Copperfield College News

Kings Park Campus 

Principal Message 

Hello and welcome back to all members of the Copperfield College, Kings Park campus community. Firstly, I would like to re-introduce myself. My name is Renato Carinci and I’m one of the two Campus Principals here at the Kings Park campus along with Lance Petherick who you will know from 2024 and prior.

 

While I’m new to the campus this year, I’m not “new” to Copperfield College, having worked here for almost 40 years as a classroom teacher, Leading Teacher and Campus Principal. I spent 4 years at the Delahey Senior campus (2020-2023) and prior to that, at the Kings Park Junior campus (2011-2019) in my role as Campus Principal. I was on leave in 2024 and am so excited to be back to co-lead the campus into new, exciting and even more successful horizons.

 

Overall, the transition back into school life has been seamless and enjoyable and in all honesty, this can only be attributed to the extraordinary teaching and non-teaching staff here at the Kings Park campus. We have such a collaborative, solution-focused, child-first mindset that is not hindered by the boundaries of our roles. We all work with each and for each other. A big thankyou from myself and Mr. Petherick

 

Welcome to Copperfield (Kings Park campus in 2025)

 

As is the case every year, and in particular, at a multi campus, we have several teachers new to Copperfield College.

 

TEACHING STAFF

  • David Power (Mathematics, Humanities/Accounting)
  • Katie Byrne (Physical Education/Health)
  • James Inabinet (coming from Delahey, Year 9-10 Campus Leader)
  • Michelle Knight (coming from Sydenham, Art/Technology )
  • Kim Bhatti (coming from Delahey, Mathematics/Science)
  • Eric Thang (Mathematics/Information Technology)
  • Katie Giao (Mathematics/Science)

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT STAFF

  • Chelsea Horvat (coming from Delahey, Wellbeing Officer)
  • Angelina Panozzo (Mental Health Practitioner)
  • Lorraine Dedman (coming from Sydenham, International Students Integration Aide)

Getting to know our 9/10 Student Management Team (PART 1)

 

James Inabinet: Year 9-10 Campus Leader   

Hey Legends, My name is James Inabinet, the new Campus Leader at Kings Park. I have enjoyed a long career in trauma informed practice and leading education programs for some of Melbourne's most disadvantaged young people. This included flexible learning schools such as Hester Hornbrook, St Jospeh's and Ravenhall Prison. Nothing makes me happier than supporting all students to find personal success both at school and towards their future pathways. While I may look like a barista, I am actually very bad at making coffee (although I will often consume two cups before arriving at work). I love all things creative, from music, film and art through to innovative approaches to engage young learners. My Methods are English, Media, Drama and all aspects of the VCE Vocational Major. 

 

Natascha Moody: C Team Leader

I have been teaching for over 18 years both in Australia and in the USA. I have taught from Prep through to adults. I have been employed at the college for 8 years and am in my 4th year as a Team Leader. I have also worked at both junior campuses. 

My teaching methods are English, EAL, Literacy and Legal studies, however I have also taught year 10 Economics and Year 9 Humanities. My hobbies include watching movies, spending quality time with friends and family and Reformer Pilates.

The most enjoyable part of working with students for me is being able to get them to see the importance of becoming resilient and responsible members of society

 

Monika Thakur: T Team Leader

Hello everyone, I'm Monika Thakur! I hold a Master's in Teaching and have had the pleasure of educating students from P-12. In 2025, I'll be stepping into the role of Team Leader for the Year 9 and Year 10 cohort as part of the T Team. I teach both Mathematics and Science across all year levels, and when I’m not in the classroom, you’ll find me traveling and sampling diverse cuisines. The best part about working with young people is the chance to relive your younger days (and, of course, realize just how much older you’ve become... but that’s just a little joke!). In all seriousness, my favourite aspect of teaching is becoming a part of my students' lives. It’s incredibly fulfilling to play a small role in shaping the doctors, engineers, police officers, and future leaders of the world. These students don’t just become learners—they become like family. It’s an amazing journey, one that’s both rewarding and filled with a lot of laughs along the way! I look forward to a fantastic year ahead and am excited to collaborate with all stakeholders. Together, we can achieve great things

 

Next time…our Year 7/8 Student Management Team

 

Year 7 Induction Program

 

The two Junior campuses held a successful and engaging Year 7 Induction program which welcomed and helped acclimatise our newest members of the Copperfield College, Kings Park community. The first day was a day dedicated to Year 7s only and demonstrated our commitment to giving our youngest cohort all the attention they needed. A variety of activities were scheduled over the two days including going through the school diary and understanding how to use it, our behavioural expectations, how to make the most of our library, general housekeeping (padlock use, canteen processes etc.) and a variety of fun activities designed to build relationships between students and their teachers. A great day was had by all. Thanks to Ms. Di Benedetto and the Transition Team for all their work.

 

SHINE Program

 

The SHINE program provides for approximately 10 of our Year 8 students to undertake a series of lessons that focus on. The program runs every Wednesday for 1 hour for most of this term

 

• Building confidence and self-esteem

• Developing respect and boundaries in relationships

• Recognising one’s unique strengths, skills and abilities

• Identifying and regulating emotions

• Learning decision-making skills

• Identifying personal values and setting desired goals

• Increasing their sense of social connectedness and belonging

 

Here’s hoping that our chosen students really make the most of these learnings as they provide life-long skills and quality habitual behaviours

 

Year 10 RMIT Tertiary Experience

 

Our Year 10 students attended the RMIT Experience Day on Wednesday February 12. Copperfield College has had a long standing relationship with RMIT and this Experience Day for our Year 10s continues the relationship by preparing the next cohort of young adults preparing for life post-Copperfield College. We also have a significant number of our students go onto RMIT after Year 12.

 

The day was broken down into a series of workshops and activities which included Space Science & Engineering, project Management, Marketing, laboratory Skills, Infectious Diseases and solving real life problems.

 

MAT program

 

The Life Skills MAT Program for a small group of Year 8 students is an active therapeutic modality that combines the principles of physical and mental wellbeing with those of traditional martial art training techniques. Its format engages and empowers young people to learn life skills, and to better manage the challenges in their lives. Students were specifically chosen because we felt it necessary that they needed to have their confidence built and feel better about themselves

 

Progress on the facilities upgrade in the Administration area

 

The concrete form work is completed and is ready for inspection.

 

We’re expecting a concrete truck with a pump truck over the next couple of days to pour the slab for the extension of the Kings Park campus Conference Room. Following the slab pour is the installation of steel frames and beams. Internally, progress is more pronounced with painting of the walls not too far away. We’re hopeful that the entire project is completed by the end of Term 1.

 

As well as the Administration Block work, the T Team quadrangle is having bitumen replaced over the uneven surface to ensure a safe and aesthetic look with the artificial turf.

 

Our undercover area also has a stunning new mural we should take pride in.

 

That’s enough from us…have a healthy and happy start to the new school year for all our Copperfield College family members.

 

Bye for now,

 

Mr. Renato Carinci and Mr.Lance Petherick

Campus Principals- Kings Park