Meet the Teachers
We pride ourselves on a wide range of curriculum opportunities for our students
At the top of the list when measuring the quality of a school has to be the quality of the teaching staff. Billanook Primary School is beyond fortunate to have a team of teachers truly dedicated to positive outcomes for all children.
Meet our teachers below!
Leadership & Administration
Michael Puddy
Principal
At Billanook, we value community involvement in the education of our children. Our school has a wonderful community feel, that continues to be developed and nurtured under the premise that, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ Our warm and welcoming atmosphere is often commented upon. We encourage and enjoy family participation in all areas of school life to develop a true partnership in learning.
Paul Lowe
Assistant Principal
I am the Assistant Principal of this wonderful school. I absolutely love working here. We have such a dedicated staff, awesome students and very supportive parents. I love the culture that exists at Billanook and the community feel. I am very lucky to be a leader of such a great school!
Nicole Tierney
Learning Specialist - Teaching and Learning Leader
In my role as a Teaching and Learning Leader, I work with our leadership team to develop curriculum and assessment to best meet the needs of our students. I love that I get to work with teachers and students across the school. Billanook is a wonderful place to learn and grow.
Jenny Cox
Administration
I have worked at Billanook for many years. I absolutely love this school. My own child came here as a student and I have worked here ever since. I feel very lucky to work up in the front office and deal with such lovely students and parents every day!
Lani Hetherton
Administration
I am new to Billanook Primary School this year and have enjoyed the welcoming environment from the staff and families. The students are all gorgeous and I look forward to being a part of the Billanook School Community.
Foundation (Prep) Teacher
Grace McDonell
Foundation Teacher
It is such a privilege to be part of the warm, inviting and dynamic community that is Billanook Primary School. Teaching is a passion of mine and I love watching the growth my students make across a year; fostering their love of learning and modelling the ability to ‘bounce back’ when something is challenging or doesn’t go to plan. When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll find me enjoying a coffee, at the beach with my dog or playing footy!
Lisa Watson
Foundation Teacher
I am very fortunate to be teaching Foundation at Billanook Primary School. As such an important and special year of education, it is my aim to create a learning environment which is welcoming, supportive, and exciting. I am committed to instilling in each child the confidence to try new things, challenge themselves and to foster a lifelong love of learning.
Adrian Woolard
Foundation Teacher
I’m incredibly lucky to teach at Billanook. Great location, caring staff and amazing students. It’s a privilege to be a part of my students’ educational journey.
Jasmine Woods
Foundation Teacher
Teaching at Billanook Primary School is so rewarding. Every day is full of learning experiences that promote teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving. In the classroom my students are encouraged to challenge themselves and feel a sense of belonging in our learning community.
Year 1/2 Teachers
Emma Cass
Level 1 Teacher
I am extremely privileged to be part of the Billanook family this year. I am a very passionate teacher and committed to inspiring students’ interest in real world contexts and instilling a sense of self-worth among all students. I am devoted to sharing my love of learning, developing resilience, creating a happy and safe classroom and helping support my students to be long life learners.
Ellie Foster
Level 1 Teacher
It is a privilege to teach at Billanook Primary School. I love spending each day surrounded by my kind, hard-working students, and the incredibly supportive, dedicated staff. I truly am grateful to be part of the Billanook community. Teaching is a passion, but I also enjoy singing, dancing, baking, and spending quality time with family and friends
Madelyn Rogers
Level 1 Teacher
I love working at Billanook and feel privileged to have the opportunity to work with the amazing students, parents and staff. I am passionate about education and love watching students develop into resilient, confident members of our community. When I’m not teaching, you will find me walking my dog and spending time with friends and family.
Elise Hall
Level 1/2 Teacher
I have been privileged enough to work at Billanook Primary School since 2006. I love everything about working here, it’s like my second home. I am always proud to tell people I work at Billanook Primary School, and found the decision to send my daughter to school here very easy.
Julia Kump
Level 1/2 Teacher
I feel incredibly proud to be part of the most nurturing, positive, dynamic and inclusive learning community here at Billanook Primary School. It is a matter of the heart to support each student in following their individual and magical learning journey and to help them become resilient and kind members of today’s society. When I am not pondering over a new and engaging learning experience, you will most likely find me spending time outdoors with my gorgeous family or cooking up a storm of delicious food.
