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 |   3/4 Teachers   |  Year  5  Teachers |   Year 6 Teachers  |   Specialised Teachers   |   Support Staff

Leadership & Administration

Adele Gregson

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

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

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

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. We strive to help our families feel welcome and supported as part of the Bimbadeen Community.  Always remember my door is open if you have any financial concerns with payments to the school. 

When I’m not at school I enjoy spending time with my own family.

Emma Chandler

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 families, and being able to help with any needs or concerns they may have. Both my sons came to this school and enjoyed their time here just as much as I do!

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

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

Liz Nicholson

Liz Nicholson

Foundation Teacher (Team Leader)

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 time I enjoy reading and travelling.

Jemima Gange

Jemima Gange

Foundation Teacher

jemima.gange@education.vic.gov.au

I am very excited to be joining 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.

Tracey Johansen

Tracey Johansen

Foundation 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 school I enjoy walking my dogs, reading and being with friends and family.

Ashleigh Janssen

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.

Samantha Tallentyre

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.

Grade 1 Teachers

Beth Dean

Beth Dean

Year 1 Teacher & Primary Mathmatics Specialist (Team Leader)

elizabeth.dean2@education.vic.gov.au

The first years at school are the some of the most important in a child’s education and that’s why I feel passionate about teaching in Year 1. I love to see my students’ confidence soar as they achieve their learning goals or fall in love with reading.

On my weekends I enjoy catching up with my friends for a coffee or reading a good book.

Ashlie Rich

Ashlie Rich

Year 1 Teacher

ashlie.rich@education.vic.gov.au

I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Bimbadeen Heights Primary School community. I am passionate about creating a positive learning environment that supports students in their own individual approach to learning. It is important to me that the students feel a connection to their school community and are active learners who are proud of their learning achievements.

Outside of school I enjoy spending quality time with my partner, our two sons, and Frankie our Labrador. We are often out and about in our local area, enjoying the parks and spending time with friends and family. 

Melissa Thomas

Melissa Thomas

Year 1 Teacher

melissa.thomas@education.vic.gov.au

It is a privilege to be joining the Bimbadeen Heights Primary School community as a Year 1 teacher this year. 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.

Joshua Gray

Joshua Gray

Year 1 Teacher

joshua.gray2@education.vic.gov.au

I am excited to be joining the community of 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

Alycia Kennington

Year 1 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. 

Grade 2 Teachers

Stacy Brookes

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.

Tania Maniscalchi

Tania Maniscalchi

Year 2 Teacher and Tutor Learning Initiative

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 time I love going to the beach with my husband and three daughters.

Michaela Gray

Michaela Gray

Year 2 Teacher and Tutor Learning Initiative

michaela.gray@education.vic.gov.au

I have enjoyed working at Bimbadeen for the past 19 years. I have loved working in many different teams with amazing teachers. Mathematics is a particularly favourite subject of mine to teach.

I spend my weekends with my family enjoying the outdoors.

Michelle Franks

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 school I enjoy reading, listening to music and spending time with my daughters.

Sharon Egan

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.

Grade 3/4 Teachers

Rebecca Davenport

Rebecca Davenport

Year 3/4 Teacher (Team Leader)

rebecca.bartlett2@education.vic.gov.au

I love working at Bimbadeen Heights and am excited for the year ahead in the 3/4 team. I am passionate about wellbeing, forming positive relationships and creating a welcoming and fun classroom where students are excited about learning.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with friends and family, taking my dogs on adventures and cheering on Collingwood in the footy.

Kate Buzaglo

Kate Buzaglo

Year 3/4 Teacher

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 Years 3 and 4, 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.

Melinda Ruscitti

Melinda Ruscitti

Year 3/4 Teacher

melinda.ruscitti@education.vic.gov.au

It is a delight to teach at Bimbadeen. I love teaching Year 3/4 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 time I enjoy spending time with family and friends, baking and watching Geelong battle it out on the weekends.

Alana Bell

Alana Bell

Year 3/4 Teacher

Bronte Hamilton

Bronte Hamilton

Year 3/4 Teacher

bronte.hamilton@education.vic.gov.au

I am so excited to be a part of the Bimbadeen Heights community. One thing I love about teaching is seeing when students can connect their knowledge and skills together for everything to click into place and they have an ‘ah-huh’ moment. I endeavour to ensure my students feel safe, welcomed, and included within our classroom to assist them in becoming strong, independent individuals.  

In my spare time, I love to spend time with my loved ones, curl up with a good book and explore Victoria finding all the different waterfalls. 

Tess Mathews

Tess Mathews

Year 3/4 Teacher

tessa.mathews-morrow@education.vic.gov.au

I feel privileged to be a part of the community at Bimbadeen Heights Primary School. I am committed to my students and am passionate about providing an environment that is inclusive and curriculum that is differentiated to student needs.

Outside of school I enjoy playing cricket, spending time with family and friends and walking my dog Coby.

