Facilities Manager : Jonathan Chambers

The School has secured the services of a managed service provider to oversee the care of facilities and maintenance. Jonathan has worked with Programmed Services for the last three years and started as a Level 4 foreman in the Property services painting business managing a number projects and painters. Jonathon then moved into a Project Management position for a period before commencing his most recent position as a Facility Maintenance Manager at The Lost Dogs Home where he has worked for the last 12 months. Jonathon commenced last week.

Secondary Mathematics : Katherine Briggs

Katherine (Kat) Briggs joins our teaching staff as part of the Mathematics Department. Kat holds a Bachelor of Applied Science from RMIT and has been employed as a Mathematics teacher at Wallan Secondary College for the past 12 years. Additionally, Kat has held a range of leadership roles at Wallan, including Leading Teacher roles in the areas of Staff Development and Teaching and Learning. She also led the College’s implementation of Professional Learning Teams as part of a wider strategy to build a learning culture.

Primary Generalist (DB) : Krystal Crichton

Krystal is an enthusiastic teacher joining us most recently from Marymede Catholic College. She was the Prep Transition Co-ordinator at Marymede and previously the Coordinator of Prep to Year 2 at Mother Teresa. She has previously organised and ran Parent Information Evenings, Prep Transition and interviews as well as mentoring teachers. Krystal enjoys incorporating information technology with all parts of the curriculum.  Krystal has a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from ACU.

Primary Generalist (MR) : Lara Di Cecco

Lara completed a Bachelor of Education P-12 specialising in Psychology and Student Welfare from Victoria University (2014-2017). Since graduating, Lara has taught at Pascoe Vale Primary School as a Year 1 classroom teacher and for the last 2 years at Strathmore North Primary School, also teaching Year 1. Lara’s educational philosophy is to positively impact the learning outcomes of students through intentional, high-quality teaching practice in a warm yet demanding classroom environment where every student is a valued and supported member of the learning community.

Primary Generalist (DB) : Joanne Ellis

Joanne is an experienced teacher joining us from teaching the last 11 years at Eltham College Prep- Year 6. Having a background in Social Work, she has been involved in the co-ordination and implementation of academic and assessment procedures and developed the Prep Bush Discovery Program. Joanne has a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary) from RMIT, Masters in Social Work from Melbourne University, a Bachelor of Social Work along with a Bachelor of Arts.

Head of Learning – Mathematics (Secondary) : Tamara Ferraro

Tamara is currently working as a classroom Mathematics teacher at Ivanhoe Grammar (Plenty Campus), after returning from parenting leave. Tamara was also the Head of Mathematics at Ivanhoe, a position she had held for four years. Tamara has also held teaching positions at Rosehill Secondary College and St Columba’s Secondary College. Tamara holds a Bachelor of Science (Mathematics and Biochemistry); Diploma of Education; Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Mathematical Leadership); and Professional Certificate in Adolescent Counselling. She is currently undertaking a Masters in Education by research.

Primary Learning Enhancement Assistant (MR) : Liz Gibson

Liz is highly experienced in the area of Education Support. She is fully THRASS certified, has an excellent knowledge of Cued Articulation, and has completed the Speech Assistant Program and Level 3 Certificate in Education Support. Liz has spent the last five years working at Craigieburn South Primary School as an Education Support and Speech Assistant. Her main responsibilities include, running Phonological and Sound Check Programs, working alongside staff in supporting student learning and training new staff on programs used in the classroom.

Secondary Humanities : Rachel Gurney

Rachel will be well known to many students and staff alike, as she has been a casual relief teacher at Hume during the past two years. Prior to 2019, she was an English teacher at Wallan Secondary College for eight years. Rachel is deeply passionate about promoting student wellbeing and, while at Wallan, orchestrated a breakfast club and a homework club, both of which aimed to improve student wellbeing. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma of Education from La Trobe University.

Secondary Digital Technology : Hajar Hussein

Hajar holds a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering and a Master of Teaching Practice, both degrees acquired from RMIT. She has spent the past four years teaching at Ilim College in the areas of science and digital technologies. During the past two years, Hajar has held the position of Head of Digital Technologies at Ilim, a role which has included coordinating a variety of STEM activities. She is very eager to work within the environs of Hume’s new STEM Centre in 2021.

