St Mary's School, Castlemaine

Introducing staff

 AnneMaree Bernardo

I first joined the school community 4 years ago. After a long career in the corporate world, I retrained as an ESO because I’m passionate about helping children grow in a holistic and valued setting. In a previous lifetime, I spent several years volunteering in the Asia Pacific region, which has greatly influenced my spiritual and global perspective.

Outside of school, you’ll often find me at the Chewton Soccer oval, or seasonally at cricket, tennis, and Aussie rules games. I’m married to Damian, and we have a son, Clancy, who is in Grade 4. I also love spending time with our dog, Massi. When things are quiet at home, you can find me indulging in cheese and wine, planning my next mini-adventure in my pop-up camper.

 Anushka Vaz

I was born and brought up in a small state in India called Goa and moved to Australia at the age of 18 to study Psychology and Education and am currently completing my Master’s in Educational Leadership at Australian Catholic University. 

I have a deep love for travel and food, having explored 18 countries and often recreating dishes I’ve tasted along the way. My husband, Clive, and I live in Castlemaine with our two children and our beloved dogs, Ian and Willow. 

I adore all animals, especially dogs, enjoy ballroom dancing, and relaxing at the beach.

Blythe Neve 

This will be my 2nd year working with Mrs Cotter teaching Foundation/Grade 1. at St. Mary’s. I have been teaching for more than 20 years, and previously worked in Melbourne, along with the Northern Territory and Japan. 

I live in Castlemaine with my partner and two children. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy reading, gardening, listening to music and dancing. I grew up on Yorta Yorta Country, Cohuna, Victoria. 

Isabella (Bella) Berry-Smith

Hello! I am Bella (Mrs Berry). I am thrilled to be teaching in the 5/6 classroom on Mondays and Tuesdays this year. This is my fifth year of teaching at St Mary's- I am extremely passionate about the school and truly love working in such a beautiful environment with such wonderful people. I live in Muckleford with my husband Jesse, our 1 year old Florence, cows, sheep, chickens and ducks. I love reading, art, music, bush walks, baking and cooking. 

Barbara Burchett

My name is Barb Burchett and l live with my husband, an elderly dachshund and 9 chickens. I have two adult children with whom l love to catch up with whenever l can. I love reading, bike riding, walking, gardening and visiting the beach.

Clare Grainger

Hi there! My name is Clare Grainger and I am the Health & PE and Science Specialist Teacher at St Mary’s. 

I love teaching students and witnessing their curiosity, joy, development and achievements in learning. 

I wanted to be a teacher ever since I was a young child when my big sister played schools with me! I also had some amazing role models during my own schooling years who inspired me to follow my dream! 

I live here in Castlemaine with my husband and three children, my youngest attending St Mary’s and my eldest two now in secondary school. I am fortunate to have come from a beautiful close-knit family, raised in the country. I have three siblings, many sibling in laws and gorgeous nieces and nephews. Family time is one of my passions as is catching up with close friends, walking, baking, beach stays and quiet time at home…as well as teaching! 

 

Julie Cotter

I have had the pleasure of teaching at St Mary’s since July 2022. I began teaching in 1987, after completing my teacher training at Australian Catholic University in Ballarat. I saw my teaching degree as a ticket to explore the world and have taught in four States and one Territory in Australia and in England. I live in Bendigo with my husband Chris and our very spoilt whippet Scully. We have two adult daughters Mathilde and Georgia. I love my work in schools and also enjoy gardening, cooking, family tree research and travel.

Tobie Coggle

I am very excited to be commencing at St Mary’s this year. I am really looking forward to getting to know everyone in the St Mary’s school community.

I have been teaching locally in Castlemaine for over 10 years now. Before I lived and worked in Castlemaine I taught in Alice Springs for 5 years, which is where my own children started their preschool, primary school journey. Prior to having my family and living in Alice Springs I lived in Western Victoria and Melbourne. When I am not teaching I like to walk my dog, ride my bike and spend time with family and friends.

Kristine (Kris) Fellows

Hi, my name is Kris Fellows. I am team teaching Grade2/3 with Tobie this year. I have taught in QLD and VIC over the last 24 years as a Primary School, Secondary and Tertiary teacher with experience across a range of specific disciplines including Design Technology and Hospitality. My husband, Joe and I have 3 grown up children. This year, Joe and I will celebrate our 21st  wedding anniversary.

Diana Domonkos

Hello my name is Diana , my son and I just celebrated living in Campbells Creek for 10 years. Originally from Melbourne we moved up for a healthy country lifestyle. My son is the most important element of my life but my other three greatest loves are - photography, roller skating and nature since I was a child. I’m looking forward to a great year at St Mary’s with the children and staff with lots of awesome learning and fun times. 

Joanne (Jo) Lawrence

Hi, I’m Jo and I’ve worked at St Mary’s in Education Support for the past 12 months. Prior to that I worked as a bookkeeper. Outside of school, my kids keep me busy with their sporting commitments. This year I am on the committee at the Harcourt Football Netball Club.  I’m a Melbourne Demons supporter.

Krystal Burnett 

Hi my name is Krystal! I have worked here at St Mary's since 2022 and I really enjoy helping in any way I can.

When I am not at work I am a wife, a mum of three beautiful children and we have a Black Labrador, two cats and chickens, I enjoy spending time with my family, holidaying in new destinations and I have a passion and love for horses.

Fun fact: my favorite colour is purple and I am a Carlton supporter

Matthew (Matt) Giles

Hi, I’m Matt, but the students call me Mr. Giles. I’m thrilled to be back teaching full-time after five years of experience across grades 1/2, 3/4, and casual relief teaching, along with running a business for the past three years. I’ve been loving my time at the school so far and can’t wait for an amazing year ahead.

 

Here are a few fun facts about me:

I’m passionate about learning and teaching, and I might pursue further study in the science of learning down the track.

I’m a tech enthusiast, exploring how AI and other technologies can improve learning, while still balancing non-tech methods in the classroom.

Both my partner and I are educators, so they're plenty of ideas and educational debates being shared at home.

Rachel Cheesman

I am Mrs Cheesman to our students- but I will also answer to Mrs Cheese. I have the privilege of teaching our specialist subject, Music. I really believe that I have the best job in the world: kids + music = the best! I am also at school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays teaching one on one private piano lessons, but when I am not at school I enjoy working in our garden and keeping our house nice. I am married to Daniel and we have two incredible boys, who are in grades 6 and 4 at St Mary's. We love Castlemaine and our sweetheart spoodle, Peggy Sue. 

 

Mark O'Sullivan

Hi. My name is Mark O’Sullivan and I am the Wellbeing Leader and share the Gr 5/6 class with Mrs Berry. My teaching days are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. I have been at St Mary’s for awhile now. I really enjoy being part of our community, meeting and getting to know our families over time.

Outside of school I Iove spending time with my family and friends. I spend a lot of time reading, staying active, growing veggies, wandering around the bush, playing pool and cooking.

Steph Silvagni

My name is Steph Silvagni and I am the Speech Pathologist at St. Mary's. I enjoy working with the students and I am keen to be introducing Social Thinking sessions into the classrooms this year. I attended St Mary's for my primary schooling and it's great to be back!

Alexandra Scott-Douglas

(Will be published in next newsletter)