Erin McNamara holds a Bachelor of Education from Latrobe University. She has 14 years’ experience in the Department of Education & Early Childhood, and 6 years’ experience in senior leadership. Erin is extremely passionate about cognitive science and empowering all educators to put evidence-based theory into practice. She believes that every child has the right to a high-quality education and is dedicated to ensuring this is the case for every student at Aberfeldie Primary School. As Acting Assistant Principal, Erin oversees the wellbeing and learning of all students within the school.
Nicky joined Aberfeldie as a Business manager in 2024. Prior to this she worked at various schools since 2019 doing a variety of administrative roles including HR / Finance, Excursion Support and Personal Assistant to Campus Principal. She thoroughly enjoys being part of the school environment and learning new ways of doing things at each school. She loves being able to spend time with her children and have fun with them.
Belinda began working at Aberfeldie Primary School in 2014 and spent many years working as an Integration Aide in classrooms across the school as well as running the library. Belinda joined our office staff in 2022. She has previous administration experience across the banking and records management industries. She enjoys working with the students, parents and supporting teaching staff to achieve the best educations outcomes.
Sandra joined our office staff in 2022 after several years’ experience working in a variety of roles including administration, sales, and training in the retail industry. She is very customer focused and has quickly developed and connection with students, staff, and our school community.
Emma holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science (Psychology) from Swinburne University, a Master of Primary Teaching from the University of Melbourne, and a Master of Instructional Leadership at the University of Melbourne. Emma has had experience teaching various year levels across primary school and has held various leadership roles, including PLC Leader and ICT Coordinator. Emma is dedicated to working with teachers to develop effective and engaging teaching instruction that supports learning for all students. Emma loves to learn, and is passionate about literacy and the science of learning.
Emma has a Bachelor of Education from Victoria University. Emma was offered a scholarship to The University of Melbourne in 2022 and is currently completing her Masters of Learning Intervention. Her studies focus on supporting the engagement of students with disabilities or learning difficulties in both Literacy and Numeracy. Emma has extensive teaching experience across various settings and was previously a classroom teacher and PLC team leader at Aberfeldie Primary School. Within her Learning Specialist role, Emma is passionate about Inclusive Education and ensuring all students have access to high-quality education.
Jessica has a Bachelor of Education from Victoria University, majoring in Health & Physical Education. Jessica has taught in a range of settings, and joined the Aberfeldie Primary School teaching team in 2023. Jessica is passionate about building strong community relationships which centres around the growth and wellbeing of each student. As PLC Leader, Jessica leads and oversees the implementation of curriculum and student wellbeing for the Foundation students.
Danielle holds a Bachelor of Education (P-12) from Victoria University, majoring in English and Art. She has been teaching at Aberfeldie Primary School since 2011 and has experience teaching various year levels. Danielle has held several roles at Aberfeldie, including PLC Leader and Prep Transition Coordinator. She is committed to ensuring that students are engaged in their learning, whilst maintaining a high standard of education. Danielle is passionate about early literacy development, with an emphasis on teaching phonics and phonemic awareness.
Tayissa has a Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education from Victoria University. Tayissa has a range of teaching experience across year levels and settings. Tayissa came to Aberfeldie Primary School in 2016. Tayissa is dedicated to promoting an inclusive learning environment for all and is passionate about building strong relationships with students and the school community. As PLC Leader, Tayissa leads and oversees the implementation of curriculum and student wellbeing for Year 1/2.
Danielle has a Bachelor of Science (Hons), PhD and a Master of Teaching from the University of Melbourne. She also holds a Graduate Diploma of Business Computer from Victoria University and was previously employed as a research scientist and IT Design Engineer. Danielle is dedicated and enthusiastic about sharing the beauty and logic of Mathematics and Sciences with her class, but also inspires the students to find enjoyment in reading.
Daniella holds a Bachelor of Human Nutrition from La Trobe University and a Graduate Diploma in Education from RMIT University. Her teaching philosophy focuses on the whole child through learner-centred theories of education which encourages students to be active participants in their educational journey. Daniella has extensive experience in leading a number of student leadership programs. She is passionate about promoting and empowering student voice within the school community.
Sasha holds a Bachelor of Environmental Sustainability from Deakin University and a Bachelor of Education from RMIT University. From her experience as an Education Support staff member and working in Out of Hours School Care, Sasha has formed a teaching philosophy that centres around establishing meaningful and genuine teacher-student relationships. Sasha is an enthusiastic teacher keen to foster student growth in safe, happy, healthy learning environments.
