Staff Spotlight: Belinda Kowalski
Belinda Kowalski – Teacher Librarian – Forrest Primary School
Teacher librarian Belinda Kowalski started in her role at Forrest Primary School last year, and has been finding it an exciting and enriching experience.
Staff Spotlight: Jarrod Bradbury
Jarrod Bradbury – Teacher, Belconnen High School
Earlier this month Belconnen High School Health and PE teacher Jarrod Bradbury lived out this childhood dream, winning the open men’s Fastpitch Softball National Championship in Adelaide in his first year as a vice-captain and assistant coach.
Staff Spotlight: Michael Hatswell
Michael Hatswell - Principal – Evatt Primary School
Evatt Primary School principal Michael Hatswell was recently recognised nationally for his outstanding service to public education with a Public Service Medal.
Staff Spotlight: Kelzang
Kelzang - Cleaner, Canberra College
To celebrate International Cleaners Day, we'd like you to meet Kelzang, one of our many cleaners who has the important job of cleaning our ACT public schools.
Teacher Spotlight: Hayden Styman
Hayden Styman - Classroom teacher, Bonython Primary School
Each year we are lucky to celebrate our new educators who join the ranks to play a pivotal role in the lives of their students.
One such new educators for 2023 is Hayden Styman, who will be starting his new role at Bonython Primary School in Term 1.
Staff Spotlight: Sally Allen
Sally Allen - Teacher Librarian, Narrabundah and Lyons Early Childhood Schools
After 22 years as a classroom teacher in ACT public schools, Sally Allen is taking up a new position as a teacher librarian in a role shared across the Narrabundah and Lyons Early Childhood Schools.
Teacher Spotlight: Lauren Lucas
Lauren Lucas - Classroom teacher, Arawang Primary School
Lauren Lucas is one of our many fantastic public school teachers who volunteer their time outside of the classroom. Lauren has been volunteering for Lifeline Canberra since 2013 and has acted as both a crisis supporter, a mentor, and a supervisor.
Teacher Spotlight: Simone Xirakis
Simone Xirakis - Classroom teacher, Macgregor Primary School
So many of our public school teachers go ‘above and beyond’ what’s expected of them and Macgregor Primary School teacher Simone Xirakis is just one example of a teacher whose work has made a big impact.
Staff Spotlight: Michelle Cartwright
Michelle Cartwright - Learning Support Assistant, Monash Primary School
Last year, Michelle Cartwright was named as the joint winner of the 2021 Education Support Person of the Year at the ACT Public Education Awards, for her work as a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) at Monash Primary School.
Staff Spotlight: Brad Spence
Brad Spence - Building Services Officer, Evatt Primary School
Before my time as a BSO I also worked in various trades, so I have a lot of knowledge and experience that I can use in what I do here.
Teacher Spotlight: Caroline Schultz
Caroline Schultz - Specialist teacher, Academy of Future Skills
We spoke to Caroline Schultz to find out how she became a specialist teacher with the Academy of Future Skills, how teaching and learning with the Academy works, and how to properly pronounce her last name.
Staff Spotlight: Mark Bishop
Mark Bishop - Indigenous Education team, Education Support Office
Mark Bishop started in ACT public education 53 years ago as a kindergarten student at Hackett Primary School – and he loved it so much that he never left!
Teacher Spotlight: Chelsea Watson
Chelsea Watson - Teacher, Florey Primary School
Chelsea Watson is an educator at Florey Primary School who is passionate about inspiring a love for reading in her students.
Teacher Spotlight: Rebecca Andrews
Rebecca Andrews - Teacher, Black Mountain School
I get to know these kids so well as I become their voice and help them find their voice, and seeing them coming out their shell is the most rewarding thing.
Staff Spotlight – Sharon Stevens
Sharon Stevens, Learning Support Assistant at Caroline Chisholm School’s Junior Campus
Sharon is a passionate advocate for her students, and a much loved member of the school community.
Staff Spotlight - Maddi Wallace
Maddi Wallace - Occupational therapist, ACT Education Directorate
Maddi is an occupational therapist working for the ACT Education Directorate. She is passionate about her role and loves the chance to make a difference in children’s lives through her work.
Teacher Spotlight: Kim McMahon
Kim McMahon - Early Childhood Teacher, Narrabundah Early Childhood School
I love looking at the magic of all the children that I teach. They are all so different and fascinating to see all those bright lights come alive.
Staff Spotlight: Rich Minards
Rich Minards - Facilities Manager Canberra College
I started working in a public school for a bit of a ‘fill in’ job while I ran my own construction business.
Staff Spotlight: Keshap Moktan
Keshap Moktan, School Cleaning Officer
The first advice I received on the job when I came to Australia was to think positively and perform your best.
Teacher Spotlight: Emily Disalvatore
Teacher, Torrens Primary School
When I was younger, I taught dancing, which was my way in to working with children and teaching.
Teacher Spotlight: Jarrod Bradbury
Teacher, Belconnen High School
With a new year comes a new school, new students and new challenges. I'm excited to meet my students, my fellow staff and become a part of the Belconnen High School Community.
Staff Spotlight: Raelene Farrell
Senior Psychologist
It is really inspiring to work with such passionate school staff and School Psychologists who really care about making a difference.
Staff Spotlight: Anna Peel
School Psychologist
As a School Psychologist, every day is unique, but we are always working to help students engage in their learning.
Teacher Spotlight: Karlie Russell
Teacher, Monash School
This year I am part of the Response to Improvements team. This means I work with a range of students who need extra support in specific areas and I also work with enrichment groups to extend those students who need more of a challenge.
Teacher Spotlight: Katharine Finlayson
Executive Teacher, Professional Practice, Music and the Arts
I am a primary music specialist teacher based at the ACT Instrumental Music Program. I work in four public schools each week, teaching music lessons in partnership with classroom teachers in each school.
Teacher Spotlight: Royce Vagg
Teacher, Kingsford Smith School
For language teacher Royce Vagg, the best part of teaching is having the opportunity and privilege of working with some of the brightest young minds in Canberra. We ask him about his career, his inspiration and his advice for starting teachers.
Teacher Spotlight: Mary Hutchinson
Principal, Lyons Early Childhood School
After 10 years at the helm of Lyons Early Childhood School – and 40 years in the profession - Mary is moving into retirement. We ask her about her career, her experiences and what the future holds.
Teacher Spotlight: Kate Woods
Principal, Margaret Hendry Primary School
Kate is busily preparing for the new school to open its doors in 2019. It’s an exciting time for the whole community, especially the children getting ready to start in February.