Meet The Teachers
We’re excited to meet you!
Meet Our Teachers
At the top of the list when measuring the quality of a school has to be the quality of the teaching staff. We are beyond fortunate to have a team of teachers truly dedicated to positive outcomes for all children.
Meet our teachers below!
Leadership & Admin | Prep Teachers | Year 1 Teachers | Year 2 Teachers | Year 3 Teachers | Year 4 Teachers | Year 5 Teachers | Year 6 Teachers | Specialised Teachers | Support Staff
Leadership & Administration
Adele Gregson
Principal
adele.gregson@education.vic.gov.au
I am incredibly proud to be the Principal and the lead learner of this wonderful school community. It is an absolute privilege to work with our outstanding staff who keep students at the core of all they do. At Bimbadeen, we pride ourselves on building strong, positive relationships with and between families, students and community members.
In my spare time I enjoy reading and engaging in academic research, riding my bike and spending time with my family.
Sabrina George
Assistant Principal
sabrina.george@education.vic.gov.au
It is with great pride that I work with the fantastic school community of Bimbadeen Heights Primary School. My role can be quite diverse and varied from day to day.
One thing that is constant is to be able to build strong relationships with the wonderful families and dedicated staff to ensure that each Bimbadeen student is given the opportunity to thrive on their individual learning journey.
Marty Gill
Inclusion and Diversity Leader
angad.marty.gill@education.vic.gov.au
I feel so privileged to be the Inclusion Leader at Bimbadeen Heights and to be part of this amazing community. My goal as the Inclusion Leader is to ensure that all students are engaged with their learning through the way they can access the learning (modified learning) and that learning tasks are at the student’s level (differentiation). I love getting to know the students and seeing how they grow in confidence as nothing beats that smile you see when a student masters something!
Outside of school I love spending time with my family, anything to do with basketball or football and catching up with my friends. My door is always open so please drop by and say hello!
Adele Gates
Business Manager
adele.gates@education.vic.gov.au
I am the Business Manager at Bimbadeen. I love getting to know the children and families that come to Bimbadeen and being able to help with anything they need
When I’m not at school I enjoy spending time with my own family.
Emma Chandler
Administration
emma.chandler@education.vic.gov.au
I love working in the Bimbadeen Heights school office with such a fantastic administration team. It’s great getting to know all our wonderful students and their
When I’m not working in the office I love spending time with my family and going on holidays somewhere sunny and warm.
Shelley Canning
Administration
shelley.canning@education.vic.gov.au
The best part of working here at Bimbadeen is being part of this amazing school community, especially working with all the wonderful staff and supporting all the great students in our school. I enjoy helping all families that come into our school and support them in any way I can. I love coming to work each day.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband and 3 children. My 3 children have and still do attend Bimbadeen Heights PS. I also love to watch them play sport, and in any spare time I have, I do love to shop.
Foundation Teachers
Jemima Gange
Foundation Teacher (Team Leader)
jemima.gange@education.vic.gov.au
I am very excited to be part of the Foundation team at Bimbadeen Heights Primary School this year. I believe that a student’s learning is maximised when they feel happy, safe and have a strong sense of belonging. I hope to create a classroom environment that allows my students to develop a love of learning and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish.
Outside of school I enjoy playing netball, walking my dogs and going on holidays with my husband and daughters.
Liz Nicholson
Foundation Teacher
elizabeth.nicholson@education.vic.gov.au
I am a Foundation teacher at BHPS. I love working in our team to develop enriching learning experiences for our students. Ensuring the classroom is a fun place to be and nurturing the students through our school values is a priority for me.
In my spare
Kate Wood
Foundation Teacher
kate.wood2@education.vic.gov.au
It is a privilege to work with such a great school community at Bimbadeen. I love watching the new founders mature and develop into independent
When I am not at school, I enjoy long walks with my dog Stella and
Samantha Tallentyre
Foundation Teacher
samantha.tallentyre@education.vic.gov.au
I am excited to be working here at Bimbadeen Heights with the Foundation students and being part of this amazing community. I am passionate about creating a welcoming and safe classroom environment where all students feel that they can learn and achieve their own personal best.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and going camping.
Ashleigh Janssen
Foundation Teacher
ashleigh.janssen@education.vic.gov.au
I believe that each student in my care is someone else’s whole world and educational success moves beyond what a child can achieve academically. I aspire to offer inclusive, accessible, and equitable learning opportunities to all students at Bimbadeen Heights Primary School, and provide a safe environment that allows students to take responsible risks in their learning, develop personal identity and self-worth, and celebrate diversity.
I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends, crafting and exploring the outdoors.
