Ms Helen Staindl - Born in Maryknoll, I was educated in Gippsland and spent a large part of my working life there. I am one of nine children and as such, have always valued the importance of family. I have taught in Orbost, Cranbourne, Morwell and have been Principal in Stratford, Brighton, Geelong and now here.
My passion is music and I sing and perform with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Chorus. Our repertoire is largely classical music but I have also sung at the AFL Grand Final, the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games and I have sung for the Queen and with John Farnham and Barbra Striesand.
I enjoy adventures and new challenges and hence have indulged in trekking in Nepal, bungy jumping, fire walking, white water rafting and skydiving. Needless to say these won’t be part of the extra-curricula activities offered at St Clare’s.
What a delight it is for me to be here at St Clare’s and working with you and your children.
Mr Phil Rebbechi - Phil is deputy principal and Religious Education Leader. He has taught in seven schools from Foundation to Year 10. His passion is for the great gift of our religious faith and traditions and in student learning through Inquiry and problem solving.
Mrs Carol Browne - Hello, I am Carol Browne. I have been at St Clare’s from day one. I have loved watching it grow into the school community it is today.
This year you will find me in Foundation, working alongside the teachers and students. During my teaching career I have taught Foundation for many years (I have even taught some of our teachers) and never cease to be amazed by the honesty and openness of five year olds!
You may also find me behind the camera lens. I’m always looking to capture those special smiles and memories around St Clare’s!
Miss Emma O'Brien - This is my 13th year teaching and my 7th year at St Clare’s.
In my free time I love heading to the beach, being active, spending time with my friends and family and spoiling my 2 nephews and niece! My guilty vice would definitely be shopping- whether it’s online or the real deal.
I absolutely love being a teacher and helping children succeed in all aspects of their learning and development.
Mrs Corina Watson -
Hi my name is Mrs Corina Watson,
This is my fourth year teaching at St Clare's, this year I am a Learning Adjustment Leader. When I'm not at school I love spending time with my husband, two children and our labradoodle Maverick. I enjoy painting, design and photography, this is when I'm not being a Mum Taxi!
Miss Andy Berryman - Hi, my name is Miss Andy Berryman and this is my 6
th year teaching at St. Clare’s. In the time I’ve been teaching here I have taught Year 3/4, Year 3, Year 6 and this year I am a Learning Adjustment Leader. This is the first time I have been out of the learning space full-time and I look forward to supporting students and teachers in this new role.
I love to travel!! I have lived in the USA at the age of 15 (this was on a student exchange) and after graduating from university I taught in London. My favourite travel adventure was 6 weeks through East Africa.
I am often called an ‘Odd Victorian’ as I proudly support Melbourne Storm and the Queensland Maroons.
Mr Dom Arcaro - Hello everyone, I'm Mr Arcaro! I have been working at St Clare's from the very first day it was open! I have been teaching for 23 years and have enjoyed every moment! I look forward to working with the students of St Clares in 2021!
Miss Holly Ross - Hi everyone! My name is Miss Ross and I am a Foundation teacher. My favourite subject is Writing and I love reading Pig the Pug books and the Treehouse series. In my spare time I love to go out for brunch with my family and friends. I am looking forward to a wonderful year with you all!
Miss Karla Giuliano - Hi everyone, my name is Miss Giuliano. I am a foundation teacher. I enjoy baking, travelling and trying new foods. I am really excited for a fantastic 2021. Please come and say hello!
Mrs Kim Kelley - Hi, I'm Mrs Kelley and this is my fourth year teaching Foundation at St Clare's. I love working with our Junior students, it brings me so much joy to see them stretching their brains. I have two children, an 11 year old and a 15 year old. I love to cook, especially making Indian food and lots of healthy yummy treats for my children's lunchboxes.
Mrs Justine Tagg - Hi my name is Justine, I am married with three sons and live in Beaconsfield. We also have a gold cavoodle. I love doing yoga, going for walks and the beach. I spend my weekends watching my boys play basketball.
Mrs Andrea Jayawardena - Hi my name is Andrea Jayawardena better known as “Mrs J”. I am an ESO and this year I will be working with your Foundation children. It gives me great joy and satisfaction to start a new chapter with them. You may also find me in “Breakfast Club” each morning sharing stories and toast topped up with some “TLC”.
