Principal Report
Brianna and Ian
What a wonderful year we have had in our first year at Dohertys Creek College 2019.
Our value of kindness sums up our children, staff and community. Kindness to our school has helped us become a school of excellence. We have many people to thank for their ongoing kindness:
Firstly School Council members for all your head work to support our children and school. A special thanks to Savat for her hard work as School Council President. - you have done an amazing job in the first year - Thankyou.
Fundraising - we raised over $7000 to help support our playground and develop our Kitchen/Garden
Staff: to our our first year teachers and staff - A huge thanks for your dedication and hard work in our first year.
Children: To our most wonder children. We are so proud of you all and your achievements.
Parents: Thankyou so much for all your support to enable our school to operate so smoothly. We appreciate your support.
Administration Staff: To Virginia, Sam and Kellie - thankyou for all your hard work in our Admin Office enabling children to enjoy school.
Panda - Thanks Panda for all the fun you bring into our school.
Our Business Sponsorship - To Ten8 Realestate for the wonderful breakfast program this term. To Villawood for your ongoing support.
Staffing Update:
We sadly farewell two of our staff this year. Congratulation to Paul FAci whoc has gained a promotion to Buckley Park SC. WE thank him and wish him well.
Congratulations to Kellie Neil who has goined a promotion and will be working at Bayside College. We will miss you in Admin and thank you for your wok in our First Aid Room.
School Captains - We have had the most amazing School Leaders this year. What a wonderful job you have done. I thankyou for leading the way this year with your leadership and ideas. Thankyou Ahmed, Bennet, Caleb, Gracy, Morgan, Ratan and Saeda.
Congratulation to our 2020 School Captains:
Charlotte, Christian, Heath, Ishan, Maahi & Nasteha
A huge thankyou to Brianna and Malinda for all your extremely dedicated, professional and amazing leadership that you have provided. Our school would not be the place it is without your expertise.
School Awards was held December 16th - please see "Classroom News and Events" for all the details. Congratulation to all our winners.
Best wishes to our 2020 Yr 7 students who head to various Secondary Schools. We wish you all the very best.
FINALLY - We love our school "Dohertys Creek College" but more importantly we love the children who come here to make it the amazing learning environment we have.
Thankyou and enjoy a wonderful & safe Chirstmas and New Year.
Ian Wren
We extend a warm welcome to all our new staff for 2020 and welcome back our exisiting staff at Doherys Creek College.
Brianna Morelli
Dear Dohertys Creek College Community,
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the Assistant Principal at Dohertys Creek College.
In 2019, it was so exciting to work with the community and staff to open a school that has a strong emphasis on community links and educational excellence.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to get to know the families and students and to work together as a team to help build children’s capacity on all areas.
I am looking forward to continuing to create a culture at the school where we focus on the whole child to ensure that they become healthy, happy, resilient, successful, active global citizens.
Malinda Vaughan
My name is Malinda (or Mal) and I’m the Literacy Leader and one of the Instructional Coaches at Dohertys Creek College. This means I lead the implementation of Literacy programs across the school and work closely with our teaching staff and students to support the growth in Literacy. 2020 will be my second year at Dohertys Creek College and second year in this role. I want every student at DCC to develop a passion for literature and to engage in Speaking and Listening, Writing and Reading in meaningful ways. In 2020 I would like to support the school community in developing their understanding of how we teach English at DCC. If you have areas that you would like to know more about, please feel free to email me or come and have a chat with me.
James Milenkovic
My name is James and I am very excited to introduce myself as the Visual Arts teacher at Dohertys Creek College for 2020. For several years I have worked at New Gisborne Primary School in the Macedon Ranges, but I am also a published writer and artist.
It is a privilege to join the team of dedicated and caring educators at Dohertys Creek College. I aim to implement a phenomenal Visual Arts program that excites and inspires students, working across a range of materials, techniques and processes. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and passion for Art with students as they become skilled and proficient Art practitioners. Here’s to a brilliant year in the Art room!
Genna Shorter
Hello Doherty's Creek College community, Genna here! I am thrilled to be a part of such a fantastic school and to bring all my previous experience in P-2 with me in 2020! I have been teaching for six years at Southmoor Primary School in Moorabbin and upon a recent move to the West I am so glad that I landed myself here. I have lots of experience with students of varying needs and abilities and feel privileged that they helped mould me into the teacher I am today. My passion is creating an inclusive, supportive and hard-working classroom that is built on positive relationships. Don't be shy to say hello, especially if you love dogs- you will soon enough hear the many stories about Monty my cheeky Labrador.
