I am pleased to announce the appointment of the following staff commencing next year.

Steph Coakley - Primary Generalist (MR)

Steph graduated with a Bachelor of Education from Victoria University (2013). In 2014, Steph was appointed at Goonawarra Primary school as a Primary Generalist teacher and has been teaching across several Primary year levels over the past eightyears. Prior to teaching, Steph worked in Hume City Council’s Outside School Hours Care program (2012-2014) and for Camp Australia as an After School Care Assistant (2011-2014). Steph is passionate about creating a positive, inclusive, and exciting learning environment where students can be confident learners who can thrive both academically and personally.

Stephanie Crea - Primary Italian (MR)

Stephanie graduated from the Australian Catholic University with a Graduate Diploma in Education (2015) and also holds a Bachelor of Music from Melbourne Polytechnic (2014) and an Advanced TESOL Diploma (Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages). Stephanie completed her final Pre-Service teacher placement at Hume Anglican Grammar before working as a CRT across both the Primary and Secondary schools. In 2018, Stephanie worked at St Bernadette’s Primary school teaching Italian and spent two years teaching music in London at Canons High School and as Head of Music at Southborough High School. Stephanie is currently completing a contract at Brookside College P-9 as a Year 6 Primary Homeroom teacher. Stephanie provides a safe, respectful and supportive learning environment for her students and works hard to plan and deliver curriculum of the highest quality.

Laura Dascoli - Coordinator of Learning Enhancement – Primary (DB)

Laura is an enthusiastic and experienced teacher joining us from Casey Grammar School where she has taught since 2018. During this time, she has served as a Head of House 3-6 and currently teaches Year 5. From 2016 to 2018 Laura taught at Cranbourne Primary School whilst also holding student wellbeing roles. She also taught at St Margaret’s School and Beaconhills College. Laura has had a 15-year career in education, providing numerous opportunities to develop extensive knowledge and skills in individualised learning, and developing the whole child. Laura has a Bachelor of Music and Graduate Diploma of Education from ACU, Master of Education (Gifted Education) and Graduate Certificate of Educational Research both from Monash and is currently a doctoral candidate completing a Doctor of Philosophy also at Monash University.

Vanessa Emiliani - Daily Organiser

Vanessa joins Hume after six years employed at Melbourne Girls Grammar as the Staffing and Curriculum Coordinator. In this multi-faceted role, she has been responsible for the day-to-day operations of the school. Her duties have included diary management for the Deputy Principal, Daily Organiser duties, school calendar management, and timetable development and management. Prior to Melbourne Girls, Vanessa was employed in range of industries and work settings, including five years as a bird boarding animal attendant.

David Halden - Primary Generalist (KK)

David is a teacher who has had many different experiences in his career, most recently from Scholastic Australia as the Education Territory Manager where he has been employed since 2016. Prior to Scholastic, he was a Graphic Designer from 2013-2016 and worked as an Education Sales Consultant at Electroboard 2010-2012. David started his teaching career at Seville Primary School from 2004-2008 and Flinders Christian Community College from 2008-2010. David has a Bachelor of Teaching and a Bachelor of Arts both from Australian Catholic University. He has a Graduate Certificate ICT Education from Charles Sturt University and a Diploma of Design from Swinburne University of Technology. David is approachable, creative, knowledgeable and always willing to go the extra mile.

Ky Hinselwood - English Teacher

Ky comes to Hume from Beaconhills College, Berwick, where she has been teaching English and Humanities since 2019. Prior to that, she has taught at a number of schools in Victoria and Queensland and across disciplines including English, Drama, History, Film and Media. Ky holds a Bachelor of Arts (Creative Arts) from Griffith University, a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) from Queensland University of Technology, and a Master of Education (Digital Innovation) from Charles Sturt University. Taking a great interest in technology, Ky believes in utilising a range of technologies in the classroom that encourage students to reflect, question, collaborate and innovate.

Johny Ho - Health & Physical Education and Mathematics

Following his attainment of a Bachelor of Exercise and Health Science, Johny has recently completed his Master of Teaching (Secondary), both degrees awarded by the Australian Catholic University. As part of his Masters, Johny completed teaching placements at Taylors Lakes Secondary College and Mount Rowan Secondary, teaching Health and PE and Mathematics. Johny also has extensive experience as a sports mentor and coach and is particularly enthusiastic about coaching co-curricular sporting teams at Hume.

