New Saltwater Classroom Teachers 2023
Amelia Fantuz- Year Prep
Hello everyone at Saltwater P-9 College. My name is Amelia Fantuz and I am excited to be joining your wonderful school in 2023 as a Prep teacher. I enjoy teaching students of all ages and aim to share this joy of learning with you all. I am also a mum of two fantastic individuals, a 15 year old daughter and a son aged 12. We love soccer, AFL, being in nature, bike riding, hiking and paddle boarding. This Summer my goal is to learn how to surf!
I look forward to meeting you all soon,
Amelia
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Jen Crookes- Year Prep
Hi, my name is Jenevie Crooks. I was born in the Philippines and I grew up in Darwin. I have lived in Melbourne for 7 years. I love food and enjoy trying new restaurants. 2023 will be my first year as a graduate teacher and I am excited to begin my teaching journey at Saltwater P-9 College.
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Dylan Haeusler - Year Seven and Eight
My name is Dylan Haeusler and I am really excited about the learning adventures that we will be embarking on in 2023.
I began my career working in the Northern suburbs of Melbourne, where I’ve had the privilege to teach students and lead staff members to implement Reading, Writing and Maths programs across a variety of year levels. I enjoy teaching all areas of the curriculum, including my favourite subject, Mathematics.
I have a passion for culture and have travelled to numerous countries including Columbia, Mexico, Vietnam, Greece and many more. Throughout 2022, I have spent time exploring many parts of the United Kingdom and Australia, including Uluru and the Daintree Rainforest. I also have a passion for all things sport especially basketball, football and my current passion, golf.
2023 is going to be a fantastic and rewarding year and I cannot wait to see the growth and maturity from all of our students. Until then, have a wonderful Christmas period with your families and I look forward to getting to know you all better in the coming months. Dylan Haeusler
Tianyi Sun - Year Seven and Eight
My name is Tianyi Sun and I am a graduate teacher from the Melbourne Graduate School of Education. My teaching methods are Spanish and EAL and I am also a native speaker of Mandarin Chinese. I love learning languages, and I used to be a crazy language learner largely because I had so many excellent and encouraging language teachers when I was a student at high school and university. I really want to take this opportunity to bring the same enjoyment of language learning to my future students and share my learning experiences as a past language learner. If I can do this, they can do it as well.
Having completed my final placement at Saltwater P-9 college has been one of the most wonderful achievements and the most enjoyable time this year because not only I had that opportunity to refine myself to be a better teacher but also I met so many friendly, supportive, collaborative colleagues, as well as the lovely kids, which has been the greatest thrust for me to want to continue my teaching career at this school. I am so excited and looking forward to starting my teaching journey and working with all of you next year.
Yidan Luo - Year Seven and Eight
It is with great pleasure to be joining a high-performing and supportive team. My name is Yidan Luo, and I am excited to be part of the teaching staff at Saltwater College P-9 in 2023.
I have Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) and Master of Teaching (Secondary) at the University of Melbourne. I have been a Secondary Mathematics Teacher at Merbein P-10 College in Mildura. I am extremely passionate about teaching and learning and believe I have the skills and ability to inspire students to achieve their greatest potential. I strive to provide an environment that is supportive, challenging and inclusive, and stimulating to ensure all students become confident, creative and independent lifelong learners who value themselves and others. I am a hardworking person committed to working as part of a high performing team to ensure the best opportunity for students to succeed.
Outside of work, I love music, movies and animals. I played accordion for more than ten years, and I also play guitar. I am living with my furbaby Ben Ben, a one-year-old border collie.
Wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy new year. I am looking forward to joining the Saltwater family and meeting you all in 2023.
Kind regards,
Yidan Luo
Ms Priyanka - Year Seven and Eight
Hi, my name is Ms. Priyanka and I am a qualified and passionate Science and Mathematics teacher. I have completed my Bachelor of Science, Master of Science in Physics and Bachelor of Education. I am not only thrilled to be a part of Saltwater P-9 Community but am also super excited to teach secondary students from next year onwards.
I am a positive person who has an enthusiastic outlook on life and does my best to stimulate learning among students. In my spare time, I love to listen to music and enjoy cooking. 2023 is going to be a fun year with lots of learning and scientific adventures and I can't wait to see what this year has in store for us.