Looking forward to meeting all of you!
Wendy Wu
Ni Hao! My name is Wendy Wu. I have a Chinese name “Xi” but I named myself “Wendy” after J.M. Barrie’s book “Peter Pan”. I will be working as a Chinese teacher next year, together with Jane.
Three years ago, I moved from Brisbane to Melbourne with my husband. In the past two and half years, I taught Chinese at Hughesdale Primary School and Bacchus Marsh Primary School. I like to integrate cultural learning into language learning and to create a safe and engaging learning environment. After work, I like dancing, cooking, music, yoga, gym, gardening, reading, swimming, travelling… I look forward to meeting everyone here at Doherty’s Creek College.
Kate Di Battista
Dear Dohertys Creek College Community, I am very excited to introduce myself as one of Dohertys Creek’s 2020 classroom teachers. I consider myself very fortunate to be a part of such a supportive, nurturing and respectful community and look forward to sharing my 6+ years experience within the school setting. I am an extremely passionate and creative teacher, who values relationships, inclusivity and respect. I look forward to working alongside you all and having a year full of fun, learning and growth.
Amanda Mobilio
Dear Dohertys Creek College Community,
I am delighted to introduce myself as the Classroom Teacher in Prep B at Dohertys Creek College.
I am a passionate teacher and love making learning fun and interesting. I am excited to create a nurturing, stimulating environment that fosters creativity and inclusivity between students as well as continue to build respectful relationships to ensure all students feel part of a community of learners.
I value academic excellence and aim to support students in developing the necessary skills to become active, innovative and motivated learners. Most importantly, I can’t wait to celebrate the amazing learning that occurs in Prep B and celebrating student successes with you.
2019 has been an incredible year at Dohertys Creek College, and I am excited to see what 2020 has in store for us!
I look forward to embarking on this journey with you all!
Jess McCourt
Hello Doherty’s Creek Community!
My name is Jess and I am so thankful and excited to be joining the Doherty’s Creek Village in 2020. I am lucky enough to be teaching Grade 1. I have been in education for a few years now and have a strong passion for early years education, developing strong relationships and ensuring each child is provided a learning environment everyday which allows them to learn, grow and succeed! When I am not at school I love to be with my family where together we enjoy walks, going down to the coast and just getting out and about enjoying the sunshine and creating memories.
I can’t wait to meet you all and together do everything we can to ensure we can all reach our fullest potential!
Have an amazing break and see you in 2020!
Sharnie Doolan
My name is Sharnie Dollan and I am very excited to begin my journey with you all at Doherty’s Creek P-9 College next year! I look forward to teaching with the fabulous Grade 2 team.
I am a passionate teacher that holds student wellbeing and resilience as a high priority, as I believe this is essential for students to reach their full potential. I aim to set acheiveable goals for students, and will support them in achieving each goal through engaging lessons and supporting their individual needs.
Can’t wait to meet you all!
Kayla Bachtevanos
Hi everyone !
I am absolutely thrilled to be starting at Doherty’s Creek P-9 College and beginning the next chapter of my journey as a classroom teacher.
I am an extremely enthusiastic, flexible, innovative and empathetic person who is always striving to further develop my skills in my teaching practice and ensure that I am delivering engaging lessons where every individual students differentiated learning needs are catered for so they are engaged and able to get the most out of their learning.
As a teacher who specialises in student welfare and wellbeing. I understand how important communication, positive relationships and interpersonal skills are in the classroom and in my school community. I believe this to be one of my many strengths within the school and also outside of school; this allows me to work comfortably with many different individuals in team settings and I am very much looking forward to working with everyone in the Doherty’s Creek College community J
Skye Bailey
Dear Dohertys Creek College,
My name is Skye Bailey and I am beyond excited to be joining the Grade 2 learning community as a classroom teacher in 2020. Over the last year I have spent some time at Dohertys Creek College completing my University placements with the grade 3/4 and Prep learning communities. I value kindness and respect and I am excited to be able to foster these qualities in a positive and engaging classroom where all students have a sense of success and achievement. I am looking forward to seeing some familiar faces, as well as getting to know many new faces in our learning community as we embark on this journey together!