Jacqueline Hu - Mathematics Teacher

Jacqueline holds two degrees from the University of Melbourne, a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Teaching (Secondary). In the past two years she has been teaching Mathematics at Altona College and, prior to that, undertook her teaching practicum at Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School. Jacqueline takes a keen interest in creating interactive learning environments and is passionate about the ability for teachers to contribute to the growth and development of future citizens.

Larissa Jordan - Primary Generalist (KK) 

Larissa is an experienced teacher joining us from Craigieburn South Primary School where she has taught Years 1 to 4. Having taught at Killara and Thomastown Meadows Primary Schools, Larissa has also taught a variety of specialist subjects such as Italian, Art and ICT. Larissa has a Bachelor of Education from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment from Northern Metropolitan Institute of TAFE.

Courtney Kendall - Primary Generalist (MR)

Courtney graduated in 2013 from RMIT with a Bachelor of Education (Primary). During her degree, Courtney spent three months at the University of North Carolina on an exchange program and, prior to that, worked with Camp Australia in their Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) program. Courtney currently works at Wallan Primary School where she has taught Prep to Year 2 and is currently the Prep Team Leader. Courtney promotes and encourages collaboration amongst all members of the school community to create a positive and motivating environment and facilitates teaching to ensure students are given opportunities to maximise their educational experiences.

Jeremy Martin - Assistant Principal - Secondary

Jeremy comes to us from Overnewton Anglican Community College where he has, since 2018, served as the Head of Senior School (10-12). Prior, he was the Head of Middle School (7-9) for three years at Brighton Grammar School. Jeremy was the Assistant Principal – Co-curricular and Operations and Director of Music at Surbiton High School, London UK from 2002-2004. He has a performing arts background and previously taught music and held leadership roles as Head of Accompaniment at Beaconhills College, Head of Keyboard and Accompaniment at Mentone Girls’ Grammar School, and Choral Director at Blackburn High School. Jeremy has a Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) from Monash University, Master of Music Performance and Bachelor of Music Performance both from the Victorian College of the Arts, Melbourne University.

Stephanie McInnes - Primary Specialist (DB/KK) 

Stephanie is well known to Donnybrook after being employed as a casual relief teacher at the campus. She has taught all year levels and subjects at Donnybrook and many at the Mt Ridley Campus. Stephanie has a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) from Australian Catholic University. Stephanie enjoys volunteering at the Southern Cross Kids Camp and is also the Vice President of the Nillumbik Youth Productions.

Jayden McKenzie - Primary Generalist (DB)

Jayden graduated in 2019 from RMIT with a Bachelor of Education (Primary) and, since then, has taught at Morang South Primary School where he has been teaching Years 3 and 4. One of Jayden’s core educational beliefs is that learning must be differentiated to cater for the needs of all students. He believes that teaching is a collaborative process and understands the importance of working with colleagues, parents, and other members of the community to maximise student learning.

Jordan Miller - Humanities Teacher

Jordan (Jordy) completed his Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) at La Trobe University in 2020. Since graduating, Jordy has been employed at Mary McKillop Catholic College in Leongatha, teaching Humanities and Physical Education, and he is extremely passionate about both areas of curriculum. Additionally, Jordy participated in the high-performance sport program at La Trobe, participating in both water polo and AFL, and has enjoyed coaching basketball and AFL while at Mary Mackillop.

 Elle Pace - Primary - Primary Specialist (DB/KK)

Elle is an enthusiastic teacher joining us from St Carlo Borromeo Primary School where she has taught Year 1, Year 2, Italian and Year 5 since 2010. Elle has a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from the Australian Catholic University. She enjoys being involved in co-curricular events such as productions and art shows. Elle’s philosophy is that each child is a unique and special individual who deserves to be treated with love, compassion and understanding.

Brooke Palamo - Primary Generalist (KK)

Brooke has been teaching for several years, joining us from Newbury Primary School where she taught Prep and Years 5 and 6. Previously, Brooke taught at Morang South Primary School and Wallan Primary School. Brooke has a Bachelor of Education from RMIT. She is passionate about creating a safe and supportive classroom environment, where all students can build on their academic skills, whilst also further developing an understanding of their own emotional wellbeing. 