Tim Gray
Level 2 Teacher
I am rapt to be teaching at Billanook and be a part of this wonderful school community. I am passionate about having a positive impact on my students and developing them into independent, lifelong learners.
Georgia Stanke
Level 2 Teacher
I feel so incredibly lucky to be a part of the Billanook school community this year. Supporting children to grow is something I am very passionate about and I can’t wait to be a part of this in such a beautiful and caring school. Building a strong sense of community within my classroom and ensuring each child has the opportunity to learn socially and academically is something I take great pride in at BPS. When I am not teaching, you’ll find me walking my two dogs, seeing friends, family and enjoying a good coffee.
Year 3/4 Teachers
Ashleigh Allen
Level 3 Teacher
I love teaching at Billanook Primary School because of its fantastic culture which has been developed by the friendly staff, students and parents. I enjoy being a part of the TRIBES process and helping to develop students into being resilient, well mannered and respectable members of their community.
Rebecca De Vincentis
Level 3 Teacher
Starting at Billanook Primary School this year has been a wonderful experience. I have greatly appreciated the warm welcome and ongoing support I have received from the staff, students and parents. My aim as a teacher is to encourage and support students to recognise their full potential, be happy and confident individuals and develop a resilient and positive outlook on life.
Anthony Kelly
Level 4 Teacher
Billanook has a very friendly and welcoming feel that parents, students and other visitors always comment on. The natural surroundings are beautiful and staff are always reviewing our practice as teachers, and trying to improve.
Lissa Prasel
Level 4 Teacher
I am lucky enough to be working as part of the Level 3/4 Team at Billanook Primary. The staff, families and students are welcoming, positive and take pride in their school community. In my classroom, I aim to provide a learning environment where all students feel safe, happy and engaged in their learning. Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially camping at the beach.
Jessica Brown
Level 3/4 Teacher
Billanook was the Primary School I attended as a child and now work for as a teacher. It is a special place where students are celebrated for their individual strengths and are fostered in a safe environment. As a teacher, and also a mum, I am incredibly proud to work at a school where I know that the students are the number one priority and where their wellbeing is prioritised. When I am not teaching at the foot of beautiful Mount Dandenong you can find me along the Yarra River or at the beach.
Emma Woodhams
Level 3/4 Teacher
Teaching is my passion. I love seeing the smile on children’s faces when they learn something new and the achievement the older students feel when they have accomplished their learning goals. I relish the opportunity to implement education programs that challenge students to step outside their comfort zone and achieve success. At home I love spending time with my family.
Year 5/6 Teachers
Michael Georgiou
Level 5 Teacher
I love working at Billanook because of the amazing sense of community that has been created by staff, students and parents. I am passionate about forming strong relationships with all my students and making positive impacts along their learning journey.
As one of the eLearning coordinators, I am excited about building upon Billanook’s ICT foundation by adding exciting new programs and resources to our curriculum.
Jessica McCasker
Level 5 Teacher
I am absolutely thrilled to be teaching my first year at Billanook Primary School. The staff and students have been extremely welcoming and supportive. I enjoy getting to know my students and bonds that are formed inside a classroom “team”. Outside of school, I love my sport (Go the Dees!), attempting DIY reno projects at home and spending time with my fur baby Ollie.
Elle Teesdale
Level 5 Teacher
What makes Billanook great is a combination of many things, but above all is knowing and feeling that you are a part of a caring and supportive community.
Chris Berry
Level 5 Teacher
I feel very lucky to be a part of the Level 5/6 team. The friendly staff, supportive parents and enthusiastic students are a credit to the culture that has been developed at Billanook. I aim to create a positive classroom environment that sees students develop a lifelong love for learning that will help them to flourish in life. Outside of school I enjoy camping, going to the beach or keeping active by running and cycling.
Jessica Shafto
Level 5 Teacher
Billanook is a wonderful place to be because we focus on every child’s wellbeing as the centre of their learning. Our whole-school approach to wellbeing and behaviour develops a strong community and builds relationships across the school.
Specialist Teachers
Adam Kump
German Language
Teaching German to all grades means that every day is filled with enthusiasm, positive energy and creativity.
I love going on outdoor adventures with my awesome family
Michelle Pezzimenti
Performing Arts
I feel really grateful to be part of the Billanook community. Teaching Performing Arts in such a lovely environment is so much fun and watching the students develop a love of all things performing arts/music is a joy. Teaching all years levels plus running the school production means I am lucky enough to work with all the students in the school and watch them shine.
