Tegan
PREP
Tegan is a second year graduate from Edith Cowan University who has completed a Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sports Science) and then went on to complete a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary). She has gained experience across a range of age levels and subject areas (both in and out of the classroom) working as a casual relief teacher before she gained her position at ACPS in 2018. Tegan was born in Ireland and grew up in Saudi Arabia before moving to Perth, Australia in 2005. This life experience has made her encouraging of diversity and educating those in her class about different cultures. Tegan has a strong passion for making education as engaging as possible and is committed to further developing her professional knowledge.
Jenni Collins
GRADE PREP/1/2
Jenni is a dedicated teacher with 30 years of experience in Early Learning and composite classrooms, advocating that composite classes provide scope for student leadership, exposure to extended learning and differentiation. Her passion for Maths, PE and Music are evident with a good deal of training and wide experience in these areas, including P.E specialist roles, choreography and costuming for the annual concert.
Jenni has also run additional assistance and intervention programs in Numeracy and Literacy. She is currently our part time 2/3/4 teacher and Maths co-ordinator with strong links to the NESST group and provision of professional development at ACPS and beyond.
Jenni is an active supporter of our small school community and the many benefits it brings to students and their families.
Lauren Beriman
GRADE PREP/1/2
In 2015 I graduated from Victoria University with a Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Teaching. I have been running a 3 and 4 year old Kindergarten room since October 2015. I have a total of 7 years of experience in Early Learning Centres.
The most rewarding part of teaching is watching students grow and develop. It is my main goal to ensure that students have the opportunity to achieve to their best ability. My personal teaching philosophy encompasses a learning environment that fosters a love of learning in students, supports and encourages diversity and challenges and inspires children to accomplish their goals in a supportive and caring environment.
Alyson Leete
GRADE 3/4/5
Teaching is a rewarding experience. I teach so I can learn about the world and all of those infinite possibilities that brand new minds bring to me each and every day. I have over 10 years’ experience in Primary Education in small, medium and large schools, including 6 ½ years at Arthurs Creek Primary School. I have a passion for Mathematics and ICT. I have held positions as Year Level Coordinator, ICT Learning Coordinator an whole school Numeracy Leader. When I am not in school, I enjoy reading, the Performing Arts and spending time with my family.
Helen Bashford
GRADE 5/6
Helen has completed Classical Studies and Philosophy at Melbourne University prior to completing a Bachelor of Social Work at Latrobe University. She worked as a social worker prior to retraining as a primary school teacher. Helen commenced work at ACPS in 2009 with a particular passion for Literacy, Humanities and Student Welfare. She has taught in all grade levels and provided whole school Physical Education. Having come from a rural and small school background Helen values and promotes everything a small school has to offer.
Margaret Omond
GRADE 5/6
Elise Fraser
VISUAL ART & GERMAN TEACHER
Elise joined Arthurs Creek Primary School at the end of 2018 after being on Family leave. With a degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Melbourne and 12 years experience as a classroom teacher, team leader and curriculum coordinator, she delights in her new role as both the Visual Art and German teacher.
With a strong passion for the arts and curiosity for the German language, she delights in immersing the ACPS students in a Visual Arts curriculum that encourages and promotes creativity and individual expression, and a German program that is engaging, meaningful and practical.
Elise lives in the local area and enjoys seeing the ACPS students and their families when she is out and about with her young daughter Prairie. When she isnt teaching, Elise is a Calisthenics Coach and enjoys spending time being creative at home.
Catherine Menyhart
GERMAN TEACHER
Michelle Ericson
ART
Michelle is a Graduate Teacher who completed her Bachelor of Education at RMIT University last year. She has spent a number of years volunteering in primary classrooms and more recently at Healesville Sanctuary. Along with an interest in the environment and wildlife she has a love for art and is passionate about providing opportunities for students to experience and participate in many different forms. She hopes to use the creation of art as a form of expression and relaxation to create a comfortable classroom environment where students feel confident to experiment with different methods, mediums and materials.
Catherine Menyhart
GERMAN TEACHER
Chanaka Ruwandeniya
STEM teacher (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths)
Chanaka (Chan – pronounced Chaaan) will be teaching the STEM Program this year, at six different schools in the area. He is a graduate teacher who completed his Masters last year. “My previous experiences set me up nicely for this role as a graduate of Environmental Science and working in science. I entered teaching after exploring the science field at bit working in consulting, pharmacy, research and horticulture. But I found myself wanting something more directly impactful and fulfilling. My passion remains science and positive change so I’ll be encouraging the kids to experiment with open-ended activities and developing grand designs. This is to develop the creative problem-solving skills they’ll need as 21st Century learners.”
Juliane Vincent
MUSIC TUITION
Juliane has provided Music class tuition as well as private keyboard tuition at ACPS for more than 19 years.
“I have Kodaly teacher training, Level 1, based on learning musical elements through songs and singing games; Orff training, Level 2 – using voice, tuned and un-tuned percussion instruments, recorder and dance to experience music making and to encourage improvising, and I practice music making on a daily basis in various forms. I attend ongoing PD with tuned percussion with the Orff Association.
I use song material based on folk music as research has shown that children growing up skipping these simple melodies and just being exposed to popular music are less likely to sing in tune and understand musical principles. If suitable, however, and there is time, I include contemporary music where relevant.”
Anna Kilby
BUSINESS MANAGER
Anna Kilby is employed each Monday and Tuesday and is well known for being approachable and supportive of the ACPS community as our dedicated Business Manager.
Lisa comes to Arthurs Creek Primary School with over 25 years experience, most of which has been in small schools. Lisa has always enjoyed the opportunities, experiences and the challenges that working in a small school brings. Lisa has been a teaching principal in her previous schools and has strived to achieve the correct balance between school leadership duties and teaching.