Emma Paull - Primary Generalist (DB)

Emma believes being an educator of children is a privilege. She joins us from Bethal Primary School where she has taught Years 1 and 2 since 2020. Emma has a Bachelor of Education (Primary and Early Childhood) and a Diploma of Education Support both from RMIT University. Bringing her life and work experiences to the classroom, Emma encourages her students to do the same and is dedicated to continued learning and growth.

Jaimee Pezzutti - Primary Generalist (DB)

Jaimee is an enthusiastic teacher joining us from Mill Park Primary School where she taught Prep and Year 1. Prior to teaching, Jaimee was an Education Support Staff member at St Albans North Primary School. Jaimee has a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from Swinburne Online University and a Certificate III in Education Support from Melbourne Polytechnic. Jaimee values being part of a community, including involvement in co-curricular activities such as camps and other special events.

Michelle Pucar – Primary Generalist (MR)

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from Phillip Institute and is currently teaching Year 2 at Greenvale Primary School where she has taught several year levels over the last 16 years. Prior to Greenvale, Michelle taught at Gladstone Views Primary school (1998-2004) and Keilor Heights Primary school (1994-1997). Michelle is passionate about providing a challenging yet supportive and stimulating learning environment, encouraging and empowering students to become confident and resilient learners. Michelle comes to us with a wealth of experience both as an educator and leader and we look forward to her positive contribution to Hume. 

Musaab Rawasia - Science Teacher

A passionate VCE Chemistry and Biology teacher, Musaab has recently returned to Melbourne after spending the past two years at Haileybury College (Darwin campus). At Haileybury he held the role of Training and Development (VCE), as well as teaching VCE and junior sciences. Prior to Haileybury, Musaab taught Science at Al Siraat College, Darul Ulum College and at Emirates National School in the UAE. Musaab holds a Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry) from Monash University, and a Diploma of Education (Secondary) from Latrobe University.

Kristen Smith - Assistant Principal - Primary (KK)

Kristen is currently the Head of Junior School at Beaconhills College (Pakenham), a role she has held for four years. From 2004 to 2017 Kristen taught at Wesley College where she also held a number of leadership roles. She commenced as a classroom teacher and was then appointed as the Head of Learning - Mathematics for seven years. Kristen was then appointed as IB PYP Curriculum Coordinator, a position she held for five years at the Glen Waverley campus, and in her final three years with the school was the Wesley College Head of Primary Years, leading the IB PYP across all three campuses. Prior experience includes teaching at Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Independent Schools Eastern Suburbs, Manchester Primary School and Bayside Christian College. Kristen completed her Master of Education (Gifted Education) in 2011, a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (Gifted Education) in 2002 and her Bachelor of Education, all at Monash University. She completed her Diploma of Teaching (Primary) at Victoria College.

Seejal Sunilkumar - Mathematics Teacher

Hume Anglican Grammar alumnus, Seejal, completed her VCE at the School in 2014. Subsequently, Seejal studied a Bachelor of Science (Physiology and Biology) and a Master of Teaching (Biology), both completed at Monash University. Since graduating, Seejal has been teaching Science and Mathematics at St Mary’s College. Seejal is excited to be returning to where her educational journey began, joining the Science and Mathematics Faculties in 2022.

Natalie Taylor - Primary Generalist (DB)

Natalie is an enthusiastic teacher joining us from Aitken Creek Primary School where she has taught Year 1. Prior to Aitken Creek, Natalie was employed as a casual relief teacher at various schools in NSW and also worked in Before and After School Care. She has a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from Swinburne University of Technology. Natalie prides herself on providing all students with equal opportunities to feel success and be celebrated through their learning.

Kirk Thomas - Director of Teaching and Learning

Kirk comes to Hume Anglican Grammar from Sydney, NSW, where he was employed as Deputy Principal – Years 7, 8 & 9 at Granville Boys High School. Prior to Granville, Kirk was the Head of the English Faculty at three schools: Newtown High School of the Performing Arts, Sydney Senior College and Bossley Park High School. During this time, he also served as Acting Deputy Principal – Curriculum, Wellbeing and Administration. Kirk completed his Master of Education (Leadership and Management) at the University of Notre Dame. He holds a Master of Arts (English Literature and Philosophy) and Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Arts (Honours) both from the University of New England. Kirk is committed to understanding more of student learning and evidence-based research into teaching best practice for 21st Century schooling. Kirk is a passionate education leader who has developed a deep understanding of what facilitates and perpetuates quality teaching and learning.

