Meet our New Teachers

Conor Markey

My name is Conor Markey.

I was born in Dublin, Ireland. 

I moved to Melbourne with my family at the age of 4 and spent 10 years here where I completed schooling till year 10. 

We returned to Ireland as a family, I completed my schooling and then went on to University to study Social Work. I worked as a Child Welfare Social Worker in Ireland for a number of years before returning to Melbourne in 2010.

I worked in various Social Worker roles since moving back to Melbourne before deciding to continue my studies and become a primary school teacher. I completed my Masters of Primary Teaching at Swinburne University in 2021 and have worked at a PYP school for term 4 of 2021. 

I am a very keen runner, baker, reader, sausage dog enthusiast and have recently taken up playing the guitar again after many years. 

I am super excited to be working at St. Columba's and feel so lucky to have found a school that matches my values, interests and teaching philosophy to start my teaching journey.

Danielle Looney

Hi I am Danielle and I am in my 17th year of teaching. 

I have been teaching in a variety of schools over those years. Some of those settings have been in regional Victoria to a remote community in the Northern Territory to teaching English in Vietnam to a state school just down the road at Elsternwick PS. Just before joining St Columba's I was in Vietnam at the International School of Ho Chi Minh City.  

I have a little human in Prep who is very excited to be at St Columba's. 

We enjoy going on hikes in nature , looking at Art and we are very happy to be living near the ocean! 

Looking forward to a wonderful and adventurous year in 5/6!

Claire Van Loon

I have been an educator for 20 years, in both teaching and leadership roles, in independent, international and Catholic schools in Australia, Asia and Europe. 

I have been involved in IB education for the past 11 years, where I taught in international schools in Vietnam, and Germany, as well as here in Australia. I have previously been a PYP Coordinator, classroom teacher and Art Specialist teacher. I am also an IB workshop leader and school visit member, training teachers in IB best practice and conducting PYP verification and evaluation visits, representing the IB. I am excited to guide the teaching and learning at St Columba's as they enter this exciting new phase of their PYP journey.

Jenna Wynd

Hi everyone! My name is Jenna, and I am so excited to be teaching at St Columba's this year. 

This is my 5th year teaching and prior to joining the team here I have been teaching at Firbank Grammar in Sandringham. I have a passion for education and helping all children reach their potential while fostering a love and joy for learning. 

I love going for walks with my 2 dogs, running and spending time with my family and friends.

I am looking forward to meeting you all and for a fun filled year of learning with my wonderful 1/2 class.

Sarah Hobbins

Hi I'm Sarah and I am one of the 1/2 teachers.  

It has been wonderful to see everyone in class getting to know each other and building friendships.  

This has been a great introduction to the culture of St Columba's community and a beautiful way to start my teaching career. 

 A little about me: prior to joining the teaching team, I supervised and coordinated a Before and After School Care Program and Holiday Program, creating and delivering creative and versatile programs.

 I also had the privilege of meeting some of my class last year when I did some relief teaching.  Before working with young minds, I was in project and change management helping to navigate major reforms in the QLD electricity industry. 

I love exploring all that Melbourne has to offer and although from Brissie, I enjoy the cold weather!  

I am excited to get to know families and the students and encourage curiosity and lifelong learning.