Teacher & Education Support Staff Profiles

What do you like about Highvale Primary School?

Highvale is a great community. Everyone, from students to staff to parents all value the high expectations we have. We work to make learning fun and engaging. I’ve been at Highvale for quite a while and have a great relationship with most of the families in our community. 

When not at school I like to…….

I am a real home body. When I’m not at school you will find me at my house or in my garden. I enjoy reading and cooking (although I’m not that great at it!) 

I love house plants, and I have about 30 scattered about my house.

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

I would be travelling the world and enjoying the sunshine and holiday vibes all year round!

As I'm not rich enough to do that, my other choice would be a speech pathologist - through my teaching experiences I have seen how supportive and fun the idea of it is.

My family

My husband and I have been together since we were at high school. We have 2 boys - Will is almost 18 and Jack is 15. We have a tank of tropical fish, while the boys and I are trying desperately  to convince my husband to get a dog.

History of employment?

Before coming to HPS I worked at a few other schools in the Dandenong, Hampton Park and Pakenham areas. I have been teaching in the Junior areas and have taught Prep, Grade 1 and Grade 2.

What do you like about Highvale Primary School?

I like that HPS is a supportive and kind community. I have been warmly welcomed by everyone and it feels like home when I am here. 

When not at school I like to…….

Spend time with my fiancée. We like to go to different restaurants and try new foods. We also like to go swimming together and see how many laps we can do.

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

An artist! I love to paint, colour and draw in my spare time. 

What are your career highlights to date?

Even though I have only been teaching for 6 years I am still proud to say that I have made sure to take every opportunity that has come my way. One of my career highlights would have to be taking part in the Wakakirri Dance Program. This was so much fun to see students outside of their learning space and showing passion for something they really enjoy. 

When not at school I like to…….

When I am not at school I am normally at home with my almost 2 year old son. He is such a joy to be around. My husband, myself and our son also like to go for walks and find new parks to visit. We also like to go swimming and visit family on the weekends.  

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

If I wasn’t a teacher I would most likely be a dancer in musical theatre or a child psychologist. Child Psychology was my first career path and I have an undergrad in Psychology. However I soon learnt that being in the classroom with students meant I could help more children in other ways. I grew up dancing and have always loved it. As a child I dreamt of being a dancer on stage in the shows I would go to see. Everytime I see a stage show I still feel a little part of me wishing. 

What makes Highvale PS a great school to work at?

Highvale PS is my favourite school to work at. The community that they have built is always so lovely to be a part of. The staff and families that are part of this community are what makes it so easy to get up and go to work in the morning. This school has so many opportunities for their staff making it a fantastic place for growth and development as a teacher. 

What makes HPS a great school to work at?

I have experience teaching students across Prep to Year 6 in a range of schools. The students at Highvale Primary School truly stand out for being hardworking, respectful, and consistently engaged in their learning. I am so grateful to be working at Highvale Primary School and to be part of such an outstanding school community.

Who was your favourite teacher at school and why?

My favourite teacher was my Prep teacher, Mrs Pecoraro. She had a great sense of humour and made learning fun. I felt safe, supported, and comfortable enough to make mistakes in her classroom, and I can still remember her hiding under her desk when she heard lightning!

What are your career highlights to date? 

Some of my career highlights have been the lasting relationships I have built with students, families, and colleagues. Building positive relationships is very important to me, and I look forward to fostering the same at Highvale Primary School.

My family

I am a proud mum of three beautiful boys and wife to a wonderful husband. We recently relocated back to Melbourne from the Sunshine Coast to be closer to our extended family, which includes 15 nieces and nephews. Our family get-togethers are always loud and full of laughter!

History of employment?(where have you worked) 

Before coming to Highvale last year, I worked at Seaford Primary for over a year in grade 2 as Education Support. 

I have also worked as an OSCH educator at multiple different schools.

What do you like about Highvale Primary School?

What I like most about Highvale is how kind and supportive the staff are. Everyone is friendly and welcoming, which makes it so lovely to work.

When not at school i like to…..

When not at school I LOVE going down to Phillip Island! My family live down in Phillip Island and I love going down to visit them. I also like going to the beach with my dogs and taking them camping.

My Family

I have a very blended family! I have multiple siblings although it has always just been my younger brother Jack and I. I have 2 fur babies named Billy and Ivy.

Billy is my 5 year old Mastiff and Ivy is our newest addition and she is a 15 week old Kelpie/staffy.