Michelle holds a Bachelor’s Degree is Early Childhood and Primary Education from RMIT University. She is currently completing Mental Health and Wellbeing training from the Faculty of Education at the University of Melbourne. Michelle is a dedicated educator and mental health advocate with extensive years of experience in teaching various year levels and leadership roles, including Professional Learning Community Leader and currently the Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader. Michelle’s passion has always been to give attention to every students’ needs, by providing structured learning opportunities as well as support systems to nurture and maximise their full potential.
Despina Holds a Diploma of Teaching in Primary and a Bachelor of Education from Victoria University. She has extensive experience teaching in the early to middle years. Despina is passionate about literacy, with a love of reading a variety of genres. She ensures all children learn and develop a love of reading. She encourages her students to make responsible choices that will guide them to become independent learners.
Janelle has a Bachelor of Education and a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Education from the University of Winnipeg. She is currently completing her Master of Education in Second Language Education at the University of Ottawa. Janelle has experience teaching across various year levels in Australia and overseas. She strives to create a teaching space that promotes social responsibility and collaboration among students.
Jennifer is an enthusiastic and passionate educator. She holds a Bachelor of Education from RMIT University, graduating with first class honours. Jennifer taught for seven years before joining our team in 2023, and has extensive teaching experience across a range of levels. Jennifer believes in building strong authentic relationships with students and sparking curiosity to engage student learning. She encourages students to be active participants in their learning by working collaboratively to develop and achieve academic and personal goals in the classroom. As PLC Leader, Jennifer leads and oversees the implementation of curriculum and student wellbeing for Year 3/4.
Elyse holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Ballarat and a Masters of Education- Educational leadership from Edith Cowan University. Elyse is a passionate teacher and enjoys learning alongside others. Elyse has taught at Aberfeldie since 2023, she has previously worked in various school settings in Victoria, Western Australia and overseas. Elyse considers herself a lifelong learner.
Krystal holds a Bachelor of Nursing from Victoria University and worked as a Registered Nurse before changing careers. She has since completed a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary) from LaTrobe University and a Masters of Education from the University of Melbourne. Krystal initially began working as a CRT at Aberfeldie Primary school in 2015 and has enjoyed watching the school evolve and its offering of professional development opportunities. Krystal’s passion for helping others grow and learn extends beyond the classroom, acting as the Student Placement Coordinator for higher education students at Aberfeldie Primary School.
Hannah holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) from RMIT University and a Master of Primary teaching from Deakin University. She is currently undergoing her third year at Aberfeldie Primary School. This year Hannah is working with the JSC representatives and sustainability captains on a number of school projects. Hannah is passionate about creating a classroom environment where all students are supported to grow to their full potential and looks forward to facilitating learning for another group of 3/4 students during 2024.
Emma holds a Bachelor of Business and a postgraduate in Education, both from La Trobe University. She has experience teaching all year levels both in Australia and in the UK. Emma is passionate about early reading practices, specifically phonics instruction, and ensuring that all children learn to read and read to learn.
Trudy studied Primary Education at the University of Melbourne specializing in Physical Education and Literacy. She has worked in independent schools in Australia and internationally and held a variety of leadership roles in curriculum and wellbeing. Trudy has also worked at tertiary level. An experienced classroom teacher with a passion for children's literature.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Education from Deakin University. He has been teaching at Aberfeldie since 2013 and has held a number of roles across years 1-6 in that time, including Team Leader and Marrung Leader. Michael is dedicated to developing a culture of learning, support, and improvement for students’ within the school community. He is currently leading the Marrung Education Plan for the school and hopes to strengthen the First Nation perspectives across the curriculum.
Emily Decis holds a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from the Australian Catholic University. She is an approachable teacher who is passionate about providing learning opportunities that will inspire student creativity and help all to reach their full potential. During her work as a casual relief teacher, Emily has developed a teaching philosophy that is based on respectful relationships. She believes the relationship between herself, and her students should be built upon trust and respect, while also encouraging students to become independent learners that make responsible choices.
Ashleigh Chisholm holds a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from the Australian Catholic University. She has experience teaching all year levels both in Australia and in the UK. Ashleigh has a passion for gifted and talented education and has completed many professional development courses through the University of New South Wales to support high potential and gifted students. Ashleigh believes in building an inclusive classroom environment so that all learners feel supported and can achieve their personal learning goals.
Sam Cheshire - Physical Education Teacher & Sports Co-ordinator
Sam is a passionate and dedicated Physical Education Teacher. He has worked in a variety of different industries before becoming a primary school teacher. Sam coaches football and basketball teams in Airport West. He loves spending time with his kids and his passions are golf, football and gardening.
