New Staff
Mr Christopher Hudd
Secondary Teacher - PE & Health
We are excited to welcome Mr Chris Hudd to our team as a dedicated and accomplished educator. Chris brings extensive experience from his 17 years at McKinnon Secondary College, where he held pivotal roles, including Learning Specialist, Year 11 & 12 Student Manager and Acting Head of Senior School. In these roles, Chris demonstrated his ability to mentor new educators, enhance teaching strategies and lead curriculum design with a focus on excellence.
Chris’s teaching philosophy centers on leveraging evidence-based practices to maximise student engagement and success. He has a track record of fostering student voice, improving academic outcomes and mentoring staff to adopt high-impact teaching strategies. His efforts have resulted in exceptional outcomes in VCE Physical Education, where his leadership helped students achieve consistently high accolades.
Chris holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Education (Health & Physical Education) and Applied Science (Human Movement) from Deakin University. His professional development includes participation in the Victorian Academy of Teaching’s Teaching Excellence Program and the Bastow Institute's Emerging Leaders Program. He is also an active contributor to the professional community, presenting at conferences and developing educational resources.
We are thrilled to have Chris join us and look forward to the energy and expertise he will bring to our community!
Mr Matthew Oates
Secondary Teacher - English
We are delighted to welcome Matthew to Huntingtower as a dedicated and passionate English teacher. Matthew joins us with valuable experience from his current role at Simonds Catholic College, where he serves as both a VCE English Teacher and a Middle School Mentor Teacher. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership in curriculum development, implementing the revised English Study Design and creating initiatives like the Year 12 Study Club and Reading Improvement Initiative to enhance student success.
Matthew’s teaching philosophy emphasises holistic education, recognising the importance of nurturing the mind, body and spirit. He believes in fostering a supportive and engaging classroom environment where students feel empowered to take risks, build confidence and develop both academically and personally. His approach balances high expectations with warmth and kindness, aligning perfectly with our school’s core values.
Matthew holds a Master of Teaching and a Bachelor of Arts from Deakin University, with a focus on Children’s Literature, History and Sociology. Beyond the classroom, Matthew is an avid sportsperson and coach, bringing enthusiasm for cricket and basketball, which he hopes to share in co-curricular activities.
We are thrilled to have Matthew join our community and look forward to the positive impact he will bring to both our students and staff.
Ms Danielle Growse
Head of Drama, Secondary Teacher - Drama
We are thrilled to welcome Danielle Growse as the new Head of Drama at Huntingtower School. Danielle, a proud alumnus of Huntingtower, brings an impressive range of experience in education, theatre and leadership from her roles at Heathmont College, where she served as Head of Performing Arts and Head of Student Leadership. During her tenure, she successfully doubled student participation in performing arts programs and significantly increased community involvement.
Danielle’s teaching philosophy focuses on fostering creativity, collaboration and personal growth. She creates safe, student-centered environments that encourage critical thinking, curiosity and independence. Her approach to drama integrates curriculum development with real-world relevance, empowering students to express themselves artistically while building resilience and empathy. Her leadership experience extends to producing high-quality school productions and mentoring both students and colleagues to achieve excellence in the arts.
Danielle holds a Master of Applied Learning and Teaching (Secondary) from Deakin University and a Bachelor of Film and Television from JMC Academy. Her extensive background includes organising whole-school performances, leading professional development sessions on co-designing curriculum and choreographing musicals across multiple schools, including Huntingtower and Avila College.
As a passionate advocate for the transformative power of theatre, Danielle is excited to inspire the next generation of performers and lead Huntingtower’s Drama program to new heights. We are delighted to have her back in our community and look forward to the creativity and energy she will bring!
Ms Maddison Anderson
Secondary Teacher - Art & VCE Art Making & Exhibiting
We are pleased to announce that Maddy Anderson, who has been an integral part of our team since 2019 as an Art Technician, is transitioning into a teaching role as a Secondary Art and VCE Art teacher. Maddy brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity to the classroom, supported by her extensive academic and practical experience.
Maddy recently completed a Master of Teaching (Primary and Secondary) at Monash University, adding to her robust educational background, which includes a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) and ongoing engagement as a practicing artist. Her teaching philosophy emphasises fostering creativity, critical thinking and hands-on learning experiences, enabling students to explore their artistic potential while building confidence and independence.
Since joining Huntingtower, Maddy has been a key contributor to our arts programs, applying her expertise in sculpture, ceramics, photography and digital media. Her background also includes coordinating exhibitions, mentoring students and facilitating workshops, showcasing her ability to inspire and guide young artists in diverse and meaningful ways.
We are excited to see Maddy bring her unique blend of technical knowledge, artistic vision and passion for teaching into her new role. She will undoubtedly continue to enrich our art programs and inspire our students to achieve excellence in their creative pursuits.
Mr Clive Marriott
Secondary Teacher - French
We are thrilled to officially welcome Mr Clive Marriott as our Middle Years French teacher. Clive brings a wealth of life and professional experience, having recently graduated with a Masters in Teaching (Secondary) from Monash University and holds an undergraduate BA Hons in French & Management Studies as well as a Masters MSc in Corporate Environmental Management. Fluent in French, Clive worked with us 2022 as a Year 12 language assistant, where he made a significant impact by effectively supporting students in enhancing their language skills.
