New Staff

Meet Julia Strentz

Learning Support 

Tell us a little about yourself

I have worked in many different school settings in a variety of States and Territories over my 30 year teaching career. I have worked in a variety of leadership positions, including Wellbeing and Learning Support, and bring to this new role at Preshil a wealth of experience and insight.

What do you hope to achieve while at Preshil?

I love working with individuals to help them unlock their gifts and talents and believe that our abilities and passions far outweigh the challenges presented by our shortcomings. I have heard wonderful things about the community at Preshil and look forward to this next chapter of my life with the students, parents and teachers at this progressive school.

What do you love to do with your free time?

In my spare time I enjoy being close to nature, jazz/funk music and painting. I am a mother of six children, four of whom are still in secondary school, making for a very busy house. I hope you will all feel free to get in touch with me to support extra learning needs. I look forward to meeting families in the coming weeks and continuing the journey with you, as we work together to help each other shine.

Meet Ilana Sztal-Susman

Marketing

Tell us a little about yourself

I have lived in Melbourne my whole life. I am married with 3 children aged 9, 7 and 4. I have over 15 years experience in Marketing and Communications and Advertising. My family and work are really important to me. I really enjoy balancing both. Enjoying my family time while still doing other things that challenge and inspire me. I love being busy, enjoying life and making the most of the time we have. 

What do you hope to achieve while at Preshil?

I am really passionate about Preshil and I hope to contribute to the growing landscape of Preshil. I hope with my extensive marketing and communications skills to grow the school and help communicate the wonderful, inspiring, inclusive and nurturing environment that is offered at Preshil. 

What do you love to do with your free time?

I love to be active. I love going for long runs, being out in the fresh air. I love spending time with my family and friends whether it’s going for nature walks, bike rides, catching up at each other's homes or going out for dinners. I love being creative, I love entertaining and cooking. 

And lastly, I love plants and gardens, they are my haven. 

Meet Kirsten Rumbles

Early Childhood Educator

Tell us a little about yourself

I am delighted to be working as a part-time educator in the Kindergarten (Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays: 11am-2pm). I was fortunate to spend a short time at Preshil last year as part of my teaching degree - it’s been so lovely to see familiar faces and to re-connect with many of the staff and children.

What do you hope to achieve while at Preshil?

For me, the Kindergarten at Arlington is an inspiring place, filled with meaningful inquiry and rich learning through play. Now that I have graduated as a provisionally registered teacher, I am looking forward to developing my practice alongside Poppy, Talitha and Courtney. I bring a nurturing disposition to this role, and a strong view of the child as capable and competent – young children have much to ‘teach’ us adults through their creative thinking and perspectives!

Tell us a little about yourself

Outside Preshil, I currently lead a sessional three-year-old kindergarten program in East Brunswick. I enjoy the outdoors, going for bush hikes and nature walks whenever I can. I have recently taken up needle felting and I’m enjoying experimenting with making my own (small) teaching resources. I hope to say ‘hello’ to many of you in-person in the coming weeks.

Meet Rose Fearon

Music (8,9, & 10)

Physical & Health Education (8/9/10)

Tell us a little about yourself

Following in the footsteps of my three older sisters, I started my schooling at Preshil in Prep. I completed my senior years and Degree at The Victorian College of the Arts and went on to perform as a musician for many years before becoming a teacher. I have taught in a wide range of schools including Penleigh and Essendon Grammar, Wesley, Marcellin and The Woodleigh School.

What do you hope to achieve while at Preshil?

I have always been interested in how Preshil has progressed since I was a student so am excited to join the team. I hope to encourage a lifelong love of independent learning in students by teaching confidence to achieve.

What do you love to do with your free time? 

I enjoy racing keel boats on Port Phillip Bay and beyond, as well as regular walks all over Victoria with a special group of friends and we always aim to leave every peep and space better than we found it...