Rebecca Ciccarelli
Hello to all who are a part of the Doherty’s Creek College community,
My name is Rebecca and I have been teaching now for 5 years, primarily in the upper grades, 3-6. I am so excited to be working in the juniors next year in grade 1, and leading the awesome grade 1 team as their team leader for 2020.
I value academic excellence and am constantly striving to empower my students to achieve beyond their personal best, in all subjects of the curriculum. My favourite subjects to teach are Reading and Number, which take up a big precedence in my classroom. I pride myself on getting students to realise and reach their full potential, with everything they set their mind to and try to instil that ‘life-long learner’ attitude in all of them.
I am very open and honest with my students, and openly make mistakes in front of them, so that they can see that even teachers make mistakes, and that we can all learn from every single one of them. 1B will be a classroom filled with little learners who have a ‘growth mindset’ and who know that ‘if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!’
I pride myself on being able to build strong, professional and respectful relationships with my students and their families, and can ensure that our classroom door will always be open ‘metaphorically’, should families have any questions, queries, concerns or exciting news they want to share with me!
Bring on 2020!
Heather Buzza
Hi I’m Heather Buzza and I’m really excited to be joining the Dohertys Creek Team next year and the Science and Sustainability Teacher! My passion is engaging students in understanding the world around them and how they can make it a better place. It gives me pleasure to give students hands on experiences inside and outside the classroom, to teach them to notice the little things around them that make such a difference to their lives. I love being outdoors, camping, riding my horses, walking my dogs, playing with my rabbit, guinea pigs, lizard and green tree frogs! Yep, I love animals! I have 3 children Madi 21, Josh 19 and Kiera 16, so our life is pretty busy! I spin wool and love to use recycled products to weave interesting art. I find calm in my garden and look forward to establishing our kitchen garden program at Dohertys Creek.
Janelle Wu
Dear Dohertys Creek College Community,
I am extremely excited to introduce myself as a classroom teacher at Dohertys Creek. I graduated from the Master of Teaching (Early childhood and Primary) at The University of Melbourne. I am passionate about creating a safe, positive and inclusive classroom environment for my students to learn and play. I am looking forward to bringing my knowledge, skills and passion to the Prep team and building strong relationships with all students, families and colleagues.
Jane Stevenson
Ni Hao, Dohertys Creek College Community. 2019 has been a pleasure for me to work with the amazing staff and brilliant students.
It has been a fun and productive year for our quick learners who have learnt many interesting topics through heaps of fun activities. They not only can sing many songs in Chinese, but also have started to develop speaking Chinese and character writing skills. They have been introduced to Chinese culture knowledge, such as calligraphy and Taichi... Well done, everyone.
We also set up a Chinese sister school and has run the first and very successful parents-students China trip.
With support of the great leadership, our fantastic community, and enthusiastic Wu lao shi joining us, I believe our Chinese programme will continue to thrive.
Looking forward to 2020 --- the year of the Mouse.
Xie xie
Wang Lao Shi
Anne Spranger
My name is Anne Spranger and I am going to be a classroom teacher next year at Dohertys Creek College.
I love providing a warm, happy classroom environment where I can support each student in my grade with their academic and social development. I know that building strong relationships with students and their families is very important, and I look forward to meeting you early next year and working together with you.
Millie Carr
I am a passionate teacher and a life long learner. I seek to inspire my student’s on a daily basis to never stop learning. In addition to this, I aim to build resilience and instil a sense of self worth among all students. I am passionate about enhancing the students of our future by ensuring their learning environment is supportive, nurturing and stimulating. I have high expectations for all students and will inspire them to strive for excellence in all aspects of life.
I have thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with colleagues, parents and the wider school community in the school’s first year and feel we are well on the way to cultivating articulate and resilient learners that aim to reach their full potential.
I look forward to continuing to form strong professional relationships with all members of the school community.
Shannon Ralph
Dear Dohertys Creek College,
My name is Shannon Ralph and I am going to be a classroom teacher in Grade 3C in 2020, which I am thrilled about! I am going to be bringing an engaging and exciting classroom to Dohertys Creek College.
I have been teaching Grade 4 this year at Woodville Primary School in Hoppers Crossing.
