Staff Spotlight

Meet our new Staff for 2024

Sophie Brown

Hello, my name is Sophie Brown and I absolutely love being a teacher. I strive to support students in becoming the most successful versions of themselves. I want all learners to feel empowered and ready for the real world. I believe the most important thing about being an educator is the student-teacher relationships. I pride myself on knowing every student, their interests and learning styles, so we can have the most productive and memorable year together as a team. Being a teacher at Karoo provides me with the opportunity to be a part of a fantastic community, where students have opportunities to succeed and be celebrated for the differences. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, being active outside, reading and watching the Richmond Tigers (which can be excruciating at times).

Emma Finnerty

I am thrilled to return to Karoo in 2024 after spending 18 months working overseas. Having taught a Karoo for 10 years it feels like coming home. Karoo has a great community feel and I can't wait to be part of the dedicated, passionate and supportive team again. Teaching is my passion and I'm looking forward to building relationships with my students and going on our learning journey together. Enabling students to become independent, critical thinkers and take risks in their learning is something I'm passionate about. When I'm not working I enjoy spending time with my family, reading and travelling.

Lauren Kavanagh

I feel extremely privileged and thrilled to be joining the Karoo team in 2024. Over my teaching career I have been fortunate to teach across a variety of curriculum and specialist subjects. My passion lies in the health, education and the wellbeing of young children, so to teach not only Physical Education, but to also join the wellbeing team makes me excited that we can make a difference in young people's lives. I provide an inclusive learning environment where I love to see all children thriving and achieving their best whilst engaging in not only sporting activities, but also their leadership skills and social, emotional and academic learning. Seeing happy, eager faces on children who are proud and confident to shine and be themselves is why I love my job and value teaching so much. 

Peta Phillips

Hello Karoo community! My name is Peta Phillips and it is in honour and privilege to be the new Learning Specialist and Acting Assistant Principal at Karoo Primary School.

I am an experienced Leading Primary School Teacher who works collaboratively, is innovative and strives for high quality education for all students. I have over 15 years of classroom teaching experience and I have fulfilled leadership roles within many primary school settings including the United Kingdom and the North Eastern Victorian Regional office. I work collectively with others to share my enthusiasm and passion for high quality teaching and learning of all pupils. I operate under the belief that all students can learn, surprise and amaze us with their understandings.

Out of school, I enjoy spending time with my friends, family and taking long walks and hikes with my lovable labrador. My favourite sports to watch are netball and tennis, and I also like going to the cinema to watch movies, especially Disney and Marvel films. I look forward to getting to know you all and I am extremely grateful to be working with such a dedicated and enthusiastic team of colleagues, who together will ensure that the pupils of Karoo Primary School receive the best quality education.

Tim Wilson

I am very excited to join the Karoo Primary School community in 2024. I have been teaching for many years and one of my favourite things about being a teacher is that no two days in the classroom are the same. I get great satisfaction from watching students take on and conquer challenges in their learning. I enjoy building a classroom culture of cohesiveness and inclusion, where all students feel valued and cared for. I have high expectations for students to always present their personal best efforts whilst also having fun. When I am not at school, I enjoy watching AFL, reading , cooking and spending time with family, friends and my dog.