New Staff Welcome
We would like to extend a warm welcome to our new staff members. Please read their short biographies and get to know a little more about them.
Simone De La Motte, Primary Art
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, I moved to Perth, Australia, when I was a student in Year 1. I was inspired to become an Art teacher because it was my favourite subject at school and I was very fortunate to have an inspiring Art teacher. I began my teaching career as a Secondary Art Specialist before discovering the wonderful world of Primary Art during a one year ‘working holiday’ in the UK. I have been an art educator for more than eight years and I absolutely love my job. My first Primary Art Specialist position was at Geraldton Grammar School followed by positions at Manjimup Primary School and most recently Nedlands Primary School. I’m very excited to be at John Wollaston and I look forward to many artistic creations being made in the Art Room as well as the upcoming Art Exhibition this year.
Fun fact/hobby: In my free time I love getting creative and going to art workshops, going to the beach and bushwalking. I really hope to walk the Cape to Cape track later this year. When I was studying at university, I was a swimming teacher and it was a great student job.
Robert Dudley, Acting Head of Health and Physical Education (12 months)
I have been teaching since 1994, mostly in Health and Physical Education (HPE), but have also taught a little Science, Maths and in a Year 6 classroom. My teaching career has mostly been in Anglican Schools, having worked at John Septimus Roe, Mirrabooka, Georgiana Molloy, Busselton and a short stint at John Wollaston in 2007. This year I have the very exciting opportunity to work with the HPE Department, which I am already enjoying immensely, and I am excited about the year ahead.
Fun fact/hobby: I like to live an active lifestyle and have been involved in many different sports over the years, however, my main sports are cricket, tennis and soccer. I have three boys who eat all the food in the house, so you may notice me getting thinner throughout the year! I also love travelling, which we haven’t been able to do for a while, so I have included a photo of me from my last trip, pre-COVID, skiing in Hakuba, Japan.
Daisy Ellis, Primary Physical Education
I have a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology and am currently studying for my Master of Teaching. I have worked as an Exercise Physiologist for more than eight years and I currently work for KIDDO developing children's fundamental movement skills and physical literacy.
Fun fact/hobby: When I am not teaching sport, I am playing sport. My favourite sports are netball and water polo. In my downtime, I enjoy spending time with my family, taking my daughters to the beach or the river, stand up paddle boarding, bike riding and anything outdoors!
Catherine Flockhart, Year 5 teacher
I recently completed a Bachelor of Primary Education with a Major in Health and Physical Education from Murdoch University. In 2021, during my final year of study, I worked in a Year 4 class, interning alongside my course load. I believe in a holistic, whole-child approach to education that develops student wellbeing, agency, and self-efficacy.
Fun fact/hobby: I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and singing Karaoke with my friends.
Margaux Ghirardi, EA Special Needs (Term 1)
I recently completed a Graduate Diploma of Educational Studies and was excited to step into my first role at John Wollaston outside of university. Prior to this, I worked in my family’s shop in Claremont for 10 years and whilst I was there I completed a Bachelor of Arts (Communication Studies).
Fun fact/hobby: I love cooking and make a great prawn and cashew nut curry and chocolate brownies!
Heather Hobson, Uniform Store Assistant
I have been volunteering in the Uniform Store for the past three years and was excited to take up this part-time position this year. I have three children and four grandchildren who keep me busy. My youngest son graduated from John Wollaston in 2020. My youngest grandson has just made the Howard Matthews Canberra Raiders Rugby Team.
Fun fact/hobby: I play darts, love reading and do assorted craft in my spare time!
Stephanie Johnson, Year 2 teacher
This is my 14th year of teaching and I have loved every single year of it!I have spent the majority of my career in the Catholic Education sector where I have taught a range of year levels from Pre-Kindy all the way up to Year 6. In 2015, I was appointed my first leadership position as Assistant Principal. This was a wonderful role in which I learnt so much. While working in this position I took on a number of additional roles such as Science teacher, Innovation teacher, literacy support and Early Years Coordinator. As part of this role I also oversaw students with disabilities and coordinated NCCD funding and Inclusive Education Plans. During this time, I had my first baby boy and took maternity leave. Whilst on leave I was offered a part-time position as the Literacy Consultant for CEWA which was also another exciting opportunity. In this position, I was able to travel around Western Australian schools delivering professional learning and supporting literacy programs. I am very excited to be at John Wollaston this year and I am looking forward to working with many of the wonderful families.
Fun fact/hobby: I love to travel making memories with my family!
Sophie Lean, EA Special Needs
In 2021 I received my qualification to work as an Education Assistant and completed some relief work at John Wollaston. I was excited to be offered a position at the School in 2022 and I quickly accepted. I’m very keen to follow my passion for working with children.
Fun fact/hobby: I enjoy spending my time outside at the beach and camping when I have free time!
Michael Leaning, Science/Psychology teacher
I’m very excited to be teaching Science and Psychology here at John Wollaston in 2022. Science was always one of my favourite subjects in school. I decided to study a Bachelor of Science and later, a Masters of Secondary Teaching at UWA. I’ve had a range of teaching experience across Primary and High Schools over the last few years. I’ve joined the John Wollaston team from my last appointment at Mater Dei College in Joondalup. Alongside Science & Psychology, I’m also able to teach Indonesian as a second language.
