5 minutes with the Grade 3 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
Ms Whitfield
How long have you worked at Parkdale Primary? 15 years (with a couple years off in between when I had my babies).
What would you sing at karaoke night? “I want to dance with somebody” by Whitney Houston.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Seeing the children’s genuine happiness when they achieve something, whether that be making a new friend, understanding a new concept, telling me what they did on the weekend or even just the joy they show when they receive a fresh whiteboard marker! I love how they can take so much joy in such a variety of things no matter how big or small they may seem.
What’s your favourite holiday destination? Anywhere in nature - I do love Wilson’s Prom!
What’s your most fond childhood memory? Playing outside in the court we lived in with all my neighbourhood friends.
Ms Lundy:
How long have you worked at PPS? Oooo, it’s getting up there. Started here in 2009! Very lucky to have had so many years here at Parkdale.
What’s your most fond childhood memory? My childhood home was in a court; it was the best as my siblings and I were always outside playing with the other kids in the court.
When you were little what did you aspire to be? A marine biologist.
What book/tv series/podcasts are you into at the moment? Love a good book, most recently enjoyed ‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’. Also, can’t get enough of Christian Hull and his growing mini museum – he is a hoot!
Ms Sell:
How long have you worked at PPS? 11 years
What is your role at the school? Grade 3 Teacher
What is the most rewarding part of your job? The students (present and past) and watching them grow – academically, socially and emotionally!
What is your ideal way to unwind and relax? Reading, bush/beach walks, watching TV/movies
What’s your most fond childhood memory? Holidays interstate to visit family and spend time with my grandmother and cousins
When you were little what did you aspire to be? A primary school teacher
What’s your favourite holiday destination? UK for the history; Switzerland for scenery
Ms Murphy:
How long have you worked at Parkdale Primary School? 12 years and I still love working here! 😊
What is your ideal way to unwind and relax? Getting some fresh air and sunshine, walking my dog or with friends, yoga and Pilates.
What skill would you like to master? I have recently taken up golf, so I’d really like to develop a consistently good golf swing (very challenging!)
What is your favourite sport to watch or play? I love to water-ski (river and bay), and watch the football (go Hawks!)
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? I love Japanese food, so I’d go with a deluxe sushi and sashimi platter – yum!
Ms Harper:
What is your role at the school? I am a Grade 3 teacher and PLC leader.
What is your ideal way to unwind and relax? Definitely by going on a morning beach walk with a coffee in hand.
When you were little what did you aspire to be? I always wanted to be a teacher or a vet! My sister and I would spend our school holidays setting up a pretend classroom at home and playing schools for fun.
What was your favourite subject at school? I loved learning French and studying the science of food in Food Technology.
What’s your favourite holiday destination? Byron Bay, The Philippines or anywhere coastal in Europe!