Events

John Whitehouse
Brett Shiel
Jennifer Tanner
Lauren Gibson
Alicia Pettinella
Kathryn Anderson
Steve Ireland
Calvin Tran
Jessie Patterson
Tania Fota
Joanna Gee
Prafulla Erra
Naseem Sayeda
Daniel Suarez
Tamanna Juli

Pedagogy Coaching

Pedagogy Coaching is the modelling of best practices for teaching and learning. At Truganina College, the Pedagogy Coaches work alongside staff and students to ensure the learning environment is supportive, respectful and productive. They promote our focus High Impact Teaching Strategies of Feedback, Explicit Teaching and Differentiation, as well as our focus High Impact Engagement Strategy of Unconditional Positive Regard.

Together, Pedagogy Coaches and Staff use assessment to inform the instruction delivered in the classroom. Pedagogy Coaching in the classroom takes place while a lesson is being delivered. It is a dynamic process where the teacher and coach work together to move student learning forward. In fact, when we form true partnerships in the classroom, it’s hard to tell who the teacher is and who the coach is because both are engaged and involved partners in the delivery of the lesson.

Pedagogy Coaching is part of the Adult Learning Portfolio and is lead by Leanne McNaughton. Leanne drives this work with passion and links everything the Pedagogy Coaches do to both Collective Efficacy and Academic Emphasis.

Punsala Crofton
Pedagogy Coach – Literacy

Chloe Borg
Pedagogy Coach - Excellence and Equity

Jessie Patterson
Pedagogy Coach - Numeracy

Kristine Lemus
Pedagogy Coach - Literacy

Learning & Wellbeing Excellence Leaders

The learning and wellbeing excellence leaders consist of John Whitehouse, Lauren Gibson and Brett Shiel. All three teachers are highly passionate about the continued improvement of learning and wellbeing in students at our college and will work together to ensure students receive the correct support to achieve their learning and wellbeing goals, while continuing to celebrate students at our college excelling in those areas.

Director of Learning and Wellbeing Excellence

Foundation to Year 3

Rhiannon Porter became a part of Truganina P-9 College in the first term of 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science, a Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary), and a Master of Instructional Leadership from the University of Melbourne, which she completed in 2020.

Having diverse experience across various educational settings, including P-6, P-9, and P-12, primarily in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne, Rhiannon has been a valuable addition to the College community.

Since her arrival in 2022, Rhiannon has taken on the role of leading the Literacy portfolio with a Foundation to Year 4 focus, as well as the Foundation to Year 9 Assessment portfolio. She has developed the capacity of the Lead Assessment team by leading with a strong focus on triangulation, ensuring accuracy in teacher judgements. Under her leadership, the Lead Literacy team underwent significant improvements in the Reading Essential Learnings, ensuring a guaranteed and viable curriculum is implemented in all classrooms. Rhiannon also played a pivotal role in developing the Writing Essential Learnings and collaborates closely with the Lead Excellence and Equity team to align the assessment of the Essential Learnings through the use of proficiency scales.

Rhiannon’s dedication to excellence in teaching and learning is evident in her passion of student learning data. She utilises the Framework for Improving Student Outcomes to guide decision making and ensures all teaching aligns with the High Impact Teaching Strategies and the Truganina College Instructional Framework.

Through her leadership in assessment and literacy, Rhiannon collaborates closely with the regional data coach to analyse student learning outcomes using various measures such as teacher judgments, NAPLAN, PAT, English Online Interview, and Mathematics Online Interview. This analytical approach informs sub-school data meetings, coaching cycles, and peer observations, all contributing to enhanced student achievement.

Rhiannon has been instrumental in implementing the structured literacy approach, Little Learners Love Literacy, in the Foundation to Year 2 area of the College. This approach to explicit teaching, differentiation and feedback has resulted in outstanding student achievement, whilst building the capacity of teachers particularly in the area of differentiation.

Residing in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne with her husband, two teenage children, and three cats – Oreo, Kelby, and Buttercup, Rhiannon is committed to ensuring evidence-based literacy instruction and assessment are integral to every classroom, providing all students with the best opportunities for success.​

Foundation & Year 1 Assistant Principal

Teaching and Learning Excellence

Stefanie Chiurtu joined Truganina College in Term 1 2023. She has a Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies and a Bachelor of Teaching from the University of Melbourne.

She has taught in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne and the Eastern Suburbs of London and has developed a passion for inclusion, welfare and the wellbeing of all students.

Stefanie lives in Geelong and loves reading, crochet and spending time with her dogs, cats, cockatoos and turtle.

She believes every child has a right to learn and is proud to join the Truganina community where she will be part of ensuring high quality education for all students.

Stefanie Chiurtu
Foundation & Year 1 Assistant Principal

Education Support

Kirsty Evans
Learning Support Leader F-3

Caroline Morgan
Foundation Learning Support

Safna Fawzan
Foundation Learning Support

Mitesha Patel
Foundation Learning Support

​

Year 2 & 3 Assistant Principal

Teaching and Learning Excellence

David Yacoub joined Truganina P-9 College in Term 1, 2024. He is an enthusiastic leader and educator, who sets high expectations and strives to achieve excellence. At RMIT University, David attained a Bachelor of Business (Professional Accountancy) and Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary). He has experience leading all year levels from Foundation to Year 6, implementing a wide range of whole-school responsibilities and initiatives.

