Welcome new staff 

Joining our community : Part 4

We are delighted to have a significant number of new staff join our community this year, with a great breadth of experience from teaching and beyond. Here are our lucky last set of introductions.  Please say hello when you see them around. 

Nurul Ali

My name is Nurul and I am a Science, Biology and Mathematics teacher. I previously worked in Philanthropy and collaborated with people from all walks of life. Some of these people inspired me to pursue a career in education. I am most looking forward to get to know the students and the 'Northcote way' of learning and teaching. As a graduate teacher, I look forward to learning the way a good school such as Northcote operates, and what contributes to its successes.

Kirsty Allen

Hi I'm Kirsty Allen and I’ve been teaching English for six years. I come from a very creative family and I was lucky enough to study classical piano in high school. I completed my AmusA in concert performance at the end of Year 11, which was absolutely terrifying but also an amazing opportunity. I completed a Bachelor of Arts at Monash in 2014, majoring in Literature and History, and I completed my Masters of Teaching in 2015. I’m really looking forward to getting to know the students and staff at Northcote, and being a member of a thriving community.

Riley Boyce

I am excited to start my career at Northcote High School with a fun and dynamic group of teachers who all have their own experience, values and beliefs that they bring to the school environment. I love working with and developing students’ curiosity and improving their attitudes towards schooling and education. I’ve previously had experience in leading a team of staff in a primary school setting working with students and parents. Working with like-minded individuals in a school setting, interacting with students and parents, makes this career a fun, fast paced, and ever-changing environment which means that no two days are the same. Over my limited experience with teaching, I’ve enjoyed my own personal growth, implementing fun lessons involving student led activities where discussion and intuition flows readily. I’ve always enjoyed physical activity and enjoyed being active and playing sport, during covid unfortunately many of my hobbies where affected. I am excited to have a positive influence on students and hopefully develop their interest in physical activity that can lead them to becoming active citizens who contribute to their own community.

Joanna Gerantidis

My achievements are varied to say the least. I am first and foremost a mother of 2 adult children. I have previously been a teacher, journalist, publican and now I’m heading back into teaching. I look forward to the opportunity to be a part of a school which holds high academic standards and playing my part in that.

Pam Newton-Brown 

I have been working in schools since 1988, twenty-six years at University High school where I taught English and sometimes Economics. I have been a VCAA Assessor in both subjects. For many years I was a coordinator in Senior or Middle Sub-schools. In 2015 I participated in the City Edge exchange program and taught at Melbourne Girls College. I am looking forward to exploring new approaches, working with Northcote students and colleagues to deliver the Northcote Model that I have heard so many positive reports about.