Primary Generalist (DB) : Vanessa Panozzo

Vanessa is a passionate graduate joining us after completing her final placement at our Donnybrook Campus. Developing positive relationships with students, parents and colleagues is important to Vanessa as she believes a positive learning environment is crucial to feeling a sense of community. Vanessa has a Bachelor of Primary Education from ACU.

Primary Generalist (DB) : Tayla Parnis

Tayla is an enthusiastic graduate teacher joining Donnybrook. A qualified Learn to Swim Teacher and Supervisor, along with being an OSHC Educator, Tayla brings a great deal of experiences with children and families along with her ability to adapt her teaching approaches and create environments that suit the needs of the whole learner. Tayla conducted her final placement at our Donnybrook Campus in 2020. Tayla has a Bachelor of Education (Early Years) from Melbourne Polytechnic.

Secondary Learning Enhancement Assistant : Rhonda Pollard

Rhonda holds a Diploma of Education Support and a level 4 Certificate in disabilities. She is a highly skilled Teacher’s Aide / Education Support with 15 years’ experience. Although she has worked with students P-12, she has predominantly worked with and assisted students with various learning difficulties from Years 7-12. Having worked across all facets of the Year 7-10 curriculum, she is currently assisting with Year 7 – 10 in General and Foundation Maths, English, Humanities and Science classes. Currently working at Newhaven College, Phillip Island, Rhonda is deeply committed to supporting students by providing tailored assistance to optimise learner engagement.

Primary Specialist (DB) : Alexander Romano

Alexander is a very enthusiastic teacher joining us from teaching Italian at Dorset Primary School. Previously teaching in Cairns and London, Alexander was an active member of the school communities and the co-curricular program. His passion for teaching the Italian language and culture allows for students to gain an understanding, appreciation and acceptance of diversity. Alexander has a Bachelor of Arts/Arts Education (Secondary) majoring in Italian and Humanities and studied Sport Science at ACU.  

Assistant School Operations Manager : Shandelle Rosewarne

Shandelle is currently the Business Manager for the Toorak campus of Geelong Grammar School. In this role she looks after day-to-day operations of the ELC to Year 6 campus including leadership of the facilities/management team, coordination of contractors, managing the school aquatics centre, and oversight of the campus operations budget. Prior to this position, for three years Shandelle was the School Supervisor at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatics Centre (MSAC). She also held relevant school-based positions including Sports Administrator at St Andrew’s College, and Administrator and Aquatics Manager at Ivanhoe Girls Grammars. Shandelle holds a Certificate IV Community Development and Certificate II Sports and Recreation – Administration.

Secondary Humanities and English : Maxine Runting

Maxine holds a double degree, Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Arts, from the Australian Catholic University, and is currently completing a Graduate Certificate in International Education at the University of Melbourne. Prior to joining Hume next year, Maxine has taught at Ave Maria College, St Bernard’s College and Pentleigh and Essendon Grammar.

Primary Generalist (MR) : Amanda Schuch

Amanda graduated from RMIT with a Bachelor of Education – Primary in 2010. Since, Amanda has taught at Kororoit Creek Primary School as a Primary Homeroom teacher and Team leader (2011-2015) and most recently at Epping Views Primary school where she has taught a number of Primary year levels (2018-2020). Amanda has organised and implemented a range of opportunities for developing relationships which have helped to assist in developing compassionate, resilient and respectful students.

Secondary Science : Jyothi Varkey

Hume Anglican Grammar alumnus, Jyothi, completed her VCE at the School in 2014, and was one of the first graduates to be accepted into Monash University. During her Bachelor of Science studies at Monash, Jyothi majored in Physiology and Developmental Biology. However, she also began tutoring students and discovered a passion for teaching, subsequently completing her Master of Teaching (Secondary) at the University of Melbourne in 2019. Jyothi is very excited to be returning to where her educational journey began, joining the Science Department in 2021.

