Specialist Teachers

Signora Zaffina: Italian Lote Teacher

I am so excited to be the new Italian teacher at SoGS! 

I have a passion for teaching and a deep knowledge of the Italian language! I was lucky enough to have had the opportunity to live in Italy for seven years of my life.

I have been teaching in various schools for 29 years and have been doing emergency teaching at SoGS for the last 2 years. 

I look forward to help guide and enrich all my students in their journey discovering and exploring the beauty and wonders of the Italian language and culture via various exciting and fun activities such as: stories, songs, plays, arts and crafts and dances. 

I am privileged and grateful to have the opportunity to teach Languages-Italian at the School of the Good Shepherd in 2023! Together let’s open the doors and provide greater opportunities for students to communicate and connect with the wider world! 

Here is some Italian vocabulary we have been learning at school. (please click image below)

Amanda Symeoy: STEM Specialist Teacher

I am so happy to be continuing my role as the Specialist STEM teacher this year and even more excited that I get to teach every year level for the first time!  My journey at SoGS began in 2016 as a Year 3 Classroom teacher. Since then I was blessed to teach other year levels before going on maternity leave in 2020 to have my beautiful little girl, Sophie. 

My STEM teaching role began when I returned part-time in 2021. I have loved my new role these past few years and especially enjoy being able to learn, explore new technology and concepts as well as grow in my innovation and creativity with my students. 

The specialist area of STEM includes four different subjects - Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths - all of which I believe are so important in teaching and learning today. Teaching STEM at a primary level enables me to allow my students to be innovative and think of the world with no limitations. We have just one aim - to make it a better place by using the basis of STEM subjects! We get to have fun doing experiments, using different equipment, manipulating materials, problem solving and connecting learning to real life issues.

My aim is to create a passion for STEM learning within my students so that they can enjoy and embrace it as much as I love teaching it!

Mrs Gianinna Garro: Visual Arts Teacher

As we head into the new year, I am excited to continue to teach Visual Arts at SOGS. I began my journey working part-time and with no art room, back in 2016. I brought art to the students in their classrooms via a trolley each week. We are so lucky to now have an amazing art room to bring students a range of art projects and experiences.  

Over the past 8 years, I have been part of numerous school productions and art shows. I am super excited to bring joy to our SOGS community yet again this year. “The Arts” celebration will be an amazing exhibition encompassing our unique talents as specialists teachers. More information to come.

As an art teacher, my goal is to create a safe and encouraging environment where students can explore their creativity and develop their artistic skills. In my classes, I cover a wide range of art techniques, from drawing and painting to sculpture and printmaking. I also explore different art styles and movements, and discuss the works of famous artists throughout history.

I believe that art is not only a means of self-expression, but also a way to connect with others and the world around us. Through my classes, students  have the opportunity to express their unique perspectives and ideas, and to connect with their peers in a collaborative and supportive environment. My role allows me to see students achieve and grow. I encourage students to find their passion with rich and meaningful art projects. 

I am looking forward to continuing to get to know each and every one of my students, and to helping them discover their own artistic passions and abilities. Together, we will create a vibrant and inspiring community of SOGS artists! 

Steven Avis: Music Specialist Teacher

I am extremely excited to be joining the School of the Good Shepherd specialist team as a music teacher for 2023! I am a recent graduate with a passion for helping young learners discover the joy of music.

I have been a part of the SoGS family for the past three years as a Co Educator and have been blessed to have built relationships with many of our students. This year will be my first year as a teacher.

I have been playing music for over 15 years and have experience with a variety of instruments, including guitar, drums, and singing. My love for music began when I was just a child, and I have been exploring different genres and instruments ever since.

As a music teacher, I believe in creating a fun and engaging learning environment that encourages students to express themselves creatively through music. I also believe in the importance of building a strong foundation in music theory and technique to help students develop their skills and confidence. This year our students began by learning about beats and rhythm, exploring different types of percussion instruments and techniques for playing these instruments. We have also been learning to play the ukulele and understanding how these instruments can be used together to form interesting and unique music!

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share my love of music with the students at this school and am looking forward to a fun and inspiring musical journey together!