Introducing our new staff 

We are delighted to welcome our new staff members to the team at Koonung.  Over the next couple of newsletters we hope to introduce our new staff members to the wider Koonung community. 

Kaiyi Cao

Mathematics and Science Teacher

My name is Kaiyi Cao, and I am a Mathematics and Science teacher. I am super excited to be joining the school. I graduated from Melbourne University with a bachelor's degree in science (Mathematics and Statistics) and a master's degree in secondary teaching. I have a passion for teaching, and I love helping students explore the world of mathematics and science. I would like to make learning fun and engaging and I hope to inspire a love for these subjects in every student I teach. 

Chan Mi Chung

Science Teacher 

Hi, my name is Chan Mi Chung, and I’m thrilled to be joining Koonung as a Science teacher. I’m passionate about inspiring students to engage with science and helping them discover its exciting possibilities. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family, camping, travelling, and going to the beach. I’m looking forward to getting to know the school community and building positive relationships with students, parents, and staff.

Casey Ding 

Education Support

Hello everyone! I’m Casey Ding, and I’m excited to join Koonung Secondary College as part of the Education Support team.

My background is in finance, having worked in the automotive finance industry for over ten years. Now, I’m shifting my focus to education, where I can support students in their learning journey. I’m passionate about creating an inclusive and positive learning environment and look forward to working with students and teachers to make the classroom a supportive space for all.

I’m eager to get to know everyone and become part of the Koonung community. If you see me around, feel free to say hi!

Ilona McColl 

Education Support 

Hi, my name is Ilona, and I’m excited to be joining Koonung Secondary College as part of the Learning Support team in the classrooms. The school’s fantastic reputation is one of the reasons I’m so thrilled to be here.

With six years of experience working at two other secondary colleges and a primary school, I’m eager to bring my skills and knowledge to support students effectively.

Outside of work, I have two teenage daughters—one in Year 10 and the other in Year 9. Our weekends are always busy, and our weekdays are packed with instrument lessons and plenty of basketball. We love spending time together and getting out and about! I also have two Cavoodle fur babies who keep things lively. They enjoy walks and car rides, though they're still working on their manners!

I’m looking forward to getting to know you and supporting you in achieving your goals.

Mai Yanagida

Japanese Teacher 

My name is Mai Yanagida and I am a Japanese teacher with a passion for teaching the Japanese language and culture. I am from Japan, and I moved to Melbourne two years ago to pursue my Master of Teaching. Outside of school, I love playing sports, especially cricket. I play in the Victoria Premier Cricket League and the Japanese national cricket team as the captain. Besides, I have been coaching junior cricket teams, which I find incredibly rewarding. I am excited to be part of the Koonung community and look forward to building strong relationships with staff, students, and families.

Yolande van Oosten

Woodwind Teacher

Hi, I’m super excited to be joining the music team at Koonung as the woodwind teacher. I have taught flute, clarinet and saxophone for, let’s just say “many” years, in schools across Melbourne’s East. When I’m not teaching, I spend my time hiking, or swimming in open water, often in the middle of winter. It calms my soul and numbs my toes! 

Tom Watts 

English and French Teacher

My name is Tom Watts and I am an English and French Teacher. This is my seventh year of teaching, and I am excited to be joining Koonung Secondary College. I was the first person in my family to finish school, start and complete university and gain full time employment. It is something that I am always proud of.

As an English/ Language teacher, I enjoy all things about language, from teaching language, learning language to analysing language history and changes. 

During 2021-2022, I completed a Master of Special and Inclusive Education, where with my numerous years of teaching, I come equipped to each classroom with a diversity of experiences to teach and support every students’ learning. 

Outside of school, I enjoy running, baking and gardening, as they allow me to ‘switch off’ and relax. 

Looking forward to getting to know everyone throughout the year.