Ph. (03) 9714 8204   |  900 Arthurs Creek Road, Arthurs Creek VIC 3099 view map

Arthurs Creek Primary School

Teachers

Our teachers are a dedicated and talented team. They work hand-in-hand with parents to ensure the best learning outcomes for all children.

They continue to remain at the forefront of developments in education, delivering innovative and relevant learning programs tailored to the individual needs of each child. This enables us to plan for future learning, growth and active participation in the Arthurs Creek community.

There is nothing more important to us than seeing children improve in all areas of their development and feeling included as valued members of our school community.

Our teachers are always available after school for any concerns and actively welcome parent participation in the classroom and on excursions.

Kirrily Lamers
ACTING PRINCIPAL

During her 17 years in the profession Kirrily has held the belief that educators are very fortunate as they have the capacity to provide students with the opportunity to access ground-breaking and life-changing experiences that can set them up to successfully navigate the diverse challenges that life can bring. With ranging teaching experiences in Special Education, Mainstream Education, Senior Secondary and University, Kirrily has always maintained that all educational work is underpinned by a shared belief in the value of education and its place as the cornerstone of our society. She is passionate about equality in education and believes that a teacher’s job is to make any necessary adjustments so that all students can access quality learning that supports their academic growth, the development of resilience and self-esteem and their overall well-being.  It is with these values that Kirrily brings her high expectations for learning and supports the staff, students and greater community to adopt this learning philosophy so that our children can be ‘learning for life’.

 

Jenni Collins
GRADE PREP/1/2

Jenni is a dedicated teacher with over 25 years of experience in Early Learning and composite classrooms. Her passion for Maths, PE and Music are evident with a good deal of training and wide experience in these areas, including managing our annual concert. Jenni has past experience with running additional assistance and intervention programs in Numeracy and Literacy. She is currently our Maths co-ordinator with strong links to Nillumbik Numeracy Network and provision of professional development at ACPS and beyond. Jenni is a supporter of small school communities and their many benefits to students and 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

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.