Virginia Gardner

Virginia Gardner

Year 3/4 Teacher

virginia.gardner@education.vic.gov.au

I love working with the experienced staff and wonderful children at Bimbadeen Heights.  There are so many extra curricular activities offered like production, active club, tennis and instrument lessons, and camp just to name a few! It is lovely to see our children develop and learn from these experiences.

Outside of school I enjoy teaching fitness classes, spending time with my family and shopping.

Laura Simkin

Laura Simkin

Year 3/4 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 sport.

Grade 5 Teachers

Olivia Maestri

Olivia Maestri

Year 5 Teacher (Team Leader)

olivia.maestri@education.vic.gov.au

I am excited to begin working in a school that upholds positive relationships, strong culture, and academic achievement. Teaching is a profession where every day is fun, engaging and rewarding. I like to create a classroom environment that is uplifting, encouraging, inclusive and allows all students to find their learning powers.

When I am not teaching, I love going to the gym and spending time with my family and friends.

Lizzy Henderson

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!).

Grade 6 Teachers

Bree King

Bree King

Year 6 Teacher & Learning Specialist (Team Leader)

bree.king@education.vic.gov.au

I am a Year 6 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.

Alec Baroni

Alec Baroni

Year 6 Teacher & Learning Specialist

alec.baroni@education.vic.gov.au

I feel very honoured to be one of the Learning Specialists at Bimbadeen Heights. Teaching is the most noble and rewarding profession, inspiring the next generation to be the best version of themselves and making an immeasurable positive impact on the future. I love working with teams of staff and students to ensure that everyone achieves their personal best.

When I’m not teaching, I love spending time with my wife and kids, reading, playing guitar and cooking.

Please feel free to stop by for a chat anytime.

Annikka-Rose Hay

Annikka-Rose Hay

Year 6 Teacher

annikka-rose.hay@education.vic.gov.au

I can’t wait to be back at Bimbadeen Heights teaching our Year 6 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. 

Specialist Teachers

Lynne Burt

Lynne Burt

Music Teacher

lynne.burt@education.vic.gov.au

The Music Room is the most wonderful place in the school.  It’s a place for children to learn to read and write music.  They listen, move, persist, think, create, co-operate, learn from one another, stretch their imaginations, and develop as musicians and as people.  There’s nothing like the satisfaction of singing or playing something and “getting it right” together.  I love to celebrate with students as they tentatively try something and succeed way beyond their own expectations.  Bimbadeen students are amazing at having a go and creating delightful compositions and improvisations.  

Outside school I love to read, make beaded jewellery and spend time with my family and friends.

Natalie Lowe

Natalie Lowe

Music Teacher

natalie.lowe@education.vic.gov.au 

I am excited to work with Lynne Burt in teaching music 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.

Amelia Laird

Amelia Laird

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!

Karin Sansom

Karin Sansom

Library Technician / Equity Intervention

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.

Emily Way

Emily Way

Library Technician

emily.russell@education.vic.gov.au

It has been wonderful rejoining the Bimbadeen team this year after maternity leave. I have been very touched by the warm welcome back I have received from both students and parents who remember me.

 

Kate Schie

Kate Schie

Physical Education 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 ukulele and attempting to ride my unicycle.

Candice Xue

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.

School Support Staff – School Wellbeing

Liam Bransgrove

Liam Bransgrove

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. 

School Support Staff – Teacher Aides

Tracey Price-O'Reilly

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.  

Mandy Riley

Mandy Riley

Integration Aide

mandy.riley@education.vic.gov.au

I love being part of a team who are dedicated to assisting all children work towards their full potential.
Watching a student’s confidence and ability grow is always exciting.

Outside of school I enjoy doing craft, reading and travelling.

Sam Lam

Sam Lam

Integration Aide

sam.lam@education.vic.gov.au

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.

 

Rachael Hallang

Rachael Hallang

Integration Aide

rachael.hallang@education.vic.gov.au

I love being a part of the Bimbadeen Heights Primary School community in an Education Support role. It has been a privilege getting to know so many of our wonderful students. I am passionate about creating a supportive and fun school environment, as this is when students are able to learn best. 

Outside of school I enjoy running and playing board games with my family and friends. I also love exploring new places to go camping and hiking. 

 

Jenna Fowler

Jenna Fowler

Integration Aide

jenna.fowler@education.vic.gov.au

I love working at Bimbadeen Heights! I came here as a student and really enjoyed the positive and caring nature all the teachers and students embraced. Coming in to school each day and seeing all the kids smiling faces makes my day!

In my spare time I love spending time with my family and friends. Come and say hello to me in the playground.

Joanne Palmer

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.

Kim Durose

Kim Durose

Integration Aide

kim.durose@education.vic.gov.au

I am very excited to be joining the Bimbadeen Heights Primary School community as an Education Support Staff. I am passionate about building positive and trusting relationships with students, families and staff, and creating a nurturing environment for students to succeed in.

Out of school time I enjoy reading, camping, and spending time with family and friends.

 

Gerry Ladiges

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.

Isn’t it time we got to know each other?
Take our online VIDEO TOUR or book a SCHOOL TOUR!

Meet our principal, teachers, current students, parents, learn about our curriculum opportunities and tips for a smooth start to school.


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