Meet The Teachers
We’re excited to meet you!
At the top of the list when measuring the quality of a school has to be the quality of the teaching staff. We are beyond fortunate to have a team of teachers truly dedicated to positive outcomes for all children.
Meet our teachers below!
Leadership & Administration

Marisa Matthys
Principal
I am privileged to be the Principal of St Mary’s. At St Mary’s we contribute to a life-foundation for students that is centred in Jesus Christ and grounded in truth, beauty and love. Every student is known and respected.
I love to foster a deep love of learning for all within a positive culture where everyone can reach their full potential and feel safe and happy.
On a personal level, I have a deep love of nature and the environment which I find, provides me with spiritual well being. I love to read and go camping with my husband, three children, my grandchild and my groodle Harvey.

Laurina Van Der El
Deputy Principal
Being an educator is an incredible responsibility and being able to live this in our St Mary’s community is a privilege. I love how students, staff and parents are all learners together on a shared journey. You can find me reading research or watching rugby – go the All Blacks!

Marguerite Jones
Wellness and Diversity Leader, F-2
I love being a part of the St Mary’s community. In some ways, I feel I have come home as I went to school here as a child many years ago. I am passionate about working with children and their families to meet the diverse learning needs of our students and empower them to be lifelong learners.
When I’m not at school, I love spending time in my garden or down the beach in my caravan at Barwon Heads.

Rachel Perissinotto
Wellness and Diversity Leader, 3-6
My greatest joy as an educator comes from the opportunity to develop positive and supportive relationships with our students and their families. This partnership allows me to play a special role in each student’s learning journey. And places me in a privileged position in which I can witness and nurture their growth as both learners and people.

Laura Cardillo
Literacy Leader
I strive to build respectful and honest relationships because where there is trust there is growth in learning. I have a passion for Inquiry learning, using digital technologies as an engaging tool in the classroom and sharing my love of literature with my community.

Michelle Polifiore
Maths Leader

Ana Amorim
Religious Education Leader
I am privileged to work as the Religious Education Leader at St Mary’s Parish Primary School. I feel honored to work alongside staff, students, and families engaging with the Catholic tradition through our Religious Education and Sacramental program.

Jane Bennett
Positive Behaviour Coach
I am thrilled to be returning to St. Mary’s Greensborough in 2023 to continue the important work of establishing PBL (Positive Behaviour for Learning) with the support of a talented team. I am in awe of the dedication and commitment of staff at St. Mary’s and feel grateful to be a part of such a caring community. When I am not at work, you will find me walking, experimenting with recipes, enjoying Yum Cha and dining out with family and friends.

Jennifer Baker
Administration Manager
I enjoy being part of the St. Mary’s Community. As Administration Manager, I strive to create a friendly and safe office environment for Students, Families, Staff and Community Members.
Outside of the office I enjoy going to the beach, being active, reading, cooking and spending time with loved ones.

Sharyn Ryan
Assistant Administration Manager
I am very privileged to be one of the three friendly faces that greet those who enter through the front doors of St Mary’s Parish Primary School. Look forward to seeing you!

Gillian Brown
Assistant Administration Manager

Rochelle Mietus
Finance Manager
I am proud to be part of the St Mary’s Community. I have a wonderful, supportive team. We get the job done and have fun!

Jennifer Lim
School Nurse
It is an honour and privilege to be part of the St. Marys community. I am passionate about nursing with a strong focus on Primary Health Care. I can’t wait to meet each and every one of you. Outside of school I’ll either be baking or spending quality time with the family.

Michael Falzon
Maintenance Manager

Gary Collings
Maintenance Manager

Faris Georgy
Maintenance Assistant
Prep Teachers

Michelah Fabiyanic
Prep Classroom Teacher
My favourite part of being a teacher is watching the ‘ah-ha’ moments; when something clicks for students. I love to learn and I can’t wait to share and nurture the love for learning with my students. Outside of school, I love to go camping, go to the beach and read.

