Getting to know the HPS staff is an important part of building strong connections within our school community. By learning more about the people who work closely with your children each day, families can feel more confident and engaged in their child’s learning journey. Strong relationships between teachers, education support staff, students and families, supports communication and trust, building a positive learning environment for all.

In each newsletter, we will share a little bit about some of our teachers through a Staff Profile. We have asked teachers a range of questions and they have provided their responses. Please enjoy reading about some of our teachers and support staff: Amy Williams (4G), Gaz Dutlow (PA), Andrea Gill (ES), Hannah Guo (Languages) Candy Luk (ES) and Robin Miao (Languages) this week.

Amy Williams

What do you like about Highvale Primary School?

I am really enjoying the positive and friendly students and staff at Highvale. So many students have given me smiles and introduced themselves to me in the playground and the staff have been extremely supportive and kind.

History of employment? (where have you worked)

When I graduated from university my first school was Templestowe Heights where I worked for 8 years. I have been working as a casual teacher at Croydon Hills for the past 3 years.

When not at school I like to…….

I like to go for walks with my family and dog, we also love playing board games/card games and I enjoy baking.

My family

I live with my husband, Matt and we have 2 children. Tess is 8 years old and in grade 2, Patrick is 6 years old and in Prep. We have a beautiful golden retriever named Teddy who is 9 years old!

Gaz Dutlow

History of employment? (where have you worked)

I began my teaching career at Oatlands Primary School, but have also worked at Maranatha Christian School, Fountain Gate Primary School and Doncaster Primary School. I am really happy to be back at Highvale Primary teaching Performing Arts.

My other job is getting to be an actor in the theatre and on TV! I have been in many shows now, but my favourites have been Gabby’s Dollhouse Live and Destiny at Melbourne Theatre Company.

What makes Highvale Primary School a great place to work at?

I love working at Highvale because of the incredible staff and students we have here. I appreciate how everyone is committed to upholding the school values. It’s amazing how being respectful, trying our best, and being safe can make a school such an enjoyable place to spend my work days!

Who was your favourite teacher at school and why?

My favourite teacher at school was Mrs Livett. She taught me Drama throughout my years at school. She helped me grow the confidence to go from smaller roles to getting to play the lead. I am always really appreciative of her support and hope I can give the same encouragement and opportunities to my students now!

When I’m not at school I like to…

In my spare time I love to go to the movies! I love seeing how films are made and getting to study the performers. I love a good story too and enjoy sitting back and enjoying the twists and turns with a bucket of popcorn!

I also love going to my favourite sushi train and getting bubble tea from Gong Cha afterwards! My favourite flavours are Apple Green Tea, and Mango Milk Tea!

Andrea Gill

History of employment

Many years ago I was a graphic artist designing magazines. I enjoyed the busy world of publishing but chose to change my career after becoming a mum. I then worked as a medical receptionist in paediatric physiotherapy. In 2019 I joined the Highvale Primary office and I’m now working in the classroom as a Teachers Aide. I love supporting our wonderful students and teachers.

When not at school I like to…

I have lots of creative hobbies that keep me very busy. I love to sew my own clothes. I’m also teaching myself to knit. For this I have to be very patient and committed because I’m finding it difficult!

If I wasn’t an ES I would like to be …

A full time artist and spend all my time in a cosy studio pottering around sewing, printing making and making ceramics. Also I would like to be travelling as much possible!

My family

I live with my partner and our daughter. We have a little fluffy white Bichon Frise dog and two budgies.

Hannah Guo

What do you like about Highvale Primary School?

What I love about Highvale Primary School is the strong sense of teamwork and collaboration among staff. Teachers are friendly, supportive and committed to working together to enhance student learning. Highvale’s welcoming school community makes it a rewarding place to teach and grow as an educator.

Who was your favourite teacher at school and why?

My favourite teacher was my Year 5–6 mathematics teacher. She was deeply caring and always encouraged us to strive for our personal best. She sparked my interest in maths and supported students with patience and compassion. Her dedication to student growth has influenced the way I approach teaching today.