Fun fact/hobby: I really enjoy travelling - hopefully we can travel safely again soon! I also love reading and watching TV shows in my free time. At the moment, I’m particularly enjoying The Book of Boba Fett on Disney Plus.
Rachel Mayne, EA Special Needs
I am a Graduate EA, and after completing my practical placement at John Wollaston, I was fortunate enough to secure employment here for 2022. It has been eye-opening and inspiring meeting students of differing needs and abilities, being supported and guided to achieve their potential. Having three children of my own, I am passionate about education, growth and opportunities for all. I look forward to expanding my skills and soaking up the knowledge of the wide range of experienced staff here at John Wollaston.
Fun fact/hobby: I love experimenting in the kitchen and my family likes to devour various pastries, muffins and other creations. I love the outdoors – going to the beach and bushwalking, sticking my nose in a book, and laughing at my own jokes!
Noah Mbano, Ordinand (12 months)
I am a Priest in Formation Candidate at Wollaston Theological College. I trained as a teacher in Zimbabwe and came to Australia in 2003, working as an English teacher in the Midwest, Pilbara and Southwest and as a senior teacher (EALD) in Perth. I also worked as a lecturer in the School of Education at Curtin University and the University of Southern Queensland in Toowoomba. I hold a Graduate Certificate in TESOL, a Diploma of Education, Master’s degrees in Education and Theology and a PhD in Applied Linguistics from Curtin University, where my areas of research were Curriculum and Culture, Cultural Adjustment, Sociolinguistics and Second language Acquisition (SLA) in relation to refugee background students.
Fun fact/hobby: I am a soccer, volleyball and WWE wrestling enthusiast and I managed to fight off and strangle a lion with my bare hands while herding cattle in Africa.
Sky McNally, Café Assistant
I have a background in Marketing and Branding however six years ago I decided it was time for a major change. I have always had a passion for food and hospitality, so naturally, it was the right direction for me. I have worked in cafés and restaurants all over Perth and now run my own business “Sky’s Kitchen”, creating healthy meals and snacks for families.
Fun fact/hobby: Millinery (hat making) is one of my many hobbies and when I lived in Melbourne, I made hats for many eager racegoers over the Spring Carnival.
Anne Paterson, Mathematics
I am a teacher with extensive experience over three decades working in different state and educational sectors. I have published and edited several mathematics textbooks including a high school mental workbook series. For many years, I also served on the MAWA (Mathematics Association of WA) Committee, a professional association supporting teachers of Mathematics and co-ordinated several Maths Fun Days at ECU. Further, I have served as an advisor to ACARA during the writing process for the current Australian Curriculum.
Fun fact/hobby: I have a pet dog and goldfish. I dabble in the Performing Arts and enjoy general knowledge quizzes. I was recently selected for Mastermind but due to COVID, I was unable to go.
Donna Rowe, Learning Support
I was born and raised on a dairy farm in South Africa in a small country town. I completed my Bachelor of Education in Early Education and Foundation phase followed by my Post-Grad in Special Needs Education. At the conclusion of my studies, I travelled and worked in Mauritius and America and finally settled in Dubai where I spent the last six years. I taught in a variety of school settings and early intervention centres teaching mainstream learners and students with learning challenges. I recently moved to Perth and am looking forward to starting my Australian career at John Wollaston.
Fun fact/hobby: I enjoy practicing yoga and spending time with my Perth family. I love being outdoors and appreciate walking along the river in the evenings.
Laura Steeles, School Counsellor
I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with extensive experience working in clinical adolescent mental health, education and children’s services. I am passionate about working collaboratively with students, families and teachers to help improve students’ psychosocial wellbeing.
Fun fact/hobby: Despite being the most uncoordinated person in the world, I am an avid yogi who loves practising the ashtanga’s to hip hop music.
Makayla Thompson, EA Special Needs
I am 22 years old and a huge dog lover! I have four in fact.
I started my John Wollaston career in mid-2020 after completing my Certificate IV in Education Support earlier that year. I left John Wollaston for a brief time to work in the Pre-Primary at Wattle Grove Primary School. I love working with the kids! I hope one day to become an Early Childhood Teacher.
Fun fact/hobby: I am a huge bookworm! You won't often catch me doing anything but reading or sewing in my spare time.
Jodie Willox, Secondary Art (Semester 1)
I am excited to join the John Wollaston community as the Visual Arts Teacher in the Secondary School for Semester 1. I have recently returned to Australia after spending 21 years overseas where I taught in a variety of schools and positions. I have taught Primary aged students at schools in London and Hong Kong as both the Visual Arts specialist and classroom teacher. Early in my career I taught Art to Secondary students in the remote WA community of Halls Creek and within Perth schools.
Fun fact/hobby: Aside from enjoying the Arts, I love exploring and being adventurous. Some highlights include summitting Mt Kilimanjaro and walking 54km around Hong Kong Island. I am excited to be part of the John Wollaston community and look forward to teaching Visual Arts to the Secondary Students.