Payroll and Personnel Officer : Felicity Willis

Felicity has had extensive experience in the payroll field. In her most recent permanent role at Berry Street, a community focused not for profit and one of Australia’s largest independent family service organisations, Felicity spent 8 years as the Payroll Operations Manager, overseeing a team of 5 payroll officers to manage a payroll of over 1,400 staff. Felicity holds a Diploma in Project Management, is a local Craigieburn resident and has an interest in photography and design outside of work. She commenced last week and after a period of handover, Lisa McKay will take up her new role as Academic Officer – Primary.

Primary Generalist (DB) : Holly Wilson

Holly is a passionate teacher joining us from Greenvale Primary School. Along with teaching a variety of year levels, Holly conducted lunchtime activities including skipping, dance and craft. An enthusiastic and motivated teacher, Holly finds rewarding watching students achieve academic, social and emotional growth. Holly has a Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary from Victoria University.

---

I am also happy to report a number of current staff appointments to positions of leadership.

Subject Coordinator - Languages (Primary) : Adele Arnese

Adele joined Hume at the commencement of 2019 teaching Italian at the Mt Ridley Primary school. She has done a splendid job further embedding and enhancing languages across all 7 year levels.

VCE Coordinator : Alexa Black

Having joined Hume this year teaching English in the Secondary school, Alexa has shown her strength as a skilled teacher with a deep understanding of curriculum matters.

Head of Learning – Humanities (Primary) : Haley Buckley

Haley commenced at Hume in 2017 and has taught junior primary at Mt Ridley these past 4 years. She has made a positive contribution in a number of curriculum areas and initiatives including the eLearning Steering Group.

Secondary Year Level Coordinator : Acacia Cooper

Next year the combined responsibilities of the Year 11 and 12 Coordinator will be split, with Acacia joining the Secondary wellbeing team. Acacia has done a sterling job teaching mathematics these past three years, and this year as an Academic Mentor and Year 12 homeroom teacher.

Primary Learning Enhancement Assistant (DB) : Sarah Dakos

Sarah started at the Donnybrook campus in 2019 as an Education support volunteer and then in 2020 as a Teacher’s Assistant and First Aid Officer. Prior to this, she has worked as an Education Support Officer at Beveridge Primary School, gaining her Level 3 Certificate in Education Support.

Assistant Head of Student Wellbeing P-2 (DB) : Richard Giarrusso

Richard commenced at the Donnybrook Primary school this year and has quickly made his mark as a respected teacher of Year 2, developing excellent relationships with student, parents and colleagues. He will provide excellent support looking after the P-2 group.

Head of Learning – Literacy (Primary) : Helena Mallon

Helena is currently teaching Year 2 at Mt Ridley and joined Hume in 2018 where we have all come to appreciate her energy and knowledge. She picks up an already strong program and will continue to enhance literacy skills across the Primary schools.

Head of Learning Management System Development : Andrew McCaskill

Andrew’s role will change next year to have a focus on the new Learning Management System (LMS) Canvas. He will be responsible for the development and phased integration of the LMS throughout 2021 to be fully implemented from the commencement of 2022.

Head of Learning – Science & Technology (Primary) : Sarah Price

Sarah, currently teaching Prep at Donnybrook, joined the school this year. In this time, she has brought great value to the school, and her multisector international experience will be of great value enhancing this learning area.

Subject Coordinator – Languages (Secondary) : Rosa Sfameni

Rosa joined the Secondary school in 2018 and has had a marked impact upon the introduction of Italian into the school. She is well placed to take Languages into its next phase of growth as we consolidate senior secondary Italian and other languages.

Head of Student Wellbeing 3 - 5 (DB) : Trudy Trounson

Trudy commenced at the Donnybrook Primary this year as a Year 4 teacher, rapidly developing important relationships with students and the community. Trudy will be an excellent addition to the Student Wellbeing team at Donnybrook.
 
Subject Coordinator – Technology (Secondary) : Athanas Zivave

Athanas has been with us for these past 2 years and has made a wonderful contribution to the school. With a wealth of experience in the field of technology, Athanas has made a significant impact in this learning area. His experience as a VCAA examiner has been invaluable in assisting the VCE students.

Bill Sweeney - Principal