Mrs Colette Kennaugh - The youngest of 3 (older sister and brother) I grew up in regional New South Wales, and moved to Melbourne when I finished high school to study. I moved to Pakenham 15 years ago, and live with my husband, two children and pet dog Bella.
I love everything to do with music. When I was younger I learnt the piano, flute, clarinet and guitar - although I may be a bit rusty now. I also love to sing and was in a band when I was growing up. I'm also a massive fan of trivia nights!
I get such enjoyment from seeing the development of children when they're given the tools they need to flourish, and I'm really looking forward to being a part of your child's learning journey.
Mr Jacob Hinds - Hi everyone, my name is Jacob Hinds and I am an ESO at St Clare’s. I have a twin brother, I love sports and I am 19 years old
Mrs Pira Taokia - I am married with two kids in primary school. I have a Cook Island/NZ background. Since 2008 I have been working in Early Childcare Education and working in different community Kids clubs & groups. I love and am passionate about my family, God, food and music.
Mrs Ania Young - Hi, my proper name is Anna, however my parents have always called me Ania (the Polish nickname for Anna), so that is what I prefer to be called. I am an identical twin and a mother to two awesome children. My favourite colour is purple, my favourite animals are owls and ladybirds (in that order) and my favourite food is chocolate. In my spare time I enjoy reading, building Lego and spending time at Girl Guides.
Miss Chloe Haesler - Hi, my name is Chloe and I am very excited about teaching year 1 again this year. I love to dance and going on adventures with my family and my dog Zeus. We enjoy going to the beach and waterfalls, especially Zeus who just loves swimming and playing in the water!
Mrs Allyssa O'Hara - Hello! My name is Mrs. O'Hara. My favourite colour is pink and I really love to cook! On weekends, I like to go out for brunch. When I was young I always wanted to be a teacher and now I love being a teacher at St. Clare's.
Miss Laura Dube - My name is Miss Dube and I am excited to be teaching Year 1 in 2021. Last year I was the Art teacher at St Clare’s Primary School. In my spare time I enjoy creative hobbies, such as singing, dancing and making music videos. I also like playing with my nieces and nephews and telling stories that make people laugh.
Mrs Adele Fischer - I have had the opportunity to teach in QLD, NSW, England and now Victoria. I love seeing my students learn and grow. God has created an amazing world and there is so much to learn and explore! I love cats and wombats, Autumn and Spring. I enjoy Reading, sewing, bush walking, gardening, singing and especially travelling with my family!
Miss Maddy Allan - My name is Miss Allan and I am excited to be a Year 2 Teacher this year. This will be my third year teaching at St Clare’s. Teaching has always been a passion of mine and I am grateful that I can support each student on their Learning Journey. When I am not at school I love spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy going for walks with my dog Humphrey and out for coffee.
Mrs Lisa Redman - I am Lisa Redman. I am excited to be teaching Year 2 for my third year at St Clare’s. Things I enjoy doing are nature walks, spending time with friends, watching movies and crafty things such as sewing, crocheting and knitting.
Miss Rhylee Webber - My name is Miss Webber and I am excited to be teaching Year two this year. My favourite colour is pink and I love spending time with my family when we go camping and boating. My favourite thing to teach is writing because I get to read my students wonderful stories.
Mrs Pam Talaue - Hi everyone! I am Mrs Talaue. I enjoy art and on my day off I attend art classes. I enjoy going for walks and camping. I have 3 pets, a guinea pig named Larry, a cockatiel named Lucky and a goldfish named fangs. I often travel to Geelong to see my family and go to the beach with my children.
Miss Grace Dymond - Hello everyone! My name is Grace Staindl-Dymond, and I am currently studying Science - Global Challenges at Monash University whilst also working at St Clares as an ESO. Most of my time is dedicated to playing tennis and spending time with my loved ones. At the ripe age of 19, I find myself incredibly lucky to be apart of the St Clares community - the students and staff continuously enrich my own learning every day. I hope to see you around the school soon!
Miss Laura Gillard - My name is Laura. I am born on April fools day
I am completing my CRT 4 in Education Support. My family owns a nursery and I have played AFL footy for 10 years
Miss Madi Hoewel - My names Madi, I’m currently studying Primary Education. I enjoy going out with friends and family, travelling AND binge watching tv shows- even if i have watched them more than once. Lastly, I am a huge fan of online shopping.