Chris Steele
Physical Education
I am the PE teacher at Billanook PS. I have worked here for many years. I am very grateful to work with such great kids and teach them and support them with their Physical Education. They are a great group of kids.
Grace Tyrrell
Visual Arts
Teaching is a great passion of mine and something I wouldn’t change. I enjoy journeying alongside each student, in the year I have with them, and assisting them to be the best person they can be. My role is to help students think critically, be creative, solve problems, take risks in their learning, and help them to expand their mind and grow as individuals.
Educational Support Staff
Elizabeth Frith
Learning Specialist & Disability Inclusion Leader
Working at Billanook Primary School is incredibly rewarding. I love being a part of the school community at BPS, as everyone is so welcoming and kind. In my role as Disability Inclusion Leader, I am lucky enough to work with a wide range of students over a variety of academic and social/emotional areas of the curriculum. I also support teachers to help create nurturing and inclusive learning environments for all of our students.
Kiah Allen
Disability Inclusion
Being part of the Billanook community is truly something special. The staff, families and students make working here such a pleasure. My belief is that relationships are the key to success. I want children to feel valued for who they are and be willing to take risks with their learning knowing that I am there to support them every step of the way. Outside of teaching, I love exercising, spending time with loved ones (including my puppy) and getting down to the beach!
Michelle Webb
Disability Inclusion
I feel so privileged to be part of the Billanook Primary School community. It is a school that embraces each individual and celebrates their differences. I love helping the children I work with reach their goals, and it is so special to see the joy and achievement on their faces. Outside of work I love spending time with my husband and three very busy children!
Lauren Cullum
Tutor Learning Initiative Leader - Literacy Enhancement
It is a joy to work with the positive and kind students, parents and staff at Billanook Primary School. In my Literacy Enhancement role, I am fortunate to work with students across all year levels to support the development of their literacy skills, foster confidence in their own abilities and experience success upon achieving their personal learning goals. My classroom is a nurturing and inclusive environment where students feel happy, supported and find enjoyment in their learning journey.
Vicki Bingley
Tutor Learning Initiative - Literacy Enhancement
I love working with the students and staff at Billanook Primary School. I find it very rewarding and satisfying watching students achieve victories in their learning. I especially love watching how proud and excited students become when they reach a goal.
Jessica Brown
Student Wellbeing Leader
As the student wellbeing leader at Billanook Primary School I am committed to providing a safe, secure and stimulating learning environment for all students. As a school community we understand that students reach their full potential only when they are happy, healthy and safe. Through a whole school Tribes approach, Fortnightly Wellbeing Assemblies and dedicated Respectful Relationship sessions we ensure student wellbeing remains at the forefront of all that we do. Our school acknowledges that a positive school culture helps to engage students and support them in their learning, as student wellbeing and student learning outcomes are closely linked.
Tim
Chaplain
Catriona Burke
High Ability Practice Leader
I thoroughly enjoy my position as the High Ability Practice Leader at Billanook. My role is to facilitate the Enrichment Program for Levels 3-6. Being a part of the Billanook Primary School community is something that I am proud of. I am passionate about building positive relationships with my students and it brings me so much joy to foster their learning and watch them grow. When I am not at school, I am at home being a Mum to my beautiful little girl.
Kirsty Edwards
Education Support
Our school community is inclusive of all students and allows our kids to shine regardless of ability. I enjoy being apart of a team that embraces community and kindness. A positive place to work and learn!
Nicole Gamley
Education Support
I have been working across all year levels at Billanook and enjoy building working relationships with all students and watching them grow. The school has a great team that work together. I love being part of the Billanook community.
Sara Iedema
Education Support
I love working at Billanook and being part of such a friendly and supportive school community. I enjoy getting to know the students I work with and helping them achieve their goals both in and out of the classroom.
Nicola Sweet
Education Support
Billanook is a caring, friendly school and I love coming to work to help children learn. Outside of school I love spending time with my family, dogs, and keeping fit.
Angie Williamson
Education Support
I love working in our recently renovated library. It is so colourful and engaging and the students enjoy browsing in our large selection of books. We cater for varying interests from classics like Dr. Seuss and Possum Magic to the very popular Star Wars and Guinness book of world records.
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