Meet The Teachers
The wonderful bunch here at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School
would love to say “HELLO!”
Leadership & Administration

Gavan O'Donnell
Principal
I feel privileged to be the Principal of St Joseph’s as we create the future in this welcoming, nurturing and inclusive community. We have a tremendously dedicated staff who have helped develop a positive learning culture. I love to walk, travel and spend time with family and friends.

Anne Lazzaro
Deputy Principal, Learning and Teaching Leader
I feel very privileged and proud to work within a community that is striving to make a difference and has at its very heart improving the learning and well being of all members. I am passionate about my work, my family, music, dancing and spending time at our beautiful beaches.

Lisa Kniese
Year 3/4 Classroom Teacher and Deputy Principal
I am passionate about inspiring students to be curious, compassionate and resilient so that they can make a difference in the world. The connection between wellbeing and learning is crucial, therefore all students are supported to feel safe, valued and respected. I love spending time with my family and travelling.

Angela Banik
Administrative Assistant
I work in administration here at St Joseph’s. I enjoy the various roles the job brings and building relationships with families, students, staff and the wider community. I love working in this environment. I particularly enjoy watching children learn and grow throughout their school journey.

Robyn Shankie
Bursar
St Joseph’s is a great community of families, staff, parishioners and neighbours. For me to be a small part of their lives is a privilege. I love spending time with my family and having some laughs along the way.
Grade Prep Teachers

Donna Connolly
Prep Teacher, Learning and Teacher Leader
I love being a Prep teacher and Learning & Teaching Leader at St Joseph’s. As a Prep teacher I have the privilege of building strong school family partnerships as well as nurturing a love of learning in these beginning students. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family.

Kate Ashley
Prep Teacher
Grade 1/2 Teachers

Louise Drummond
Year 1/2 Classroom Teacher, Learning and Teaching Leader
I love working with Year One and Two students because they are enthusiastic and eager learners. It is rewarding to see the student’s knowledge and confidence grow over the year. I love to keep fit and healthy, so our classroom is filled with music, dance moves, fun and laughter.

Jodie Lucas
Year 1/2 Classroom Teacher
I am a year 3/4 teacher. I really enjoy working with the children in the middle level as they are grow into enthusiastic learners who are ready to take on new and exciting challenges.
Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family and working on our small farm.

Kerry Corney
Year 1/2 Classroom Teacher
I love being part of St Joseph’s School Community and value the supportive learning environment. I enjoy working in a variety of classrooms supporting students with their learning. I grew up in Scotland and out of the classroom, I enjoy travelling, yoga and beach days with my young family.

Karen O’Sullivan
Year 1/2 Classroom Teacher
I am a Year 1/2 teacher who finds it very rewarding to see the students develop their skills and confidence in this year level. They are so curious and have a sense of fun and joy about their learning. I enjoy going to the movies and walking on the beach.

Tori Finck
Year 1/2 Classroom Teacher
St Joseph’s is a wonderful place to teach and learn! With our class, I love reading (and doing the voices) and finding ways to use imagination and creativity in all learning areas. Outside school, I love attending musical theatre performances!

Bethany Jewson
Year 1/2 Classroom Teacher

Sophie Malignaggi
Year 1/2 Classroom Teacher
Grade 3/4 Teachers

Isabelle Spinoso
Year 3/4 Classroom Teacher
I love teaching and creating an environment where students feel safe to take risks and celebrate their success. Outside of school you will find me spending time with my family, and keeping active.

Clyde Siebel
Year 3/4 Classroom Teacher
I enjoy providing engaging educational opportunities that allows my students to develop an awareness of the connection between what they are learning and their lives. Outside school I enjoy catching up with family and friends and supporting the AFL Tigers.

Hayley Wise
Year 3/4 Classroom Teacher
I love being part of the supportive St Joseph’s community. I value a classroom that fosters individuality and compassion. Outside school you’ll find me with my dogs at the beach.

Angela Barrow
Year 3/4 Classroom Teacher
I enjoy seeing the students grow and develop throughout the year. Helping students understand that they can learn and finding different approaches that help each of them to do the best they can.
Outside of school I enjoy going for walks, spending time with my family and going on holidays.