Mrs Anissa Benson - My name is Anissa Benson and I have joined St. Clare’s as an ESO this year, I previously worked at St. Mary’s in Dandenong. I have two children who are currently in year 8 and year 12. We have a new puppy and her name is Lilah, we think she is very cute. I enjoy watching my daughter play basketball every Saturday and when footy season starts I will need to juggle watching both my son and daughter play.
Mrs Sally Alonte - My name is Sally Alonte and this is my 6th year at St Clare's working as an Education Support Officer. My family were originally from the Philippines and we have been living in Australia for fifteen years now. This year, I am excited to be working with the Junior level mostly in Years 1 and 2. I am looking forward to be part of the St Clare's journey this year.
Mrs Alisha Johnston - My name is Alisha Johnston. This is my fifth year at St Clare’s and I am currently teaching Year Three. Throughout my teaching career I have had experience teaching all year levels. I enjoy the challenges and rewards of teaching as well as helping students to experience success in their learning.
In my spare time I enjoy travelling, baking, shopping and spending time with my family. I also enjoy reading a good book and going to the movies. This year I’m looking forward to being able to go and see a live AFL match again (fingers crossed). Go Pies!
Mrs Shanya Cooke - I am a Sri Lankan who is passionate about supporting students who have specific learning needs. I believe in a world where everyone is excepted for who they are and treated with dignity. I enjoy reading historical fictions, watching movies and travelling to places where I have never been.
Miss Samantha Ferguson - My name is Samantha Ferguson and I am thrilled to be in my third year teaching Year 3 at St Clare's. Before teaching, I spent a year as an ESO at the school while finishing off my degree at University. Throughout my professional and educational career, I have spent the majority of my life driven by a passion to teach and a passion for music and language. My goal as a teacher is to create a fun and supportive learning environment that caters to the needs of each individual, as well as to foster a love for learning within each student that's built on our school's values.
When I'm not working, I have been busy with wedding planning and am looking forward to becoming 'Mrs Banfield' in April! I love singing, playing/creating music, technology, art and all things Japanese. I have two beautiful Toy Poodles, Jack and Eeevee and my partner Sam and I enjoy going for walks together around our beautiful home in Emerald.
Mrs Leila Perez - Hello everyone, my name is Leila Perez. I am so excited to have joined the St Clare's community this year as a Year 3 teacher. Prior to teaching at St Clare's I taught at various other schools and I have also worked as a CRT while completing a Master's degree in Education. When I'm not at school I love to spend time with my husband (also a primary school teacher) and our German Shepherd dog Sabre. I am Hungarian, I love crafts and spending time at the beach! I look forward to getting to know the St Clare's community.
Mrs Trish Piccolo - My name is Trish Piccolo. I am currently teaching Year Four. This is my third year at St. Clare's and my 18th year teaching. I was born in South Africa and moved here with my husband in 2007. I have also lived in the United Kingdom, but proudly call Australia home. Since moving here I had two wonderful children who keep me very busy. I love watching sports. I proudly support St. Kilda and LOVE cricket, rugby and athletics too.
I love cooking and baking. I am not a professional, but I enjoy experimenting and creating new and fun dishes for my friends and family to 'try!'
If I wasn't busy enough as it is, I am also the Registrar at Pakenham Little Athletics. Being so heavily involved in community sport has given me the opportunity to meet many wonderful families. Those who know me would tell you that I love my family, friends, cooking, reading, Minions and Cows :)
Miss Kristie Copestake - Hi. My name is Kristie Copestake and I am a year 4 teacher this year. At St Clare’s I have been lucky enough to teach years 1, 2 and now year 4. I have enjoyed being a part of the St Clare’s community and have felt welcome since day one. I am an outdoors kind of person and love walking my beautiful golden retrievers, Odin and Lexi. They kept me very entertained during lockdown between walking, playing fetch and swimming in the dam. I love camping and travelling and my fiancé and I have visited so many amazing places in and out of Australia.
Miss Courtney Piening - Hi my name is Courtney Piening, very soon to be Courtney Barrett (if Covid doesn't interfere again). I am currently teaching Year Four and this is my second year at St Clares. I have taught many subjects over the last couple of years including highschool mathematics, STEM and science as well as of course general primary. My favourite subject is biological science, I love learning and teaching about living things and their amazing design and intricacies.