When not at school I like to…….

When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and exploring different restaurants. I also enjoy reading books, watching movies and TV shows, listening to audiobooks, and planning future travel adventures in my spare time.

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

If I wasn’t a teacher, I’d probably be a librarian, quietly reading and organising books all day. Or perhaps a finance manager, as I genuinely enjoy working with numbers and making sense of data.

Candy Luk

History of Employment

I joined Highvale as an MEA in 2014. This is my 13th year working at Highvale.

When not at school I like to…

I like to spend time with my family and try out new food from different places.

What do you like about Highvale Primary School?

All staff are kind and supportive, everyone works as a team.

My Family

My husband, Richard and my daughter, Bridget. Bridget studied at HPS from Year 4 to 6.

Robin Miao

History of Employment

I began my teaching career at a Teachers University in China, where I developed a strong foundation in education and a strong foundation in education and teaching practice. After migrating to Australia, I continued my professional journey within the Victorian education system. I have taught in several schools across Victoria, including Siena College, Richmond West Primary School and VSL.

I later established long-term placements at Templeton Primary School and Highvale Primary School, where I have continued to contribute to

student learning and school communities.

Professional Reflection – Highvale Primary School

This is the school for its supportive and collaborative teaching culture. The school fosters a strong sense of community among staff,

students, and families, creating a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Highvale Primary School is a great place to work due to its commitment to student wellbeing, professional growth, and educational excellence.

The collegial staff relationships, engaged students, and shared dedication to continuous improvement make it a rewarding and inspiring workplace.

Skills

Strong classroom management and student engagement strategies. Ability to create inclusive, supportive, and differentiated learning environments. Effective curriculum planning and assessment practices. Skilled in fostering positive relationships with students, colleagues,and families. Commitment to student wellbeing and holistic development. Adaptability across diverse school settings and student needs

Achievements

Contribution to high-quality teaching and learning programs. Active involvement in school initiatives and curriculum development. Participation in award-winning or high-impact educational programs. Recognition for dedication to student learning and engagement. Ongoing commitment to professional learning and development

Career highlight

Across five consecutive years, when I taught at the VSL school, my students consistently attained exceptional outcomes in VCE Chinese, earning multiple VCE Chinese Top Score Awards. These results highlight my expertise in curriculum delivery, differentiated instruction, and targeted examination preparation.My favourite teacherMy favourite teacher is Professor Shao Zhen Sun, a highly respected and influential figure in Chinese literature. He was an inspiring educator whose depth of knowledge, passion for literature, and intellectual rigor left a lasting impression on me.

One of his former students was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2012, which speaks to the extraordinary mentorship and academic excellence he fostered. I was very fortunate to work alongside Professor Sun as his colleague for five years. During that time, I learned a great deal from his guidance, professionalism, and dedication to education. His influence continues to shape my own teaching philosophy and practice.

When not teaching When not at school, I enjoy attending music concerts, gardening, playing and watching sports. These activities help me maintain a healthy work-life balance, recharge, and bring renewed energy and enthusiasm to my teaching. If I wasn’t a teacher If I weren’t a teacher, I would have loved to become an author or a professional sportsperson. I’ve always valued creativity, discipline, and lifelong learning. These qualities not only inspire those aspirations but also enrich my teaching career. My family My family means everything to me. My wife, Louisa, works as a Financial Controller at a Swiss company based in Melbourne, where she brings dedication and precision to her role. Our son, Jeremy, is a junior doctor at Monash Health. I am incredibly proud of his compassion and commitment to helping others. Together, they are my greatest source of pride, strength, and happiness.

Here are photos of our wonderful teaching team on their first day!

Our Prep Teachers

Our Year 1 & 2 Teachers

Our Year 3 Teachers

Our Year 4 Teachers

Our Year 5 Teachers

Our Year 6 Teachers

Art Year 2 Spikey Echidnas