Sally Kerr
Prep Classroom Teacher
I love the sense of belonging that St Mary’s provides. I thoroughly enjoy working with my colleagues, as we work together to create an engaging and positive learning environment for the students.
My favourite thing to do during the school holidays is to go on caravan adventures with my family.

Carolyn Smith
Prep Classroom Teacher
St. Mary’s is a welcoming community of which I am privileged to be a part. The staff, family and students are supportive, innovative and generous making it a pleasure to teach here and be a part of the St. Mary’s community.
Year 1/2 Teachers

Vesna Bosnjak
Year 1 Classroom Teacher
St Mary’s Primary School enables students to succeed and become the best version of themselves. I love learning new skills and enjoy sharing my own experiences to assist others, especially the younger generations in finding their passions, thriving in their strengths and working towards their goals. I am also very into sports (especially tennis and soccer), enjoy going to the beach and love spending time with my family and friends.

Cris Brewer
Year 1 Classroom Teacher
I believe that learning for all students should be challenging, engaging, and FUN! I enjoy working in partnership with our wonderful parents and families. When I am not at school, I am taking care of my three beautiful children and spending time with my family and friends.

Kate Hoseason
Year 1 Classroom Teacher
What I love about St Mary’s is that it is a collaborative learning community that welcomes everyone. I am passionate about helping students develop their learning dispositions and growth mindset. I have special interest in the area of Student Wellbeing. Outside of school I love to be active and outdoors.

Tania Micomonaco
Year 1 Classroom Teacher
I am excited to be teaching Year 1 as part of a dynamic and vibrant school community. I love teaching all areas of the curriculum and I never stop learning. My hobbies are reading, bike riding and hiking with my family.

Louise Zannino
Year 1 Classroom Teacher

Annie Bell
Year 2 Classroom Teacher
I feel so privileged to be a part of the close-knit community at St Mary’s. As a teacher, my greatest joy is helping children develop a life-long love of learning. I recharge by spending time with my family and friends, escaping with a book, and watching Melbourne Football Club dominate the AFL!

Angie Varvaris
Year 2 Classroom Teacher
I love working in such a beautiful and welcoming community at St. Mary’s. I enjoy getting to know each of my students and watching them achieve goals and grow throughout their learning journey. Outside of school, I love all things craft and music, and bring this passion into the classroom.

Emma Maerz
Year 2 Classroom Teacher
I am very excited to be joining St Mary’s Primary School as a Grade 2 teacher. I love watching students grow and thrive in their learning and having them feel comfortable within their surroundings.
In my spare time I enjoy reading, spending time with my Family and Friends and playing with my dog Kevin.
Year 3/4 Teachers

Cassie Lia
Year 3 Classroom Teacher
St Mary’s has such a wonderful sense of community that I feel very privileged to be part of. My greatest love as a teacher is building positive relationships with students and watching as they grow and develop as whole people and learn to value themselves as learners. Outside of the classroom I love being outdoors; camping, hiking and skiing; and enjoy my role as a Cub Scout leader.

Nicole Campbell
Year 3 Classroom Teacher
Teaching has been my passion since I can remember and I am so excited to have joined a wonderful teaching and learning team and feel privileged stepping into the year 6 classroom at St Mary’s. I have previously worked in special education and firmly believe that regardless of circumstance, every child should have an opportunity to learn and thrive in a comfortable environment where their needs are met. I feel the key to great learning is building solid relationships between students, parents and teachers and I work diligently to build a solid foundation on which they can grow.

Taliah Postans
Year 3 Classroom Teacher
I feel very fortunate to be teaching a Year 3 class at St Mary’s this year and getting to join this wonderful school. I strive every day to make learning exciting and enjoyable as I want my students to love being a part of our classroom community. Before teaching at St Mary’s I taught for a short time in the UK and I was also a Physiotherapist. Outside of school, I love travelling, cooking (and eating of course!), being active and spending time with my family and friends.

Olivia van Raay
Year 4 Classroom Teacher
I am thrilled to begin my teaching journey at St. Mary’s Parish Primary School. I look forward to forming meaningful and genuine relationships with students and being part of such an inclusive and caring school community. I am also excited to work in partnership with the students and assist them in discovering their full potential. Outside school, I value time spent with my friends and family. I also enjoy swimming, walking and travelling.