Claire Thompson - Director of Student Wellbeing

Claire is currently the Director of Middle Years, overseeing Years 7, 8 and 9, at Whitefriars College, Donvale. Prior to Whitefriars, she was the Leading Teacher of Middle Years – Student Wellbeing and Engagement at Wallan Secondary College. Claire was the Head of Students at St Columba’s College for four years and for a short time also served as Acting Assistant Principal - Positive Climate for Learning. Other teaching service included time at Kolbe Catholic College, Assumption College and The Cathedral College, Rockhampton QLD. Claire has a Master of Education (Student Wellbeing), and a Professional Certificate in Educational Neuroscience both from the University of Melbourne. She completed her Bachelor of Arts at the Australian Catholic University and a Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) at the University of Canberra. Claire believes in the education of the whole person and to teach young people the required knowledge and skills to grow and achieve their goals.

Christina Upham - Primary Generalist (DB)

Christina is an experienced teacher joining us from Newbury Primary School where she has taught Year 1, Year 2 and Curriculum Support. She also taught Prep at Eltham East Primary School and was the four-year-old Kindergarten Teacher at Little Scooters Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten. Christina has a Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary) and a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, both from Deakin University. Christina understands the importance of open and honest communication and the integral role that all stakeholders play in the education of students.

Robyn White - Primary Generalist (KK)

Robyn is an experienced teacher joining us from Bethal Primary School where she taught Year 1 in 2021. Prior to 2021, Robyn was employed at Greenvale Primary School teaching many different year levels, along with being a Learning Specialist in Mathematics. Prior to teaching at Greenvale, Robyn taught in both Ethiopia and London in Kindergarten to Year 3. Robyn has a Bachelor of Education from La Trobe University and a Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood) from Phillip Institute of Technology. As an active and enthusiastic member of the teaching and learning community, Robyn is committed to ongoing collaboration with students, teachers, parents and the wider school community. 

Matthew Whyte - Primary Generalist (MR)

Matthew graduates from Victoria University with a Bachelor of Education (Prep-Year 12) in 2021 and holds a Diploma of Sports and Development from Victoria University and Seda College (2010). Matthew is an Outside School Hours Care program supervisor at Beveridge Primary School (2018-present) and was a school programs coordinator from 2016-2019 for Baseball Victoria. Matthew’s most recent pre-service teacher placement was in the Primary school at Hume Anglican Grammar (MR) in Year 6. Matthew strives to create a sense of belonging, strong teacher/student relationships and positive learning environments.

Shae Williams - Primary Generalist (KK)

Shae is a dedicated teacher joining us from St Mary’s College where she has taught since 2018. From 2012-2018 Shae was employed at St Patrick’s Primary School, teaching Prep and Year 1, and additionally held the roles of Year Level Leader (2014-2015) and Assistant Wellbeing Leader (2015). Shae has a Bachelor of Education from Latrobe University and is currently completing her Professional Certificate in Positive Behaviour and Learning from Melbourne University. Highly valuing the relationships she builds with her students, families and colleagues, Shae enjoys sharing her knowledge and understanding in faith and education.

I am also pleased to formally introduce to the community new staff members who joined the School during the year and continue into 2022.

Jane Alexander - Library Assistant

From 2018-2021, Jane held the position of Education Support and Library Support Officer at Goonawarra Primary School and, from 2014, she worked in education support at both Romsey Primary School and Goonawarra Primary School. Prior to this, Jane worked in the hospitality industry where she gained a great deal of experience in the customer service area. Jane holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Hospitality Management (RMIT) and also holds a Cert III in Education Support and a Cert IV in Workplace Training and Assessment. Jane is passionate about her library work and helping students develop a love of reading and books.

Simone Bailey - Primary Generalist (MR)

Simone completed a Diploma of Children Services in 2009 at Kangan Batman TAFE in Broadmeadows and a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from Swinburne. Simone worked at Attwood Child Care Centre from 2016 to 2021 as a qualified room leader and played a key role as a member of the Quality Improvement Team in addressing the National Quality Standards. Simone is currently employed as a tutor in the Primary school at Hume Anglican Grammar (MR) and has supported students onsite during remote teaching and learning. Simone believes that children should be provided with endless opportunities to strive for excellence; and, to aid students to overcome difficulties, teachers must find what motivates children to learn.