Ms Priyanka
Christina Hage - Year Seven and Eight
My name is Mrs. Hage and I will be teaching secondary science in 2023. I hold a Bachelor of Science and Teaching Diploma from Notre Dame University in Lebanon, and a Master of Molecular Biology from the University of Queensland. I worked as a secondary science and biology teacher in Dubai for 5 years and recently moved to Melbourne with my husband and daughter. I have spent most of my life moving around the world and living in multiple cities such as Lebanon, Brisbane, and Dubai.I am so thrilled to have moved to Melbourne where I will be currently studying as I work as a teacher. I am currently undertaking a Master of Teaching (secondary) Internship at The University of Melbourne and expected to graduate in 2024.
Michael Edwards - Year Seven and Eight
Hi! I’m Mr. Edwards
Teaching is an absolute passion of mine! I am so excited to be teaching at Saltwater P-9 College next year.
I am very passionate about teaching all subjects, though Humanities is my “FAV”, and I enjoy using technology as much as I can.
Want to know a little about me? When I’m grading assessments or planning lessons, you can find me at the gym or hanging out with my grandson Levi. I love to take my dog, Jess, for walks. I am married to my wonderful wife, Catherine. We have three children together and their names and ages are Madison 23, Justin 21, Chloe 17.
This will be my second-year teaching at Secondary. Before that, I taught 10 years at Primary at Manor Lakes P-12 College. I absolutely love teaching. I can’t wait to meet you all next year.
Taryn Manuel - Year Prep
Kia ora! my name is Taryn Manuel and I will be the teacher in Prep E next year. I have been a primary school teacher for 5 years, but I come all the way from New Zealand.
I am married and I am a mum to 2 amazing children, my daughter will be a year 8 next year and my son thinks he is 21 but he is only 4! I have 2 amazing step children aged 6 and 12. I am also a proud aunty to a very active 1 year old little man.
I love crossfit and recently developed a love for nutrition and fitness and how it affects learning and development in children and adults. I love travelling and finding some hidden vacation gems.
I am so excited to learn alongside the children and families here at Saltwater.
See you in 2023!
Shelley Yan- Year Prep
Hi Saltwater Community,
I am so excited to be joining this community in 2023.
I taught in an independent school for 10 years. I have two wonderful children and I love cooking and camping also.
I look forward to working with the students and families of Saltwater College.
Kind regards,
Shelley
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Shilpi Puri - Year Three
Hello Saltwater College Community, I am delighted to be a part of the wonderful Saltwater P-9 College from January 2023, in the capacity of Year 3 classroom Teacher.
With a teaching experience of more than two decades, I have been fortunate to be associated with the International Baccalaureate as the PYP Facilitator for around 12 years.
I believe in maximising learning for all my students and incorporating inquiry and wonder in my lessons.
I moved to Australia for my second innings recently, and live locally with my husband and children.
I look forward to meeting the Saltwater Community and cannot wait to embark on this exciting journey with you all.
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Dylan Bissell- Year Three
My name is Dylan Bissell and I am a Graduate Teacher who is excited to start my teaching career at Saltwater P-9 College. I completed my Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) at Victoria University and am very passionate about teaching and doing everything I can to prepare students for their future.
Outside the classroom I enjoy spending time with my family, playing basketball with my friends and trying different restaurants around Melbourne.
I look forward to making a positive impact at Saltwater P-9 College and getting to know everyone.
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Mandeep Kaur- Year Four
My name is Mrs. Mandeep Kaur and I have the pleasure of being a part of Saltwater P-9 College as a newly appointed teacher for 2023. For the past 11 years, I have been working as a Science and classroom teacher in Mount Gambier, South Australia. In my professional career, I have worked at various schools but have spent the last 9 years at Mount Gambier North Primary School, where I have developed my knowledge of STEM learning and catered the diverse needs of learners. I describe myself as humble, passionate and responsible. I take the responsibility to provide a safe learning environment to students.
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Charlotte Turner - Year Four
I have previously studied and completed my Bachelor of Education P-12 at Victoria University and I was a pre-service teacher at Saltwater P-9 College with the year three team.
I am currently a Classroom Teacher at Queen of Peace Parish Primary School teaching Year Four.I am delighted to continue my teaching career at Saltwater P-9 College in the role of Classroom Teacher in 2023.
In my spare time, I enjoy Yoga and am an avid supporter of the Melbourne Demons. I have enjoyed Swimming, Skiing, Netball and Hockey.
I am very excited to join the Saltwater team and cannot wait to find out more about everyone.
We will have a magical year of learning filled with wonder and wisdom.
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Navneet Kaur - Year Four
My name is Navneet Kaur, and I'll be teaching at Saltwater P-9 College for the upcoming school year! Teaching is my life's passion, and I have been instructing students of all ages for 6 years.
My philosophy of education is that each student is unique and must have a stimulating educational environment where they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. I provide a safe environment where students are invited to share their ideas and take risks.
