5 minutes with the Grade 1Team

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

5 minutes with Ms Pyke

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Hard to answer as I love food! At a push, Japanese food.
If you were a superhero, what powers would you have? To be able to control time, fasten up when doing housework, slow down time with friends and family, rewind to redo.
What’s your favourite holiday destination? My favourite holiday destination is anywhere with sunshine, water, family and friends.
If you could choose to be anything for a day, what would it be? Kind, always choose kind.
What skill would you like to master? I would love to be able to play an instrument, preferably the guitar.

5 minutes with Mr James

How long have you worked at Parkdale? Since 2016, so 10 years.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? The happy faces on the students during the school day.
What is your ideal way to unwind and relax? Heading to the MCG to watch the Dees win (hopefully!)
What is your favourite sport to watch or play? Big AFL fan but love to play basketball and netball too!
What would you sing at karaoke night? Piano Man – Billy Joel.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Easy! Parma and Chips!
What’s your favourite holiday destination? Anywhere with good food and a beach!

5 minutes with Ms Cory

What would you sing at karaoke night? I Wanna Dance with Somebody” – Whitney Houston
If you could choose to be anything for a day, what would it be? A pop star! Performing on stage, singing, dancing and entertaining a big crowd would be so much fun.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Sushi… although I’d really miss Mexican food! I love fresh flavours and anything with a little bit of spice.
If you were a superhero, what powers would you have? The ability to freeze time (so I could get everything done!) and teleport anywhere instantly.
What’s your favourite holiday destination? Copenhagen — my best friends live there and I love that everyone rides bikes everywhere!

5 minutes with Miss Martin

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Watching my students' confidence grow throughout the year, it fills my cup seeing how hard they work and how much they progress in such a short amount of time.
What is your ideal way to unwind and relax? I love going for a long walk outside or to the beach to watch the sunset.
What would you sing at karaoke night? “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme” by ABBA
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? A delicious woodfired pizza has to be my absolute favourite.
What’s your favourite holiday destination? I went on the most amazing Europe trip a few years ago where Italy, Greece and France were phenomenal. Seeing the Eiffel Tower light up was such a bucket list moment.