Justin Condo - Primary Generalist (MR)

Justin graduated in 2020 from the Australian Catholic University (ACU) with a Bachelor of Teaching majoring in Exercise Science. In 2019 he received an Executive Dean’s Commendation and is also accredited to teach Physical Education and Psychology. Justin has worked as a casual relief teacher at Hume and St Bernard’s College and is currently covering a staff leave position in Year 5 as a Homeroom teacher. Justin is a qualified educator at Big Childcare and has worked at both Mt Ridley and Donnybrook on a casual basis supporting OSHC programs from 2019. Justin prides himself on his ability to provide engaging learning experiences within the classroom setting and values strong collegial relationships. We welcome Justin to Hume Anglican Grammar and look forward to his positive contributions.

Selina Brincat - Humanities Teacher

In a career spanning nearly 30 years, Selina has spent much of her time teaching Humanities subjects at VCE level with the Box Hill Institute. Her career focus to date has been working with young adults and early school leavers and she is very excited to now have the opportunity to work across all year levels in the Secondary school. Selina holds a Bachelor of Arts (Legal Studies and Sociology) and a Diploma of Education (Secondary), both from La Trobe University.

Tiana Cavalieros – Subject Coordinator – Languages – Primary (MR)

Tiana completed a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in English and Italian at La Trobe University (2014) and a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching (2015) at Australian Catholic University. Since graduating, Tiana has taught at Catholic Regional College teaching Italian at Years 7-11 and Hazel Glen College, where she taught Italian at Years 5-9. Tiana’s educational philosophy is to positively impact the learning outcomes of students through an inquiry approach. Tiana prides herself on being flexible and creative, designing engaging learning experiences for students, and she is passionate about creating flexible and innovative classroom environments using ICT.

Karim Ghattas – Health & Physical Education Teacher

Karim completed his Bachelor of Applied Science (Physical Education) at RMIT University in 2014. He has previously taught at Mount Ridley College teaching a range of subjects including Maths, Science and Multimedia. Karim has also held leadership positions in both the wellbeing and curriculum areas, his most recent position being Middle School Student Advocacy/House Program Leader. Karim’s personal teaching goal is to instil a sense of responsibility and pride within the students he teaches.

Penny Larkins – English Teacher

Penny is an experienced Drama, Theatre Studies, English and Literature Teacher. With a Bachelor of Arts (Musical Theatre) from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and Graduate Diploma of Education from RMIT, she has recently completed her Master of Fine Arts from the National Institute of Dramatic Art. For six years, Penny taught Drama, Theatre Studies, VCAL Literacy, English and Literature at Castlemaine Secondary College, and, prior to that, taught Drama, Theatre Studies and English at Bendigo Senior Secondary College. Most recently she has been involved in higher education as an accent/dialect/acting coach whilst directing and performing in numerous theatre and musical productions.

Debra Molloy – Primary Generalist (DB)

Debra is an enthusiastic and experienced teacher who, from 2017, taught at Marymede Catholic College, where she was the Learning and Teaching Coordinator P-6. She has also been part of Extension and Intervention - Numeracy program. Prior, Deb taught at Kilmore Primary, Morang South Primary and Wilmott Park Primary Schools, where she also held roles including Years 5/6 Team Leader and PE Coordinator. Deb has a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood/Primary) from RMIT. She believes that what underpins all elements of teaching is the forming of quality partnerships with parents, families and the local community.

Natalie Moore - Primary Generalist (DB)

Natalie joined Hume after teaching LOTE (Indonesian) at Pakenham Springs Primary School, Glenroy College and Flinders Christian College. She holds a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) and Bachelor of Arts, along with a Master of Education (Teaching LOTE/EAL) from Deakin University. Natalie is well known to students and teachers at the Donnybrook campus where she has been working as a casual relief teacher. Recently, she had experience on the HMB Endeavour as Third Mate through the Australian National Maritime Museum and First Mate on the YWAM Newcastle training crew.

Bill Sweeney - Principal