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.

Nicole Tierney
Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning Leader
Billanook is a wonderful place to learn and grow. I enjoy working with parents and students in our community in diverse ways. 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.

Elizabeth Frith
Assistant Principal - 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 Assistant Principal, 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.

Lani Hetherton
Business Manager
Billanook Primary School is a welcoming environment for staff, students and families. The students are all gorgeous and I love being a part of the Billanook School Community.

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!

Leanne Milton
Administration
I am new to Billanook Primary School and have joined the admin team in the front office. The students, staff & families have already made me feel welcome and I look forward to being part of such a wonderful community environment here at Billanook.

Robyn Duffus
Administration
I have been involved with Billanook for many years. My own 2 children came here as students and I have always loved the school. I was lucky enough to start working here when the school needed a First Aid officer. I get to see most students at some time during the year, so I am fortunate to help them at times when they hurt themselves or perhaps feel unwell. I work in the office with the lovely office staff also. All the staff and students make this place a wonderful community to be a part of.
Foundation (Prep) Teacher

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.

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 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 daughters to school here very easy.

Amy Carter
Level 1 Teacher

Grace McDonell
Level 2 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!

Chris Berry
Level 2 Teacher
I feel very lucky to be a part of the Level 2 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.

Cathryn Shewring
Level 2 Teacher
I am very excited to become part of the Billanook community. I love building relationships with the students in my care and I feel truly lucky to do a job I am passionate about! My goal is to always make students feel at home in my classroom and help everyone come together to create a strong and supportive learning community.

Paige Ruane
Level 2/3/4 Teacher
Coming to Billanook feels like a second home to me and I feel incredibly grateful to work here. With our enthusiastic students, passionate teachers, engaging programs and our incredible scenery, it’s easy to see why people love it here. My goal as a teacher is to build positive relationships with every student and to help make them feel empowered to be who they truly want to be! Outside of school, I love going to the beach or for a hike with my little family, going to the gym, or cooking a delicious meal!
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
It is a privilege to be a part of the Level 3/4 teaching team at Billanook Primary School. I feel grateful to be included in such a warm, welcoming environment. 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. As one of Billanook’s Running Club coordinators, I enjoy seeing students couple their school life with personal interests as they challenge and extend themselves.

Anthony Kelly
Level 3/4 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.

Michael Georgiou
Level 4 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 4 Teacher
The Billanook community is a great place to be! Students, staff and families all work together to support the child’s learning both academically and socially/emotionally. In my classroom I aim to develop strong independent learners who are not afraid of making mistakes. Ensuring my students are happy and feeling safe at school is my priority. Outside of school, I love my sport (Go Dees!) and spending time with my family, friends and my fur baby Ollie.
Year 5/6 Teachers

Emma Woodhams
Level 5 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.

Nicole Macdowell
Level 5 Teacher
I am so excited and proud to be working at Billanook Primary School in my first year of teaching. The BPS community is incredibly welcoming and supportive and I’m looking forward to working with staff, students and parents to support the learning needs and wellbeing of my students. I love building relationships with my students, and I aim to foster a classroom environment that feels like a safe and happy space for everyone. Outside of school, you will find me running around the netball court and spending time with my friends and family.

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.

Katie Tasker
Level 6 Teacher
I am so fortunate to be part of the incredible Billanook community. Teaching is my passion and I genuinely care about all of my students. I create an enjoyable, safe and productive learning environment, where everyone can thrive. I am dedicated to helping each of my students find their own learning style, recognise their strengths and achieve their goals.

Michelle Pezzimenti
Level 6 Teacher
I feel really grateful to be part of the Billanook community. Teaching Year 6 in such a lovely environment is so much fun and watching the students develop a love of learning is a joy. It’s a pleasure to see the responsibility our students take when they are the Year 6 leaders in the school and I love being part of their last year of Primary School. My own children attend Billanook, and we have found it to be nothing but a supportive and friendly place to be.

Jessica Gray
Level 6 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

Ellie Foster
Performing Arts Teacher
Teaching Performing Arts at Billanook is such a fun and rewarding job! Each class brings a new spark of energy and it is so wonderful to watch the students grow in confidence throughout the year. Students take part in music, dance and drama lessons alternating each term. We provide many opportunities for students to perform at assemblies, concerts, and every second year our students put on a spectacular production. I also enjoy facilitating choir and dance clubs throughout the year for our extra keen performers.

Adam Kump
German Language
Teaching German to all grades means that every day is filled with enthusiasm, positive energy and creativity. Outside of school, I love going on outdoor adventures with my awesome family.

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.

Amanda West
Visual Arts
Each day is full of excitement in the art room, a place where students explore a range of art styles and materials, developing new techniques and skills. It’s a privilege to share the creative journeys of so many students at Billanook and help them create artworks that they’re so proud of. I’m incredibly lucky to be part of this school and its amazing specialist programs!
Educational Support Staff

Jessica Brown
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 Values 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 Farmilo
Wellbeing Counsellor
It has been wonderful to be part of the Billanook community! I have found everyone very welcoming and this has made it so much easier and enjoyable as I get to know people. I count it a privilege to be involved in the wellbeing team and thoroughly enjoy getting to know the students and assisting them in their life journeys. I have seven grandchildren, two of who attend Billanook! When I am not working here, you will find me looking after my garden, enjoying swimming and long walks along the beach with my wife and working on my cars.

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.

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.

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.

Luke Biddau
Education Support

Erin Longo
Education Support
I’m very privileged to be apart of the Billanook Primary School community both as a staff member and a parent. I enjoy working with the children at Billanook and helping them to learn and achieve to the best of their abilities.

Lisa Vanderwerf
Education Support
I am new to Billanook Primary School and I feel privileged to be a part of such a supportive and caring team. I look forward to supporting students here at Billanook and helping them to learn and thrive. Outside of work I love to read, and spend time with my husband, three kids and our dog Arlo.

Molly Jamieson
Education Support
It is an absolute privilege and joy to be a part of the Billanook community. Working in Education Support, I have the delightful opportunity to work with students and teachers in all year levels across this incredible school. I find it extremely heart warming helping the students achieve and perform to the bests of their abilities.

Millie Edwards
Education Support
Billanook is a welcoming community that i am loving being a part of. I am currently studying Primary School Teaching at Deakin University and enjoying the opportunities of supporting children at Billanook. I love watching the students grow and develop as they improve across all aspects of their school life.

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