Clive brings a wealth of experience from a distinguished 30-year career in various roles, primarily in international trade with a focus on social justice and sustainability. He has lived and worked in Francophone countries and other parts of the world and is eager to bring his intercultural experience to help students develop a profound understanding of and engagement with the world around them through the lens of language and culture.
Mr Johnny Le
Secondary Teacher - PE & Health
We are excited to formally welcome Mr Johnny Le as our new Middle Years Physical Education & Health Teacher. With extensive experience at St. Michael’s Grammar School, Caulfield Grammar School and Haileybury College, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team.
Holding a Master of Teaching (Secondary) from The University of Melbourne and currently pursuing a Master of Art (Literary and Cultural Studies) at Monash University, he has over a decade of experience working with students across various year levels, including VCE and International Baccalaureate. His roles have allowed him to develop effective numeracy and literacy strategies to support academic growth.
Beyond his teaching experience, he has held pastoral roles, being a key figure in students’ wellbeing and serving as the first point of contact for students and their families. His ability to develop strong teacher-student relationships and understand his students is his greatest strength in the classroom. He focuses on creating engaging and supportive learning environments and emphasises critical thinking, problem-solving and reasoning skills.
His dedication to nurturing young minds and fostering holistic development makes him a valuable addition to our school community. We look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly make on our students’ academic and personal growth.
Ms Georgia T
Education Support Officer
We are proud to welcome Georgia T as an Education Support Officer in our Learning Enrichment team. Georgia brings an impressive combination of skills, qualifications and experience that make her a fantastic addition to our school community.
Georgia holds a Professional Certificate of Education Support from Monash University, complemented by a wealth of hands-on experience in supporting students with diverse needs. Most recently, she served as a Learning Assistant at Oakleigh Grammar, where she implemented tailored programs and interventions for Middle and Senior School students, including those at VCE levels. Her expertise extends to literacy and numeracy support, implementing programs such as MacqLit and Maths Mastery and working one-on-one with students with ASD, ADHD, intellectual disabilities and other learning challenges.
Georgia’s approach is rooted in her ability to foster meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families, ensuring individual learning outcomes are met with compassion and professionalism. Her background also includes supporting special education students at Southern Autistic School and contributing to the academic and personal growth of students through strategic interventions and curriculum development. In addition to her educational experience, Georgia brings a unique perspective with her extensive legal background. She has honed exceptional analytical and communication skills that further enhance her ability to support and advocate for students.
We are confident that Georgia’s dedication, resourcefulness and expertise will make a significant impact on our Learning Enrichment team and enhance the support we provide to our students.
Mrs Sally-Anne Whitrod
Junior School Teacher - Year 3
We are pleased to announce that Sally-Anne Whitrod, who has been an integral part of our Early Learning Centre (ELC) as Head of ELC, is transitioning to a new role as a Grade 3 Junior School Teacher. Sally-Anne brings a wealth of experience in early childhood and primary education, making her a fantastic fit for this role.
Sally-Anne holds a Master of Education from the University of Melbourne, as well as a Bachelor of Education and a Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary). Her extensive teaching career includes leadership roles such as Director at Syndal Preschool, where she achieved "Exceeding Standards" ratings across all quality areas during Quality and Assessment Ratings. Sally-Anne has also demonstrated expertise in curriculum development, inclusive practices and mentoring pre-service and graduate teachers.
With a teaching philosophy rooted in creating safe, inclusive and supportive learning environments, Sally-Anne is committed to fostering the social, emotional and academic growth of her students. Her ability to build strong relationships with families, alongside her extensive experience in child development and program planning, ensures a holistic and individualised approach to teaching.
We are excited to see Sally-Anne bring her dedication, leadership and expertise into her new role in the Junior School. Her contributions will undoubtedly enrich our Grade 3 students' learning experiences and further strengthen our school community.
Mrs Jillian Ferguson
Head of Visual Arts
We are proud to formally welcome Jillian Ferguson as our Head of Visual Arts. Jillian brings a wealth of experience in Visual Communication Design (VCE Units 1-4), Art and Textiles, having taught at Haileybury and Dandenong High School. She has also held leadership roles, including Subject Support Leader and House Student Coordinator, demonstrating her ability to mentor and guide both students and staff.
With a strong background in graphic design, Jillian holds a Master’s in Communication Design from RMIT University, a Bachelor of Education from Victoria University and is currently completing a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Science at Curtin University. Her deep understanding of design principles, creative problem-solving and industry-relevant skills ensures that students receive a well-rounded and contemporary arts education. She has been actively involved in Visual Communication Victoria (VCV) conferences and curriculum development initiatives, keeping her teaching at the forefront of the discipline.
In addition to leading the Visual Arts Faculty, Jillian is stepping into a Mentor role, where she will provide guidance and support to students beyond the classroom. Her student-centered approach and commitment to fostering creativity, critical thinking and confidence will be instrumental in helping students achieve their full potential in both academics and personal growth.
Beyond her expertise in design and education, Jillian is an accomplished netball coach, having served as Head of Netball at Haileybury’s Keysborough Campus, where she coached APS teams and played a key role in student leadership and sporting development. Her experience in coaching and mentoring further strengthens her ability to inspire, lead, and support students in all areas of school life.
We are thrilled to have Jillian join our community, where her passion, leadership and industry expertise will undoubtedly enrich both the Visual Arts program and the broader Huntingtower experience.
Mrs Simone Nuroo
Director of People & Culture