This week we learn a little about Mel, Jess and Lauren.

Mel McFayden

How long have you been teaching/working in schools?

I feel incredibly blessed to have been employed as an LSO at St. Joeys since 2017. For the past two years I have also been especially lucky to be given the role of school Librarian.

Prior to working here I was a kinder assistant for 2 years at Sorrento Pre-School, working with both the 3 and 4yr old groups, which I also loved.

Before I had my children I worked as a Division 1 nurse for 10yrs.

Current roles and responsibilities?

I currently work full time as an LSO. At present I am working predominantly in the 3/4 space. As an LSO we are required to be flexible and assist the students and teachers when and where there is a need. I love working with all of the students in our beautiful school so it is nice that I can move around and help out in every space. That is where being the librarian is an added bonus as I am able to support all of the students in our school to enrich their love of reading.

What do you love about working at St Joseph’s?

I just love St Joseph's! John and I chose this school for our son when he was due to start prep in 2013 and we have never looked back!

I love that we are a small community that supports and enriches one another. This is true of the incredible, passionate and dedicated staff, who I am so very blessed to work with, but also the parents and students who make this school not just a school but a real little community.

Interests/passions outside of school

I spend most of my time outside of school walking our Kelpie Dusty! If I am not out walking, I am usually taking my kids to sport. I love family movie nights on a Friday night. I also love catching up with my extended family and friends.

Family

My husband John and I have been together for 25yrs. We are incredibly blessed to have our son Harry who is 14 and in year 9 at Padua and our daughter Ava who is 11 and currently in year 6 at St Joeys. We also have our crazy Kelpie Dusty who is 3 and keeps me on my toes!

Jess Lumsden

How long have you been teaching/working in schools?

I began teaching in 2011 at Eastbourne Primary School, where I taught Prep for 2 years and was lucky enough to be part of introducing Walker Learning and being mentored by Kathy Walker. Walker Learning is a play and project based holistic pedagogy that is a total teaching and learning approach which combines the need for children to be active participants in their learning through explorations and investigations.

In 2013 I began teaching here at St Joseph’s, teaching Prep for 2 years and then 5/6 for a year before I had my children. I have been teaching part-time for the last 6 years while my children have still been at home and have taught across all areas of our school.

Current roles and responsibilities?

I am currently teaching in the 3/4 Learning Space on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

What do you love about working at St Joseph’s?

There are so many things I love about St Joseph’s! I feel so lucky to teach and learn alongside our amazing students and staff everyday, being a part of everyone’s learning journey and successes. I love the community of St Joseph's, it is a very close, supportive and friendly environment where I am fortunate enough to know all our students and their families. Teaching in a contemporary learning environment is also very important to me and I love that St. Joseph’s has open learning spaces and students are taught at their point of need. I love making a difference in our students' lives and being a part of their learning; they definitely drive my passion for teaching and learning everyday.

Interests/passions outside of school

Outside of school I love spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy going to the beach, for walks, bike rides and on holidays with my family. You will also often find me having a coffee with my friends!

Family

I have two children, Zara (6) and Arlo (4). Zara is currently in Grade 1 at St Joseph’s and Arlo is in the Red Kangaroos at Sorrento Preschool. He will join us next year for Prep at St Joseph’s! I also have a 10 year old Chocolate Labrador, Taj, who had a few visits to St Joseph’s when he was a puppy!

Lauren James

How long have you been teaching/working in schools?

I have been working in schools for 4 years. I started at St Joseph’s in 2018 and have been here since. I have a passion for working with children and thoroughly enjoy the culture of St Joseph’s.

Current roles and responsibilities?

I am currently working as a learning support officer (LSO) in the year one and two space. I have always been drawn to education and working with children. Every day is different, I am privileged to be able to help, guide and assist the children within their learning.

What do you love about working at St Joseph’s?

I have an affinity with the Mornington Peninsula and have strong links to the community of Sorrento. I love that the community sense is a part of our school. I love that we know each of the students at St Joseph’s. It gives me satisfaction in watching the children grow and actually seeing the difference it makes. I love that we work with such an amazing and supportive staff who all care so much about the students and learning.

Interests/passions outside of school

I enjoy fitness, I love staying active and healthy. I like group fitness, hiking and pilates. When I can, you will find me travelling, I have been to several countries and plan to see many more. Other passions are friends and social events.

Family

I am the oldest of three. I have a sister Georgia and a brother Mason and we all went through St. Joseph's as children. I obviously loved the place so much I decided to come back.

Parents and Friends