I absolutely love my sport. Football and basketball are my favourite! In AFL I follow St. Kilda and in the NBA I follow the Brooklyn Nets.
I am so excited to be able to work at this fantastic school and be a part of this amazing community at Dohertys Creek. I look forward to starting this journey together!
Shannon Ralph
Ellie Natovska
Hieee to everyone at our Doherty’s Creek College Community!
I am thrilled to be a part of the wonderful community of Dohertys Creek P-9 College. This year has been an incredible year for our school and I am looking forward to having many more wonderful experiences with staff, parents, our amazing students and the wider school community.
I am passionate about developing authentic relationships with the whole school community, whilst working with a common goal to help all of our children grow and achieve their own personal best. I am passionate about growth mindset, student wellbeing, lifelong learning and having lots of fun while doing so.
I am looking forward to 2020 and excited to keep learning together! I believe that ‘Together Everyone Achieves More’. We are all a wonderful TEAM!
Ellie
Sarah Upton
My name is Sarah, I am a proud aboriginal woman from Gunditjmara mob in Portland. After completing my undergraduate course in recreation management, then completing my post grad in teaching. I have been teaching for the last six years and had the privilege of teaching 3/4s last year at DCC P-9 college.
I can’t wait to teach all of the DCC P-9 students STEAM in 2020 to create a community of explorers, inventors, supporters and to push our learning to the next level and think outside the box. I was blessed to be a part of the first year at this school and can’t wait to continue this awesome adventure with you all!!!
I am a very familiar face so don’t be shy to come and say hi.
Thanks! J
Rhiannon Swallow
Hello to all new and returning parents/carers and students!
I am excited for another fabulous year teaching Physical Education at Dohertys Creek in 2020!
This will be my 5th year teaching Physical Education, having taught a range of students from Prep all the way up to Year 12.
I have a passion for all things sport, particularly basketball and footy. I believe in maintaining and supporting others to live a healthy and active lifestyle, so you’ll often find me coming straight to work from the gym in the mornings!
Through the delivery of the Physical Education curriculum, I aim for students to have fun whilst learning about a wide range of sports and physical activities, as well as learning about why it is important for us to be active and healthy individuals.
I am looking forward to seeing you all again and having another fabulous year at Dohertys Creek P-9 College in 2020!
Kim Lev
Dear Dohertys Creek College Community, I’m very excited to be a part of the collaborative team of teachers at Dohertys Creek College.
This year at Dohertys Creek, we have all worked together in creating a respectful, kind and safe learning environment for the community. The last two years I have worked as a Foundation (Prep) teacher. Over this period, I have found a genuine love and passion for teaching!
I enjoy bringing my passion and love of teaching to work everyday alongside many other enthusiastic teachers. I thrive towards creating positive, respectful, creative learning environments where every child has a voice. I’m looking forward to extending our school community and meeting many new faces in the near future.
Natasha Galea
Hi Dohertys Creek P-9 College Community.
Thank you for an amazing year. It has been a privilege to be part of this new community of parents, students and teachers. I am currently one of the 1/2 teachers and I can’t wait to teach Grade 3 in 2020!
Elysia Mitchell
My name is Elysia and I am so excited to be working in Year 1 next year. This year, I have been teaching in Years 1 and 2 with a wonderful class full of clever and creative kids! Some of my favourite things to do include crafting, reading and cooking delicious dinners and treats! I can’t wait to start off 2020 with a bang at Dohertys Creek, to build on the amazing work we have already done opening this fantastic new school. See you in the new year!
Katie Connell
Hi I’m Katie
I’m teaching prep in 2020 and look forward to my second year at Dohertys Creek!
I originally come from Orange NSW but have lived in other cities and countries over the past few years.
I love teaching and watching my students grow in their understanding. I also enjoy singing and dancing although I may need to improve my singing voice.
I’m excited for 2020 and look forward to the exciting things that will happen at Dohertys Creek!
Gaye Kershaw
Well, what an amazing first year of Art at DCC!! I have loved every minute of my time in this space and have been inspired watching our student’s creativity develop. I am looking forward to teaching Year 3 next year and learning lots of new skills. Have a safe and relaxing break everyone.
aye Kershaw
Miriam Bediako
Ete sen (Hello), What a fantastic first year it’s been at DCC-P9. We have explored, created, questioned, performed, problem solved, and most importantly grown as learners. I cannot wait to see what 2020 will be like. Thanks for being a great, understanding and supportive community. Xièxiè
Luke Vella
Dear Parents/Guardians,
My name is Luke Vella and I am your child’s year 6 teacher for the 2020 year. I wish to extend to you and your child my warmest welcome into our classroom.