Kirin Geale
Year 4 Classroom Teacher
I feel very blessed to be working at St Mary’s with staff who are passionate, committed and innovative. I hope to place student wellbeing at the heart of my teaching and work alongside students to bring out their many gifts and talents. I am keen to develop independent thinking skills and for all students to understand their capabilities and develop a growth mindset so they are able to participate actively to develop emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually as members of our school. In my spare time I enjoy swimming laps at my local swimming pool, hiking in nature, trips to the beach and listening to music.

Rochelle Lopez
Year 4 Classroom Teacher
I am a new addition to the St Mary’s Primary school community. I love the contemporary and flexible learning spaces at St Mary’s which allows teaching and learning to happen anywhere.
My passion is Science so when I’m not at school I enjoy learning something new and exploring nature.
Year 5/6 Teachers

Briar Wagner
Year 5 Classroom Teacher
I love being a part of our wonderful community here at St Mary’s. I love helping students flourish and watching them grow. I am passionate about encouraging students to develop confidence and a love of learning. Outside of school, I love to go camping, get a bit crafty and watch the mighty Melbourne Storm!

Grace Gibbons
Year 5 Classroom Teacher
It has been a joy to become part of the St Mary’s community, and to have a chance to get to know many of the St Mary’s students and families. I am passionate about sharing my love of learning with the students at our school, and feel privileged to help them to succeed and grow. Outside of school I am an avid reader, and enjoy painting, cooking and spending time with loved ones.

Nichole Sorockyj
Year 5 Classroom Teacher
St. Mary’s is a place that makes you feel welcomed, challenged and valued. I love getting to know the students across all year levels and seeing them grow in confidence over the years. Outside of work I love skiing, cooking, travelling and spending time with my family and friends.

Rob Williams
Year 6 Classroom Teacher
I enjoy building relationships and genuine connections with the students and seeing them succeed. I love going to Essendon footy games with my two boys and being involved with all my kids’ sports.

Robyn Vorster
Year 6 Classroom Teacher
I love building relationships with my students and being part of the St. Mary’s Community, creating a learning environment that is safe and welcoming for all. On the weekends, I love reading and spending time with my family.

Taylor Leslie
Year 6 Classroom Teacher
I am excited to teaching in Grade 6 and with the spirited St Mary’s community. I love building positive relationships and watching students grow into lifelong learners. Outside of the classroom I love to cook, play football and travel.
Specialised Teachers

Fiona MacIsaac
Librarian
I am thrilled to be the Librarian at St. Mary’s. I am passionate about literature and hope to help students discover the joys and benefits associated with reading.
In my spare time I enjoy reading, keeping fit and walking our miniature dachshund, Minnie.

Kurt Geyer
Performing Arts Teacher
I am having a dream career in the Performing Arts. I started as an actor in 1982 in an amateur production in Perth and haven’t looked back. I was lucky enough to do my Drama training at the Victoria College of the Arts and as a professional actor, participated in over 60 productions for stage, small and large screen and on-air. Alongside my acting I developed a deep passion for passing on the skills I acquired to young people. That led to a natural segue into education for me where I get to work with the most wonderful creatives on the planet – children! I’ve been here at St Mary’s since 2009, and worked on one Shakespeare for children and five completely original productions (devised by our students and teachers) which culminated in our very first online video streamed school production during the lockdown in 2020. I love to work alongside our learners, guiding them and learning with them on their journey of discovery of the vital and vibrant worlds of music, dance and drama.

Fergal O'Reilly
Health & PE, Sports Coordinator
I thoroughly enjoy building relationships with all staff and children across the school and in my current role as Health & PE, Sports Coordinator, I certainly get the opportunity to encounter every person in the St. Mary’s community. Providing the opportunity for children to grow and develop at whatever level they are capable of achieving is paramount and the smile on a student’s face when a new skill has been achieved is wonderful to see. Away from school, I enjoy attending sporting events of any variety with my family and being originally from Ireland, I am involved with the Irish community in Melbourne helping and promoting our games from home-Gaelic Football and Hurling.