Collette Grella
Year 3/4 Classroom Teacher and Prep Teacher
I love teaching because each day we make a difference in someone’s life which goes far beyond knowledge. I am dedicated to creating a classroom environment where students feel safe and supported, that encourages social and emotional growth and fosters a love of learning.
I enjoy watching my children’s soccer/swimming.
Grade 5/6 Teachers

Paul Bayliss
Year 5/6 Classroom Teacher
It is a privilege to work in the year 5/6 level. As a team we learn, laugh and work together. It is an honour to nurture each student’s curiosity and thirst to learn and grow every day. Outside of school I am passionate about sport, especially the Collingwood Magpies.

Kelly Riddle
Year 5/6 Classroom Teacher and REL Leader
As Religious Education Leader at St Joseph’s it is a privilege to share and support our school community in their faith journey. I love teaching Year 1/2. The students are enthusiastic and excited to learn more. Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family and playing netball.

Sinead Byrne
Year 5/6 Classroom Teacher and E-Learning Leader
I enjoy the opportunity to encourage, challenge and learn alongside all of our students, as well as further supporting their engagement and learning experiences through digital technology. Outside of school I like to spend time doing some DIY work and following various sports, especially netball and the mighty Melbourne Vixens!

Kimberley Wilson
Year 5/6 Classroom Teacher

Steven Edkins
Year 5/6 Classroom Teacher
Specialised Teachers

Kate Cronin
Wellbeing and Learning and Teaching Leader
As a teacher at St Joseph’s I have the pleasure of working collaboratively with other teachers to encourage our students to flourish and grow into lifelong learners. I also enjoy working in our sustainable garden with the students and being part of a learning community that promotes student wellbeing.

Allison Jackson
Learning Diversity Leader
I love supporting our learners to be their best, realising their gifts and talents, which make such a difference to our world! My world is my beautiful hubby and two darling children, my family and friends and I feel truly blessed to be a part of the St Joseph’s community.

Maria Morina
Italian Teacher
I have been teaching Italian and other subjects at St. Joseph’s for over 19 years. I enjoy watching the growth of learning that the students achieve throughout their years. I am very passionate about teaching. Outside of school I enjoy walking my dog, gardening, cooking and laughing with my family.

Liz Bolch
Performing Arts Teacher
Teaching Performing Arts at St Joseph’s Chelsea gives me the opportunity to encourage and support students as they use their imagination and skills, to create and perform drama, dance and music. I love watching students develop into confident performers. On the weekend I enjoy spending time with my family.

Caroline Egan
Visual Arts Teacher
I’ve been drawing for most of my life so I love coming to work at St Josephs and being able to teach as art is my passion. My own five kids all went here so our family has a long connection with the school. On the weekends I enjoy painting.

Marina Coletti
Physical Education Teacher and 5/6 Teacher
I love being able to encourage and promote a range of sports for our students at St Joseph’s. It’s great seeing children develop skills, teamwork and resilience through physical activity. Outside of school I enjoy running, netball going to the gym and spending time with my family at the beach.

Ros Hart
Learning Intervention and Support Teacher
At St Joseph’s I enjoy being part of a team that creates a classroom environment where students are able to learn together. I love working closely with students to realise their potential and overcome their challenges. Outside of school I love spending time with my family and enjoy the outdoors.

Helen McPhail
Learning Intervention and Support Teacher
I relish the chance to get to know the students at St. Joseph’s and support them in moving forward in their education. I love painting, playing music and gardening.

Rochel Baker
School Counsellor

Sarah Gravina
Speech Pathologist

Rochelle Motrey
Librarian
Outside of school, I love spending time with my family, at the beach and cooking.
Learning Support Officers

Mandy Leach
Learning Support Officer and Library Technician
In my 19 years here I have been able to share my love of reading with countless students. I love working with all the staff and watching the children learn and grow. When I’m not reading, I like spending time with my family and walking on the beach.

Franca Kilmartin
Learning Support Officer
I am a Learning Support Officer at St Josephs. I have worked here for 10 years & have worked throughout each of the year levels. I enjoy working with all children.
In my spare time I love to cook, shop and I follow the Carlton football club.

Sue Rose
Learning Support Officer
I’m Susan Rose, known as ‘Sue” at school.
I’ve been a Learning Support Officer for over ten years at St Josephs working in all levels from Prep through to Grade 6. As a mother of five, I clearly understand and acknowledge ALL CHILDREN SHINE IN THEIR OWN LIGHT.

Melissa McCabe
Learning Support Officer
I’m blessed to be part of the St Joseph’s family and am passionate about wellbeing & lifelong learning for all. I love family time adventures and am a keen netballer.

Sarah Didus
Learning Support Officer
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