My philosophy for teaching and learning focuses on the uniqueness of each student and providing every opportunity for all children to learn in a variety of ways. I aim to create a community of empathetic students who are confident, life-long learners with a desire to succeed. I create an engaging, fun, and safe environment for all of my students.
I am a believer in the view that ‘it takes a community to raise a child’ and will ensure open communication between school and home to build a strong foundation for this school year. Please feel free to contact me through email, a phone call through the school, or come in for a chat.
At Dohertys Creek, staff work as a community and we regularly co-teach providing your child with occasions to learn from a variety of educators. We will be participating in numerous excursions, sporting opportunities and special programs to further your child’s learning.
I have two specific requirements of each child in my class:
- that we all do our best to build meaningful and respectful relationships
- that we all bring our best effort to everything we do
I ask that your child be ready for learning each day. This includes wearing of correct uniform (including sport uniform on sport days), bringing the required equipment, and following our school values of Kindness, Teamwork, Respect, Learning, and Integrity.
Thank you,
Luke Vella
Year 6 Classroom Teacher (6A)
Hayley McNeil
Dear Dohertys Creek College Community, I am delighted to again be working with our energetic and passionate Prep Team for another incredible year of learning! I value respect, kindness and with a passion for student well-being, I am most looking forward to cultivating a love of learning with all of my students in a positive, individualised and engaging classroom. I am excited to welcome our new wave of DCC students and their families to our passionate and hardworking family in 2020!
Sam McDonald
Dear Parents, Carers and students,
I am thrilled to introduce myself as the Business manager of Dohertys Creek P-9 College and feel genuinely excited and privileged to be part of the Dohertys Creek College. It has been an amazing first year and I look forward to 2020.
Virginia Jowett
Hi Everyone,
I am have loved being apart of the Admin team and I am excited to see what the 2nd year at Dohertys Creek College brings. We have a unique and wonderful school community and I look forward to welcoming existing and new families in 2020.
Dylan Golz
Dear Dohertys Creek College,
My name is Dylan Golz and I am the Classroom teacher in Prep F ! I am so excited to teach Prep again at Dohertys Creek College and provide a safe and engaging learning environment where each student can have a sense of success, achievement, growth and most importantly fun!
This will be my 5th year of Teaching and I have previously taught Prep, Grade 3/4 and 6 in the western suburbs of Melbourne. I value respect and kindness and I am excited to share and model these values with my Preps over the school year. I am looking forward to the amazing learning that will be taking place in my classroom and can’t wait to share and celebrate these experiences with students and families.
I’m a big sports fan and enjoy watching Cricket, Rugby and Footy. I follow St. Kilda and Melbourne Storm! Hopefully one of them will win the premiership in 2020!
I look forward to meeting new members of the school community and continue to build positive relationships with staff, students and families.
Manprit Lamba
I am extremely excited to be the Classroom Teacher of Year 4, at Dohertys Creek P-9 College. I am highly passionate about teaching. The most rewarding part of teaching to me is to see the ‘aha’ expressions of students’ when they make new learning discoveries. It’s going to be a fabulous year full of friendly students and staff, more adventures and more discoveries. I enjoy reading, art, craft, cooking, card making, board games, long walks etc. I along with the college community endeavour to make the second year of Dohertys Creek P-9 College an incredible year of learning experiences!
Abbey O'Mara
Hello to the Doherty’s Creek College community!
I am excited to introduce myself as one of the integration aides who will be working part time in 2020! My name is Abbey and I am currently studying education at Victoria University.
I have had the privilege to work as an integration aide at Point Cook College in early 2019 and at Dohertys Creek College sine July 2019. I have been working in the 3/4 community. I have loved working with this group of students. It’s been amazing to watch them learn and grow!
I am beyond excited to be part of Dohertys Creek College again in 2020. I look forward to meeting you all and getting to know you.
Jody Ippolito and Latha Ruttala
We have loved getting to know our beautiful children and their families this year and Dohertys Creek College.
We are very excited to continue supporting children at Dohertys Creek College in 2020.