Anne-Marie Sukkar
Science and Digital Technology Teacher
I’m a highly dedicated Educator who strives on creating a positive, engaging and studious learning environment. I encourage student voice and want my students to feel empowered about themselves as a learner. All my students know they each have the potential to achieve amazing things.

Jan Tivisini
Visual Arts Teacher
I believe that Art helps you breathe with a different kind of happiness and I have found my happy place here at St Mary’s as a teacher of the Visual Arts.Our Art room is a welcoming space for all where students are safe and feel comfortable to try new things.Our Visual Arts progam is designed to inspire and encourage students to explore their creative potential.It is rewarding to share in student progress and joy of accomplishment when their artwork is showcased.
Away from school, I enjoy music, swimming and all things creative. Weekends often involve walking through Melbourne’s iconic streets to savour great coffee.

Gessie Burgio
Language Assistant
I am a language enthusiast and I love what I do. The children of St Mary’s bring me joy and make me love my job everyday. It’s a true pleasure to be co-learning with the wonderful staff and watching them learn the gesture’s to help support teaching the Italian language. Arrivederci e buon appetito!

Rebecca Mellerick
Literacy Coach
I have a passion for literacy instruction and ensuring that our school are using the current reading science to inform our teaching. I’m so lucky to work collaboratively with dedicated staff members as well as our awesome students.
On my weekends I love to watch the Bombers!

Karen Watson
Maths Coach

Jude Caspersz
School Chaplain
As school Chaplain I appreciate the privilege of working with individual students and their parents. This involves supporting them in current challenges they are facing, offering strategies and linking them to other services.
Learning Support Officers

Alannah Capogreco
Learning Support Officer
I am so happy to be joining the learning support team this year at St Mary’s! I am very passionate about education and supporting students to achieve their best. Outside of work, I enjoy learning about all things psychology, cooking and playing netball.

Ashleigh Musig
Learning Support Officer
It is a blessing to be a part of the wonderful and supportive St Mary’s community. My favourite part about working at St Mary’s is the meaningful relationships I have been able to build with students and staff. I value making school a welcoming and safe space that students are excited to be a part of. It is a privilege to support students in their growth and I hope to instil a love of learning in all of my students. Outside of school, you can find me tucked into a good book, going on long walks or spending time with friends and family

Bernadette Degiorgio
Learning Support Officer
Hi, I’m Bernadette Degiorgio, one of the LSO’s at St Mary’s. I love working alongside the teachers knowing I am making a difference to the learning and self confidence of many students each day. After work, I like to take my dog Koby for walks along the river.

Bernie Benson
Learning Support Officer
I enjoy working with all the children and getting involved in helping out with events in our community. I have been at st Mary’s for 12 years now and it really makes me feel great when I see past students (some who are now driving) who greet me with smiles and enthusiasm.
My hobbies include going for long drives on a nice day with my family, relaxing after dinner watching sitcoms on the television, playing guitar, reading and meeting friends for coffee. I have been very active in all sports games & now enjoy watching my son play football and socialising with our friends and family at our local football club which happens to be st Mary’s junior and senior football and netball club in Greensborough.

Chloe Holmes
Learning Support Officer
I feel so happy and proud to be working as an LSO at St. Mary’s in 2022. I love being a part of such a wonderful team and community. I look forward to building relationships with the students this year and helping them to feel happy and safe and achieve their best. I love to sing and dance and have fun. My happy place is at the beach in the waves or at the theatre.

Daniel Burston
Learning Support Officer

Daniel Marasco
Learning Support Officer
It’s pretty interesting to be working as an Learning Support Officer at the primary school I graduated from in 2011, I’m keen to further my studies and the opportunity was there to work in a school, I would have been silly not to take it! I am most looking forward to being a positive role model to our students and helping develop positive attitudes towards studying. In my spare time you will usually catch me with my two brothers or my friends, playing Football or Basketball.