I am looking forward to getting to know you all and guiding your child through their learning.
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Chelsea Christie - Year One
Hello, my name is Miss Christie and I am absolutely thrilled to be starting my teaching journey at Saltwater P-9 College as a Year One teacher. I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. I am super excited to create a positive classroom environment where students look forward to coming to school every day and are supported in every way possible to reach their full potential. I am grateful to be a part of this school community and can’t wait for the 2023 school year.
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Latalia Singh - Year One
My name is Latalia Singh, I am a first year teacher. I am extremely excited to be a part of the Saltwater Community as a Year One Teacher. I was born in South Africa and have been living in Australia for over 22 years. My hobbies include playing sport, especially field hockey where I am a goal keeper and looking after and training all my pets I have 2 cats, 2 dogs and 2 birds.
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Carmen Dennis -Year One
Hello everyone, my name is Carmen Dennis and I’m delighted be joining the Saltwater P-9 College community next year. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to work at a school with the same values and positive views on child education, as myself. Throughout my career as a teacher for the past eight years, I have had the chance to be a part of various schools across the western suburbs in diverse educational settings. I am an approachable and dedicated teacher who is passionate in providing a stimulating learning environment. I pride myself on fostering positive experiences for my students that help to shape their knowledge of the world as active learners. I have a strong appreciation for the value of community, not only within the school but also extending into the wider community as well. I view education as a partnership involving teachers, students and their families and deeply value the many connections I have made throughout my career. I have also had the privilege to be a part of various organisations as a volunteer, including: ‘The Pyjama Angel Foundation, Jesuit Social Services Homework Club’ and assisting those who require extra support whilst also cultivating a love for learning in every child I work with. I look forward to beginning this new journey with the Saltwater College community and welcome the opportunity to say hello when you see me around the school.
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Rohan Crowle - Year One
Hi everyone, my name is Rohan Crowle and I’ve just turned 30 (scary). I’ve been teaching since the start of 2015 and have worked at Williamstown PS and Seaholme PS prior to moving to Saltwater College. I have taught mainly in the younger years over my time in schools and I love it! I currently live in Yarraville, and I grew up in Altona Meadows, so I’ve spent my whole life in the West of Melbourne. I love being active, spending time with my friends and family, and going to music concerts! I’m a big Western Bulldogs supporter (I am still getting over 2021) and I love watching the cricket. Please come and say hello.
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Antonella Acona - Year Two
Hi, I'm Antonella Acona. I'm so excited to be a Year Two teacher at Saltwater P-9 College. I started my teaching career in 2000, just 5 months after my first born girl arrived. She is now 22, so I've been teaching for more than 22 years. Along the way, I had another daughter and son. I love my role as an educator and have had a vast range of experience in Literacy, Numeracy and Art. My aim for 2023 is to facilitate a classroom full of care, happiness, positivity and creativity. My hope is to inspire critical thinkers, who can reach their true potential as self-assured, kind, creative and intelligent members of society.
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Ash James - Year Two
I’m Ashley James. I am currently finalising my Master of Teaching (Primary) qualification through Swinburne University of Technology Online. Prior to this, I have been on the ES team here at Saltwater for two years and was an assistant teacher at an early years education centre, a curriculum content developer for an online education company, and before that had a 15 year career in ESL teaching in Japanese public and private educational schools and institutes. My entry into the teaching profession was quite accidental, but fortunate. I am deeply passionate about supporting young people to developing into the best version of themselves and achieving their future potential.
I grew up in a tiny regional working-class community in the Upper Hunter Valley of New South Wales. I like to tell my students that it’s claim to fame is having no traffic lights, which it still doesn’t. Local sport participation was central to the culture, and this influenced me significantly as a young person. I pursued my passions during my 20s and 30s, first by studying a Modern History major at Newcastle University, then living abroad in Japan, using it as a springboard to travel extensively throughout Asia, Europe and North America, exploring the histories and cultures that had so interested me at University.
2023 is an exciting year for me, as my career takes yet another pivot into being a primary classroom teacher. I am equal parts relieved and delighted to be doing it here at Saltwater, among familiar faces, yet in an environment where I know I will be constantly challenged to improve. I look forward to seeing you all soon.
Ashley James
Classroom Teacher
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Karlee Fowler- Year Four
Hello. My name is Karlee Fowler. I am married with three children. I was born in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. I currently teach year 4, 5, and 6 students at a school in Palmerston North New Zealand. I am looking forward to joining Saltwater College and getting to know all of the staff, students, and families.