Grade 1 Teachers
Emily Way
Year 1 Teacher (Team Leader)
emily.russell@education.vic.gov.au
It has been wonderful rejoining the Bimbadeen team after maternity leave. I have been very touched by the warm welcome back I have received from both students and parents who remember me.
Miranda Read
Year 1 Teacher
miranda.read@education.vic.gov.au
I am thrilled to be joining the Year 1 team at Bimbadeen Heights Primary School! I pride myself in creating a supportive, engaging and exciting classroom environment where all students feel a sense of belonging and can achieve their personal best. I am enthusiastic about fostering a love for learning to ensure every student thrives.
When I’m not in the classroom, I like to discover good restaurants, walk my dog, and spend time with my friends and family. I look forward to contributing to the welcoming community of Bimbadeen Heights
Melissa Thomas
Year 1 Teacher
melissa.thomas4@education.vic.gov.au
It is a privilege to be joining the Bimbadeen Heights Primary School community as a Year 1 teacher. I am extremely passionate about student wellbeing and believe that children learn best when they feel safe, happy, and supported. I wish to create an exciting learning environment that inspires students to reach their full potential, take pride in their achievements and build their confidence.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my two dogs, Molly, and Coco.
Tracey Johansen
Year 1 Teacher
tracey.johansen@education.vic.gov.au
I enjoy working with the fantastic staff and children at Bimbadeen. I love teaching and learning and helping children do their best.
Outside of
Grade 2 Teachers
Stacy Brookes
Year 2 Teacher (Team Leader)
stacy.brookes@education.vic.gov.au
I love working with the wonderful staff and children at Bimbadeen Heights Primary School. The supportive relationships between staff and parents that we foster helps the children learn, grow and be their best. It is wonderful to see the growth in the Year 2 students throughout a year. They are involved in a day camp experience, Year 2 sport, incursions and excursions.
Outside of school I enjoy running my dogs and watching my children play sport.
Sharon Egan
Year 2 Teacher
sharon.dellavedova@education.vic.gov.au
I love working in Year 2 at Bimbadeen Heights Primary School. Our supportive staff and wonderful children make coming to school each day a joy. Helping children to become life long learners is what inspires me as a teacher and underpins everything we do in our classroom.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading and pottering in my garden.
Michelle Franks
Year 2 Teacher
michelle.franks@education.vic.gov.au
I love working at Bimbadeen Heights Primary. We have a great staff and parent community who support each other and the children. I have taught at this school for many years and love the creativity of the students.
Outside of
Tania Maniscalchi
Year 2 Teacher
tania.maniscalchi@education.vic.gov.au
I love working with such an amazing team and awesome students! I’m excited about our School Wide Positive Behaviour Program.
In my own
Melinda Ruscitti
Year 2 Teacher / Primary Mathematics Specialist
melinda.ruscitti@education.vic.gov.au
It is a delight to teach at Bimbadeen. I love teaching Year 2 as I enjoy helping our students grow, mature and develop into wonderful people who are ready to take on the next challenge in their lives.
In my spare
Grade 3 Teachers
Bree King
Year 3 Teacher & Learning Specialist (Team Leader)
bree.king@education.vic.gov.au
I am a Year 3 teacher at Bimbadeen Heights Primary school and enjoy the involvement we have here with the community. I love learning and want to help students to love it too. To see a child be completely enthralled in a concept – curiosity spills over, their excitement becomes contagious, and a lifelong learner is born.
When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy being out and about with my family and friends.
Annikka-Rose Hay
Year 3 Teacher
annikka-rose.hay@education.vic.gov.au
I can’t wait to be back at Bimbadeen Heights teaching our Year 3 students this year. Bimbadeen is such a warm and welcoming school and it is a privilege to be returning after my leave period.
When I am not teaching, I spend as much time as I can with my husband and girls. We love seeing friends and family as well as travel, and trips to the beach.
Dominic McKay
Year 3 Teacher
dominic.mckay@education.vic.gov
I am excited to be joining the Bimbadeen community this year.
My goal is simple: to provide a balanced education that promotes both academic and personal growth for every student.
Outside of school most of my time is spent with my wife, daughter and dog getting out and about, or fixing up the old house. Drop by for a chat anytime.
Tayla White
Year 3 Teacher
tayla.white2@education.vic.gov.au
I feel privileged to be part of the Bimbadeen Heights community. I am excited to build a positive and welcoming classroom for students to continue developing their love for learning.
When I am not teaching, I enjoy camping with my friends and family, snowboarding and cheering on Essendon in the footy.
