Our Classroom Teachers

Hi Ivanhoe Primary,

Hello, my name is Rhonda,

Recruited by John Clark in 2005, I have enjoyed teaching at Ivanhoe Primary for many years now. I began in Year 2 where I taught for 6 years. I then moved to 3/4, then 5, and now I am teaching Year 6. 

I feel very blessed to be working with the Year 6 team, we are collaborative, supportive, caring, hard working and just get things done.! Grade 6 can be challenging, but together we have created a harmonious atmosphere where both staff and students can flourish.

I have enjoyed all aspects of my time at Ivanhoe, especially loving the community spirit and connections I have made with many staff, families and students over the years. 

Outside of school, I love to swim and spend time with my family, including my dog Buster. 

The AFL is also a favourite past time of mine, attending as many Collingwood games as I can with my dad, sister, friends and nephew.

My name is Leighton Pearce and I’m a Grade 6 Teacher at IPS,

I am fortunate to have been part of the IPS community for most of my life. I am a former student of IPS of the 1980s. Working as a teacher aide and in the O.S.H.C. program, I reconnected to the school in the 90s. I’ve been a classroom teacher at Ivanhoe since 2002. It gives me a great deal of fulfilment giving back to the school which gave me a wonderful start to my education, as well as, holding many special memories that I love sharing with my students.

I love being a year 6 teacher where the curriculum covers such a broad range of topics. There’s always something new and exciting going on whether it’s presenting a major project, competing against other schools in district sport or working with leaders of the school to run a whole school event. I feel very blessed to work with such amazing teachers and students at IPS.

I am married to Kim who has also been teaching at IPS over the last couple of years as a relief teacher. We have 2 daughters. Bella who is in grade 1 and Sophie who will be attending IPS as a Foundation student in 2024. We also have a pet cavoodle dog named Charlie and 160 gold fish in our backyard fishpond. I won’t mention their names for obvious reasons.

Outside of teaching I have been playing and coaching football at Ivanhoe Junior and Ivanhoe Amateur Football club since 1987. I find coaching and teaching work hand in hand. Preparing students academically, socially and emotionally is one of my favourite parts of my job. Although teaching looks very different to what it was 21 years ago, I am just as passionate and happy being able to educate amazing young people each day.

Hello IPS, 

My name Is Veronica Knowles, and this is my 5th year teaching and learning at Ivanhoe Primary. 

I began teaching 8 years ago in London, where I was lucky enough to explore the UK and Europe whilst experiencing an education system different to Australia. 

At this stage in my career, I have developed a LOVE for teaching Year 6. I am passionate about providing students with the skills to think critically, take risks, show kindness, and look at the world with curiosity. My overarching goal is to ensure students feel empowered to tackle the challenges and experiences that come with a new stage of life, in this case secondary school! 

Working with students who have such a strong desire to learn, and teachers who have become friends make coming to work, for me, a delight. 

Outside of teaching I will take any opportunity to be in nature, hiking, camping, running makes me feel connected and happy. Other activities that take up my time are sewing, reading, and cooking for friends and family. 

Thanks for reading 😊

Veronica