I am an animal lover, I have a beautiful 5 year old tri-colour Australian Shepherd called Charlee who owns me more than I own her. We both love sunshine and the beach, which is where you will find us on the holidays. In my spare time I enjoy going out for brunch (goodbye lockdown), going on walks and hikes with Charlee and my Fiancé, reading books, rewatching Harry Potter and spending time with my big Dutch family.
Mrs Nic Reincastle - My name is Nicole Reincastle, although I prefer to go by Nic. This will be my fifth year as an ESO at St. Clare’s. This year I am predominantly working with year’s 3 and 4, but I enjoy working with all year levels. I’m privileged to be part of the St. Clare’s team.
Mr Declan Gulavin - This is my 4th year at St Clare’s Primary School as an Education Support Officer, whilst also being in my 4th and final year of university, studying a Bachelor of Education (Primary). Outside of school you would often find me on the golf course or at the MCG, passionately supporting the Richmond Tigers alongside Mr Gulavin Snr.
Mrs Bessie Henry - Hi, my name is Bessie or Mrs Henry to the kids!! I am a mother of 3 vibrant daughters and a fur baby named Bertie. I enjoy discovering Australia and all it’s hidden gems in our family caravan. I love colour and the way it can make us feel from a favourite outfit, a piece of art, or a beautiful bunch of flowers.
Ms Asunta Pitia - My name is Asunta and I have been working at St Clare's as an education support officer for 3 years.
Miss Brittney Sta Maria - I’m a 21 year old student studying primary education at the Australian Catholic University. I have been playing soccer since I was 8 and my favourite part of the day is reffing the students who play soccer at playtime.
Mr Luke Molino - Hi everyone! This is my second year at St Clare's as an ESO. I am currently studying Sports Science at ACU, so as you would guess I have an interest in all sports. I love using sport to connect and create conversation with the students. When I am not studying and working at St Clare's I also have the pleasure of teaching kids the skills of tennis.
Mrs Bernadette Gridley - Hi St Clare’s Community. My name is Bernadette Gridley, and I am delighted to be a part of your school staff in 2021 as an ESO. I have been a resident of Pakenham for over 27 years and my family have grown and been educated in Pakenham. I have a wonderful, supportive husband, and seven awesome children ranging in age from 26 down to 10. They have all been educated in our local Catholic schools and it is a delight to be involved with the catholic learning community again. I have transferred from a local government school after 7 years of service there, and have developed much experience and enthusiasm for primary education. I look forward to building a positive and happy relationship with all staff, students and parents of St Clare’s.
Miss Taylor Tocchetto - Hello St Clare’s Community! My name is Miss Taylor Tocchetto and I am a Year 5 Learning Group Teacher for 2021. This is my second year in teaching, but my first year at St. Clare’s Primary School, Officer. I love to play basketball and AFL football and I am a big pies fan! I love going for walks down to my local lake and spending time with my friends and family. I look forward to getting to know more parents and the wider community surrounding our school. Thank you!
Miss Nicole Carey - Hi, I am Nicole. I am a second-year teacher and have a strong passion for working with young people to develop all areas of their learning. People describe me as Organised and Welcoming. In my spare time I have a keen eye for interior design so I’m currently enjoying renovating my first home whilst training my puppy to leave his mums things alone.
Mr David Gulavin - I have been in education for nearly 30 years in a variety of roles including Principal, Deputy Principal and Classroom Teacher. I am excited to have joined the St Clare's school community and am looking forward to working in partnership with the students and families in 5DG. I am also a passionate Richmond supporter who is currently basking in the premiership glow!
Miss Gab Velten - Hi, my name is Gab and I have been an ESO at St Clare's for 4 years, this is my first year teaching. In my spare time I enjoy playing volleyball and spending time with my puppy Moses!
Mrs Carla Rosenkotter - Hi my name is Carla and I am one of the two year 6 teachers. This is my second year at St Clare's. In my spare time I enjoy hiking and water colour painting.
Miss Harley Gabriel-Brown - Hey my name is Harley and this is my second year at St Clares. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my friends and attending theatre shows!
Mrs Ashleigh Wilson - Hi my name is Ashleigh Wilson. I have started working at St Clare’s as an ESO. I have been working as an ESO for the last 10 years at a variety of schools while also studying part time to become a teacher. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband, walking our dogs, reading and watching tv. I love catching up with friends and family for coffee and food. I am looking forward to getting to know the school community and journeying with the staff and students.