Grade 4 Teachers
Joshua Gray
Year 4 Teacher (Team Leader)
joshua.gray2@education.vic.gov.au
I am excited to be teaching Year 4 at Bimbadeen Heights Primary School. I am passionate about having a positive impact on my students and developing them into independent, lifelong learners.
Outside of school I enjoy playing cricket and supporting my AFL team Sydney Swans. I also love spending time with my family and friends.
Alycia Kennington
Year 4 Teacher
alycia.kennington@education.vic.gov.au
I am honoured to be part of the Bimbadeen Heights Primary School community. I value building positive and supportive relationships with my students, parents, and teachers to support students’ learning journeys. I have a love for learning; a passion which I share and inspire in my students.
Beyond school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, walking my dog Barney and discovering new destinations for camping adventures.
Laura Simkin
Year 4 Teacher
laura.simkin@education.vic.gov.au
Hello! I have been at BHPS since 2005 and enjoy the friendly and helpful nature of students here. This year I am looking forward to an exciting learning adventure with the delightful children in Years 3 and 4. I really enjoy helping my students through their learning journey and seeing them beam with pride when they achieve a new goal.
Outside of school I love baking and decorating cakes and watching my children play
Hayley Cook
Year 4 Teacher
hayley.cook@education.vic.gov.au
I love working at Bimbadeen in my role as a Year teacher. I think we have a great school that promotes
Outside of
Grade 5 Teachers
Lizzy Henderson
Year 5 Teacher
elizabeth.henderson@education.vic.gov.au
I am looking forward to joining the Bimbadeen Heights PS community as a Year 5 teacher in 2023. I am passionate about building students’ confidence and helping them realise their potential in an encouraging and supportive environment.
Outside of school I spent my time cooking, trying new restaurants or cafes and watching a multitude of sports…particularly AFL (go doggies!).
Matthew Gates
Year 5 Teacher
matthew.gates@education.vic.gov.au
I am super excited to be a part of the Bimbadeen Heights community and join this terrific school. I have a strong passion for helping students learn in a way that best suits their individual needs, while also fostering a learning environment that helps students feel safe and excited to be in the classroom.
Outside of the classroom, I have a deep passion for sports, particularly the footy! I also thoroughly enjoy travelling and exploring new places, the world is such a big place! I cannot wait to begin to teach in Grade 5 and look forward to finishing the year strong.
Grade 6 Teachers
Lauren Barbour
Year 6 Teacher
lauren.barbour@education.vic.gov.au
I am thrilled to be joining the Bimbadeen community as a Year 6 teacher in 2024. I have worked casually at Bimbadeen Heights Primary School for over five years and look forward to returning to the classroom at a school that I know and love. I am an enthusiastic and dedicated teacher who enjoys inspiring students through my love of learning. I am passionate about wellbeing and care deeply about supporting each and every child to become the best they can be; academically, socially and emotionally. I am keen to make Year 6 a special and successful final year for our students.
When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending quality time with my own children, family and friends.
Blair Blackburn
Year 6 Teacher
blair.blackburn@education.vic.gov.au
It’s with great enthusiasm that I return to the Bimbadeen community. I was lucky to join Bimbadeen Heights in 2022 when I taught 3/4B with Miss Buzz. It was only a short (but fun) stint before I went on Family Leave but I’m back and I’m excited! I am passionate about wellbeing and 100% committed to supporting each student that I teach.
When I’m not teaching, I’m spending time with my family – my husband, 3 girls and 2 dogs. We enjoy getting out and about – socialising with friends and family.
Erin Murphy
Year 6 Teacher
erin.murphy@education.vic.gov.au
Thank you for the warm and friendly welcome into the Bimbadeen community. I feel so lucky to be a part of this incredible learning space. I have 15 years of teaching experience across many year levels, even spending two years as an acting Assistant Principal. If I’m asked about which is my favourite subject to teach, I just can’t choose! I love helping young people connect with their passions and encouraging them to strive to be the best they can be. When we look at the world with a sense of curiosity and open-mindedness, we can learn so much.
When I am not teaching, I enjoy tending my garden, baking up a storm, playing with my pets, or exploring the great outdoors.
Specialist Teachers
Amelia Laird
Visual Art Teacher (Team Leader)
amelia.laird@education.vic.gov.au
I am so excited to return to Bimbadeen Heights Primary this year. I have been teaching for 15 years, this year being my fourth year teaching Art which was always my dream job! I am passionate about creating a safe and inspiring place for students to express themselves and learn to embrace their unique qualities. Over the course of the year, students will be drawing, painting, working with clay, making sculptures, sewing and using many other materials and techniques to create amazing artworks.
