Meet our Staff

Mrs Bethell

Hi, my name is Michelle Bethell, and I’ve had the privilege of being part of the Park Orchards Primary School community since 1992. Over the years, I’ve taken on a variety of roles that have allowed me to work with students across the school. I’ve been a classroom teacher for Grades 2–6, and I’ve also enjoyed time as a specialist teacher in Art, PE, and Library.

For the past six years, I’ve been in a Learning Support role, where I work closely with small groups of students from Grades 1–6, helping them build confidence and skills in literacy and numeracy. Supporting students in their learning journeys and seeing their progress is something I find incredibly rewarding.

Outside of school, I live in Ringwood North with my husband, our 17-year-old son, and our energetic (and very cheeky!) Kelpie–Border Collie cross, Oscar. You’ll often find me at the dog park throwing a ball for Oscar, cheering on my beloved Carlton footy team, or spending time with family and friends. I love to travel and enjoy planning our next adventure—whether that’s heading off in the caravan or exploring further afield. I also enjoy capturing special moments from our travels through photography.

Miss Sarah

Hello, I am the Performing Arts teacher at POPS and have been teaching for over 20 years. I started teaching in this position here at POPS in 2020. Performing Arts is my favourite subject to teach but I'm also passionate about creative writing, the history of the English language and even get excited sometimes about the most efficient or different ways one can solve a maths problem!

In my spare time I like to float between music projects, pick up a book that looks interesting on a shelf or go for a walk to explore the outdoors. I have my own music room at home with a number of instruments, but I mostly enjoy playing and composing on the piano. Last year I got to fulfill my dream of traveling and performing music across Western Europe with the band I play keyboards in. I never thought it would be a dream come true! I also love learning and playing traditional Celtic folk tunes on the Irish whistle and hope someday to learn the harp! 

When I'm not playing music with friends, I like to sit around a table together and get out a board game. It's also a favourite past time with family members especially my mum and siblings. Add in some great food, stories to share and slippers and I am having the best time! 

A Favourite Quote: "I have just been thinking, and I have come to a very important decision. These are the wrong sort of bees" - Winnie the Pooh.