Miss Josie Browne - My name is Josie Browne and this is my fourth year as an ESO at St Clare’s. I am currently studying to be a teacher at Monash University. I am very excited to graduate at the end of the year and have my own learning group in 2022. I enjoy learning and meeting new people. Something that makes me really happy is spending time with my family and laughing with my friends. I love coming to St Clare’s and working with students across the school. I especially love listening to the great stories they have to share.
Mrs Lisa Whittaker - Hello, I’m Lisa Whittaker. I started at St Clare's last year and have loved getting to know all the staff and students. I have a special interest in Autism, ADHD and other learning hurdles as I have 2 high school boys and a daughter in primary who have these challenges. I also have 3 Cavalier King Charles spaniels who snore their heads off and take over the bed. I look forward to getting to know our new students and finding out about them.
Mr Connor Hinds - Hi there! My name Connor Hinds, I am currently an ESO and studying to be a teacher. I love sports, particularly footy and cricket, and I work with the older year levels.
Miss Jess Burns - My name is Jessica Burns and I’m the current Visual Arts teacher. I have been a classroom teacher for 12 years and this is my first year teaching Art. I love all kinds of arts and crafts and spend a lot of my spare time drawing, colouring and making things. I also enjoy reading (especially Harry Potter), building LEGO, playing my Nintendo Switch and going for walks with my dogs, Zoe and Abbi.
Miss Mary Wilbraham - Hi I’m Sensei! These are a few of my favourite things…I like to sew and make my own clothes. I like to garden and grow plants. I like to read & snuggle up with my kitty cats!!!
Mrs Amanda Hill - I have been teaching for 7 years and worked across all different year levels. I currently teach Performing Arts to the junior school which I absolutely love! It is such a joy helping the students use their imaginations and creativity as their self confidence grows and they become little performers.
Miss Jacinta Heywood - Jacinta is a graduate teacher from ACU Melbourne who has enjoyed working with youth in the sporting and education industries. She has a keen interest in Exercise Science and a passion for athletics, gym training and of course, teaching! Jacinta loves to share her enthusiasm for physical activity to promote life-long, healthy choices and is excited to join the St Clare’s Primary School community.
Mr Jonathan Baker - I am usually found in the "mini-mod" at the bottom (noisy end) of the school, setting up or putting instruments away. My musical education began in Zimbabwe, where I grew up, culminating in being a finalist in the Young Soloist Competition in my final year there. After moving to New Zealand, I continued my musical training at Canterbury University in Christchurch where I joined the ambitious Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament choir, touring Europe with them in 1991 and singing in many of the world's greatest cathedrals. I have particularly enjoyed conducting choirs and orchestras, being at one time the conducting intern for the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, and now direct the St. Joseph's chorale, my parish's children's choir. I believe music is an essential component of a child's education because, in the words of the great musical educator, Zoltán Kodály, "Music multiplies all that is beautiful and of value in life."
Mrs Mel Ferdinands - Hi, my name is Mel Ferdinands. I joined St Clare’s when it opened in 2015 as an Education Support Officer. I have enjoyed watching the school grow and getting to know many students and families over the years. You may see me directing traffic at the crossing as well as working across all year levels of the school.
Mrs Donna Velten - Hi my name is Donna Velten and I have been working at St Clare’s since 2016. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my beautiful big family, walking my dog Tigah, cuddling my cats Simba and Nala, and catching up with friends. It never ceases to amaze me how unique and wonderfully made each child is; which makes my work at St Clare’s such a joy!
Miss Catherine Bickell - I am a Learning Support Teacher who works with small groups from Years 3 to 6. I particularly likes books, music, puzzles, science and the natural environment. Everyone is encouraged to LEAP into Learning!
Mrs Ann Molino - Hello Everyone! I have been in the office at St Clare's since we began in 2015. It has been wonderful to be part of this amazing school community and watch it grow over the years. When I'm not at school I am busy with my wonderful family and all their sporting activities.
Mrs Bec Roche - My name is Bec Roche, at home I have my husband, 4 children and a very naughty dog!! I love my job at St Clare's and enjoy interacting with the students and families on a daily basis.
Mr Jason Xin -My name is Jason Xin, I am very grateful to be a finance officer in St Clare's Primary school since 2018. I am an accountant, I am a soccer fan; I am a husband and I am a Dad; but most important is that I am a good friend for all St Clare's students and families.