At home, I enjoy spending time with my three gorgeous children, a little bit of gardening and painting any furniture or walls that I haven’t given a makeover yet!
Natalie Lowe
Performing Arts Teacher
natalie.lowe@education.vic.gov.au
I am excited to work with Kate Schie teaching Performing Arts this year. I was previously a classroom teacher for 7 years and taught specialist classes regularly as a relief teacher. There are so many benefits to learning music, including developing language and reasoning and expressing feelings and emotions. I have fond memories of music classes from my childhood and wish the same for our current children.
I enjoy spending time with my young girls and husband, gardening, exploring outdoors and Snowsports through winter.
Kate Schie
Performing Arts Teacher
kate.schie@education.vic.gov.au
I am passionate about encouraging children to be active and develop the skills to be lifelong active people. Seeing students reach their goals and surpass their expectations is so rewarding.
Outside of school, I am a keen cricket player and hiker. I also enjoy playing
Jarrod Wait
Physical Education
jarrod.wait@education.vic.gov.au
I am excited to join Bimbadeen Heights in my new role as PE teacher. I have over a decade of classroom teaching experience and am looking forward to moving into a new role, fuelled by my deep passion for sports and physical activities, helping students achieve their best.
Beyond the school day, you’ll find me immersed in playing and watching sports (particularly basketball), and spending time with my girls. I’m thrilled to become part of the Bimbadeen community!
Candice Xue
LOTE Chinese Teacher
candice.xue@education.vic.gov.au
Ni hao! I feel so excited and honoured to join the fantastic school community of Bimbadeen Heights Primary School. As a passionate and dedicated Chinese teacher, I strive to create a dynamic learning environment where students not only develop their language skills but also explore the beauty of Chinese traditions, customs, and values. It is also an exciting journey of exploration through interactive lessons, engaging activities, and cultural experiences, which fosters cross-cultural connections, broadens horizons, and opens doors to a world of possibilities.
Outside of school, I enjoy cooking cuisine from different countries. I also enjoy sports like ping pong, badminton, and swimming. Additionally, I like to watch movies, read novels and travel around the world to experience different customs and cultures.
Beth Dean
Learning Specialist
elizabeth.dean2@education.vic.gov.au
The first years at school are
On my weekends I enjoy catching up with my
Michaela Gray
Learning Specialist / Equity Tutor
michaela.gray@education.vic.gov.au
I have had the pleasure of working at Bimbadeen for 25 years and have enjoyed helping children grow and learn in a supportive environment. I am loving the role of being a Tutor as I collaborate with staff to ensure the needs of students are being met and I am able to support many students to reach their potential.
Outside of school I love spending time with family, friends and my beautiful dog Frankie. We love going away on holidays and experiencing new adventures. I also love calisthenics and still enjoy performing and competing in this sport.
Karin Sansom
Structured Intervention / Library
karin.sansom@education.vic.gov.au
Bimbadeen holds a very special place in my heart having been associated with the school for over 25 years. The passion, professionalism and camaraderie amongst teachers and parents is exceptional.
In my home life I am a life member of both a local cricket and netball club. On weekends you will usually find me scoring cricket games where I get to watch my husband and two of my three sons play. As my knees can no longer carry me around the netball court I enjoy Aquarobics classes throughout the week and will often be seen walking our golden retriever around Lilydale Lake on Sunday mornings.
Kate Buzaglo
Teacher Replacement
kate.troschke@education.vic.gov.au
I have been part of the Bimbadeen team for most of my teaching career and have been fortunate to work in a variety of roles. I really enjoy teaching as I love taking on new challenges and modelling life-long learning.
I have 3 little girls who keep me very busy. We love simple things like getting outside to play and learn together.
Vanessa Saffin
Teacher Replacement
vanessa.saffin@education.vic.gov.au
I am very excited to be part of the Bimbadeen Heights community and look forward to meeting new faces every week. I am very passionate in growing student outcomes and developing students’ knowledge about the wonderful world we live in.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my two little ones and partner; whether we are bush walking or gardening – I love the outdoors!
School Support Staff – Student Wellbeing
Liam Bransgrove
Student Wellbeing Coordinator / Student Counsellor
liam.bransgrove@education.vic.gov.au
I am grateful to be a Student Counsellor within Bimbadeen Heights. The school’s community is the reason I am happy to commute from the West Gippsland region for this role. I find great satisfaction being in roles where I can proactively help others in healthily coping with the adversities of life and being able to do so at the primary-aged level I see as important for so many reasons.
In my spare time I like to run around my hometown and focus on my health in other various ways. Relaxing with friends and family is also the focus, and a bit of sport watching (namely basketball, footy or soccer) goes alright.