Nikki Daley is the Visual Arts teacher at Aberfeldie Primary School. She completed her Bachelor of Teaching in 2013 in NSW and a Master’s of Education degree in 2018 at the University of Melbourne, where Nikki focused on exploring identity through visual arts, both in the classroom and in an art therapy setting. She has worked as a classroom teacher for many years but has remained passionate about the arts and is an avid artist who uses a range of mediums including pencils, paints, clay and digital platforms. Her other passions include reading, creative writing, singing and playing a variety of instruments.
Jill studied as an exchange student in Japan while in Junior high and High school. She then went on to complete an Asian Linguistics degree at the Australian National University, part of which she received a full scholarship from Chiba University. Jill completed a Postgraduate Teaching degree (Languages Other Than English and Teaching English as a Second Other Language) at Melbourne University in 2012. She has worked as an English as an Additional Language teacher for many years. Jill has a passion for languages, culture and teaching.
Kimberley has a Bachelor of Education Degree from Victoria University. She has been teaching since 1995 and has an extensive background of experience in various school settings. Kimberley has been a leader for many years of her career and has a comprehensive amount of experience teaching all year levels of Primary School, including teaching in a variety of Specialist areas. Kimberley has been teaching at Aberfeldie Primary School since 1999 and has well established relationships with the students, families and the community, past and present. Kimberley is a passionate and dedicated educator and her expansive roles over the years have allowed for mentorship and guidance of staff and students.
Loretta holds a Bachelor of Design (Graphic Design) from RMIT University. She worked as a designer for many years before switching to the role of Education Support at Aberfeldie Primary, where she has worked since 2017. Loretta is passionate about an inclusive classroom where all children are supported to achieve their personal best, both physically and mentally.
Gail attended Aberfeldie Primary as a child and is very happy to be working there now. Gail holds a Bachelor of Arts in Australian Cultural Studies, a Diploma in Children's and a Certificate in Education Support. Gail has over 35 years experience working with children in a variety of settings. Gail enjoys her role at Aberfeldie as an ES and values the opportunity to help each child reach their full potential.
Yasmine has Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computing and worked in Life Insurance. She has a Cert IV in Education Support from Victoria University. Her commitment in this role is to help students achieve their best educational and social outcomes that they are capable of. In addition to helping in the classroom, Yasmine also currently runs our school library.
Nicola has a Diploma in Food and Nutrition and recently completed her Certificate III and IV in School Based Education Support. She has been part of the APS community as a parent since 2017 and joined our staff team in 2022. Nicola has previous experience working with primary school children at an international Montessori school in Germany. Nicola is passionate about supporting teachers in the classroom and encouraging students to have pride and a sense of achievement in their learning.
Georgia has completed her diploma in Educational Studies and is currently studying a Bachelor of Educational Studies at Victoria University with a goal to complete her masters in Primary Education. She was the former coordinator at Strathmore Primary before and after care service. She has been a part of the APS community since 2022. Georgia is passionate about nurturing and helping young children grow confidently during their fundamental years of education.
Valentina is a passionate and dedicated qualified Education Support worker. She also is a qualified Occupational Therapist received at the University of Rome Tor Vergata , with more than 7 years of experience. She loves helping in the students in the classroom with their academic goals and with their fine motor skills.
Fay has a Bachelor of Psychology degree from Unicentro Newton Paiva – Brazil. Prior to moving to Australia she worked as a social psychologist in a non-profit social assistance entity, guiding adolescents from families in situations of social vulnerability. She holds a Certificate IV in Education Support from the Australian College of Teacher Aides and Childcare. She is passionate about her work and committed to provide the best support to students, so they feel included and ready to learn.
Shweta moved to Australia from India in 2007 with her family. She has completed her Bachelors and Master's in Information Technology in India and also her Diploma of Accounting from Open College Australia and Diploma in Teacher Education Preparation from RMIT. Shweta has 3 years of experience working as CRT- education support around various schools and officially joined the APS team in 2024. Her commitment and passion for teaching lend her to become an active member of Aberfeldie community.
Yesh has a Bachelor of Business (Tourism & Hospitality) and completed Cert III in School Based Education Support before joining Aberfeldie Primary School in 2023. Yesh is passionate about providing the necessary support to ensure academic success and personal growth for all students at Aberfeldie.
After pivoting from a career in retail Dom has undertaken study in a Bachelor of Education (P-12) at Victoria University. Drawing upon his own experience and interpersonal skills, he finds many ways to motivate his pupils. He brings to his ES role a great desire to connect with each of his students, whilst helping them to find confidence in their own abilities and self.
Louisa joined our education support staff at Aberfeldie in 2023. She also has extensive experience in student administration across various schools, and she consistently focused on meeting the needs of students and families while also supporting staff. Before transitioning to Education Support, Louisa spent many years in the airline industry, holding various roles including developing and delivering training programs to enhance staff performance and service quality.