Grace Waldron
Learning Support Officer

Holly Spicer
Learning Support Officer
I love being a part of the St Marys Community. The best part about my job is helping students to achieve their goals & seeing the enjoyment in their faces when they succeed. Outside of work I play football, I love to watch sport, go away on holidays & spend time with my friends and family!

Karyn Weaver
Learning Support Officer
I love seeing children with learning difficulties succeed in the classroom and am passionate about giving them the required intervention to achieve this. Outside of school I enjoy sport, gardening and spending time with my family.

Kathyrn Dwyer
Learning Support Officer

Keshala Perera
Learning Support Officer
Hi, I’m Keshala. I’m very excited to be part of the St . Mary’s community. The school and church have been a part of our lives since we first arrived in Australia. I love to work with children and help them to be the best version of themselves. Apart from being LSO I enjoy cooking, architectural drafting and visiting architectural buildings.

Linda Doherty
Learning Support Officer

Lisa Trinh
Learning Support Officer
St Mary’s is a wonderful place of learning and is surrounded by a lovely community. I enjoy getting to know the students I am working with and helping them to succeed in the classroom. Outside of school, my favourite things are spending time with my family, watching the mighty Cats, camping and yoga.

Macarena Franco
Learning Support Officer
I have been an LSO at St Mary’s since October 2022. I love being part of such an amazing team and community. My passion is seeing children succeed in the classroom and grow as individuals.
I like to spend time with my family and friends. We enjoy the outdoors, playing sports, riding bikes, going to the beach and camping. I also enjoy dancing and cooking.

Maggie Bradley
Learning Support Officer
I love the opportunity to help students reach their full potential. I work one on one, or in small focus groups, with students requiring extra support as well as those who benefit from more challenging work. Outside of school, I coordinate the Baptism Team at St Mary’s.

Maree Fernandes
Learning Support Officer
As an educator I enjoy helping kids thrive. I see challenges as an opportunity to grow. I love to travel, cook and spend time with family & friends.

Nancy Marino
Learning Support Officer
I joined the team at St Mary’s in 2019, it has been a welcoming community where I have been able to extend my skills as a Support Officer. The best part of my job is watching the growth and development of students and making a difference in a positive way.

Peter Shuttlewood
Learning Support Officer

Renee Indovino
Learning Support Officer
I love coming to work and being a part of such a supportive team at St. Mary’s. The best part of my job is being able to help students achieve their goals and build their confidence – seeing their gorgeous smiles is all the more rewarding. I enjoy a good laugh, adore my family/friends and my beautiful fur baby Lola!

Ritu Charles
Learning Support Officer
I feel very humbled and privileged to be a part of the St Mary’s school community. I have been a parishioner of St. Mary’s for the last 10 years and joined the LSO team this year. It’s great to work with teachers & LSOs and assist children reach their goals. In my spare time I enjoy cooking and spending time with my kids.

Sam Sankey
Learning Support Officer
I’m very lucky to be entering into my 6th year working at St Mary’s as a Learning Support Officer. Working alongside the teachers and LSO’s helping and watching children learn and grow is a privilege. In my spare time, I love to spend time with my 2 children taking them on adventures as well as studying to become a primary school teacher.

Sharyn Trenou
Learning Support Officer
Hi I’m Sharyn and I’m excited to have joined the wonderful St. Mary’s Community as an LSO. I am passionate about working with students of all learning abilities and diversities and take pride in assisting the wonderful teaching staff deliver their student specific learning. I feel proud as I see our students actively join in all learning opportunities that are offered at St. Mary’s P.S. Outside work, I enjoy reading, socialising and supporting The Mighty Magpies in AFL.

Stephanie Nativo
Learning Support Officer
Hello everyone, I’m Steph.
I’ve just recently joined the amazing team at St Mary’s after working in Early Childhood education and care for the past five years.
I’m very passionate about helping and supporting children with all different needs and abilities to discover themselves and reach their full potential.
Outside of school, my favourite things to do are: spending time with my family and friends, going on adventures, exploring our wonderful country and spending time at home watching movies and tv shows.
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