Natalie Robertson
Student Counsellor
natalie.robertson@education.vic.gov.au
I feel so privileged to be apart of the Wellbeing Team as a Student Counsellor at Bimbadeen Heights and to be part of this amazing community.
I am passionate about wellbeing, forming and building positive relationships and being proactive in helping other meet their potential and being able to do this at a Primary level is highly important to me.
In my home life I am a mother of 3, who keep me very busy. We enjoy all things outdoors, such as bike riding, sports (playing and watching) and spending time at the beach.
School Support Staff / Integration Aides
Tracey Price-O'Reilly
Integration Aide
tracey.price-oreilly@education.vic.gov.au
I enjoy working with and supporting children with additional needs and helping them build relationships with their peers.
My personal interests include cooking and gardening which also allows me to share my skills and interact with my students in a positive and hands on learning approach.
Joanne Palmer
Integration Aide
jo.palmer2@education.vic.gov.au
Working at Bimbadeen Heights Primary is a rewarding career. The teachers are very supportive and caring with all students. I enjoy seeing the students who need extra support achieve personal goals and working to be their best. It fills me with pride when they reach their goals.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time at the beach, with my family and I enjoy going for long drives.
Gerry Ladiges
Integration Aide
gerard.ladiges@education.vic.gov.au
I find supporting students in achieving their goals to be the most fulfilling work. For me, nothing is more exciting than celebrating a student’s success and growth.
Outside of school I enjoy cooking, yoga, cycling, and most of all playing boardgames with my wife and friends.
Sam Lam
Integration Aide
I started at Bimbadeen Heights as a casual Education Support and was really impressed by all the genuine love, care and nurturing at the school. It’s wonderful to be part of a passionate team working with the students in such a beautiful environment. I love to support, mentor and encourage the students as they work towards achieving their full potential.
Outside of school I enjoy gardening, cooking and spending time with my family.
Sarah Hawker
Integration Aide
sarah.hawker@education.vic.gov.au
I really enjoy being a part of the Education Support Team at Bimbadeen Heights. Each day as an Integration Aide is different and I love coming into school to see what challenges and successes the day will bring.
Outside of school I love taking photos and going on adventures with my husband and three children.
Tristan Stafford
Integration Aide
tristan.stafford@education.vic.gov.au
Tristan has been working at Bimbadeen since the beginning of Term 4 2023 as an Education Support Staff member, and will continue in this role as an ongoing employee at Bimbadeen Heights PS:
I am very excited to have joined Bimbadeen as part of the Education Support team. Seeing the students excel in their learning and knowing I had a small part in that is fantastic.
Outside of school, I love to spend time with my friends, make music and go to the gym.
Harry Brzozek
Integration Aide
harry.brzozek@education.vic.gov.au
I am extremely grateful to work with the truly incredible staff, parents, and students who make Bimbadeen Heights Primary School the place that it is! In my role as Education Support, I am fortunate in being able to build meaningful relationships with the students that I work with, to help them become enthusiastic and happy learners and people, inside and outside the classroom.
When I’m not at school, I love watching my beloved Magpies win footy games at the MCG, going camping with my family and friends, and going on runs when the Melbourne weather permits!
Anu Velmakanni
Integration Aide
anuradha.velamakanni@education.vic.gov.au
Working at Bimbadeen has been fulfilling and professionally rewarding as it offers me an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students by helping them succeed academically and personally.
Outside of school I love nature, travelling, going on walks with my family, and cooking.
Cyndi Grant
First Aid
cyndi.grant2@education.vic.gov.au
It’s a great privilege and joy to be joining the dynamic and wonderful staffing team at Bimbadeen Heights Primary School. As the new First Aid Officer at Bimbadeen I have the absolute privilege of getting to know many students and families while being able to support them.
As a mum of a Bimbadeen student I have loved watching him grow and hearing about all the great things happening at Bimbadeen, and now I get to play a part! When I am not working, I love going to the beach, learning new things and spending time with my family and friends, sharing a laugh and making lots of fun memories.
Ken Worth
ICT
ken.worth@education.vic.gov.au
Hi, my name is Ken and I have been the Specialist Technician at Bimbadeen Heights for over 20 years. I am also the Specialist Technician at 3 other schools in the region. I have seen many changes in my time at BHPS, including new buildings, new administration staff, new students, new teachers and, of course, new Principals.
Technology has also been changing and challenging over my time at the school and now, more than ever, it is no longer a luxury, but a necessity to modern teaching.
The one thing that has always remained constant has been the overall feeling of pride and dedication from a great community at Bimbadeen Heights Primary School.
Isn’t it time we got to know each other?
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