each child’s growth throughout their very first year of school and seeing those little moments when they feel proud of themselves.

What is your favourite sport to watch or play? I love watching Suncorp Super Netball! Netball was a big part of my life growing up. I loved being part of a team and challenging myself to improve.

What would you sing at karaoke night? “Livin' on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi, a classic that everyone can sing along to!

5 minutes with Mrs Johnson:

What is your ideal way to unwind and relax?

I like to go for a walk while listening to an audio book. I love being out in nature. I have also recently started exploring watercolour painting as a way to relax and practise mindfulness.

When you were little what did you aspire to be?

I think I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. My dad was a teacher and I was lucky to sometimes receive some left over school materials from him like Cuisenaire rods! I used to play ‘schools’ with my toys when I was little.

What book/tv series/podcasts are you into at the moment?

I have just finished reading Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth. I really enjoyed it and had not read anything by this author before so I followed it up with another of her books, The Good Sister. I really enjoyed this book too. Great characters!

What skill would you like to master?

I would really like to master the skill of watercolour painting. I enjoy the process at the moment but not always the end product.

What is your favourite sport to watch or play?

I enjoy watching AFL the most, especially live. Go Demons!

5 Minutes with Miss Bentley:

How long have you worked at Parkdale Primary? This is my 4th year at Parkdale and I have absolutely loved seeing all my prep students grow throughout the school. I love being a part of the PPS community.

When you were little what did you aspire to be? When I was little I wanted to grow up and be a singer (I still sort of do). Unfortunately for me, I didn’t quite have the skill to pull it off.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? I love the relationships I make with all the kids and their families. It is so special to watch little ones walk in on their first day of school and see them grow into smart, confident people. 

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have? It would 100% be to teleport. Imagine weekends on the other side of the world, quickly ducking home for lunch or no traffic ever again. 

What’s your most fond childhood memory? Spending time with my family and friends on the beach in summer or a backyard BBQ. I have lots of siblings, so it sometimes felt like a 24/7 party.