David spends his weekends going on spontaneous day trips with his wife and dachshund, as well as quality time with his family and friends. He is a footy fanatic who supports the mighty Essendon Football Club. In his spare time, David enjoys reading AFL articles and watching football games.

His passion of sport statistics transfers to teaching and learning, where he analyses data to ensure each student meets their full potential. David takes pride in developing collaborative partnerships with all members of Truganina P-9 College, including students, colleagues, parents and the broader school community.

David Yacoub
Year 2 & 3 Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning Excellence

Education Support

Kirsty Evans
Learning Support Leader F-3

Daljit Kaur
Year 2 Learning Support

Saniya Khatoon
Year 2 Learning Support

Abha Doda
Education Support

Anu Cyriac
Education Support

Director of Learning and Wellbeing Excellence

Year 4 to Year 7

Christina has worked as an educator in the Government Education System for 12 years with roles in both the Special Education setting and Mainstream settings. She completed her Bachelor of Education at RMIT in Bundoora and a Master of Education (Special Needs) at Deakin University.

Since beginning at the College in 2021, Christina has led the Numeracy portfolio with a Foundation to Year 9 focus. During this time, she has built the capacity of the Lead Numeracy Team through reshaping the essential learnings ensuring a guaranteed and viable curriculum with a focus on explicit teaching, differentiation and feedback.

Christina had an amazing opportunity to present at the Victorian State Education Principal Conference in 2022. The presentation was ‘Building a culture of high expectations using data’. Christina presented the data that teachers ustilise in Professional Learning Communities to know where their students are at and where to take them next in their learning.

The Framework for Improving Student Outcomes is at the centre of everything we do at the College. Christina leads the School Improvement Team in developing the Annual Implementation Plan each year based on the School Strategic Plan goals and targets. She also leads the School Improvement Team in driving this work through their Professional Learning Communities and portfolios.

Being a lead learner at the College, Christina has worked with our regional data coach to analyse student outcomes in Teacher Judgements, NAPLAN and PAT for Mathematics. This analysis has assisted Christina to work with the Lead Numeracy Team to form the focus for coaching cycles and peer observations to deliver best outcomes for students.

Christina Arnold
Year 4 Assistant Principal – Teaching And Learning Excellence: Early Years Numeracy

Year 4 & 5 Assistant Principal

Teaching and Learning Excellence

Jonathan has been in Education for 19 years and has worked in multiple schools in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne and within Geelong. He really enjoys the opportunity to work with all key stakeholders to further drive the academic, social, emotional and physical wellbeing of every student.

Jonathan has lived in Geelong with his wife for the last 15 years and has two primary aged children. They enjoy spending time together, watching football (Go Bulldogs) and seeing friends and family.

Jonathan Skipworth
Year 4 & 5 Assistant Principal – Teaching And Learning Excellence

Learning Support

Kirsten Mellios
Learning Support Leader Years 4-9

Anita Srinivasan
Education Support

Year 6 & 7 Assistant Principal

Teaching and Learning Excellence: Excellence and Equity

Sharon Hunt joined Truganina P-9 College in Term 3, 2021. Sharon has been an educator for over 20 years and has worked across three states educating both Primary and Secondary students. She has worked in leadership roles at both Williamstown North Primary School and Parkwood Green Primary School. As a curriculum leader she has a passion in Literacy, specifically in the area of Enrichment. Sharon is trained in IMSLE which is a recognised practice for students with Dyslexia.

Sharon lives in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne with her husband and three boys. They spend their summer months involved with their local Life Saving Club.

As an educator and a school leader, Sharon values the importance of creating strong and sustained partnerships with families and the wider community to develop a positive and strong learning environment for all stakeholders.

Sharon Hunt
Year 6 & 7 Assistant Principal – Teaching and Learning Excellence: Excellence and Equity

Year 6 Assistant Principal

Teaching & Learning Excellence: Adult Learning

Leanne McNaughton came to Truganina College at the beginning of 2016 as a Visual Art Specialist. Leanne has worked at various schools in Gippsland, Geelong, Hobart and around the Western Suburbs of Melbourne, where she has taught every year level from Kinder to Year 7.

Leanne lives in Geelong with her husband and they have two children of whom they are extremely proud.

Leanne has a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a major in Psychology and Commerce. She has successfully completed the Inspire program at Bastow and worked as an ‘Education Changemaker’ as part of the Intercultural Capabilities Project.

Leanne is a ‘people person’ who genuinely cares about all students, staff and the wider community of Truganina College. She wants to make a difference in the lives of young people and focuses on supporting students’ social and emotional wellbeing. Leanne is passionate about making education engaging and motivating for students so they can achieve academic success.

Leanne McNaughton
Year 6 Assistant Principal – Teaching And Learning Excellence: Adult Learning

Learning Support

Kirsten Mellios
Learning Support Leader Years 4-9

Navjot Dhaliwal
Learning Support

Faiza Faisal
Education Support

Year 7 Assistant Principal

Student Wellbeing & Engagement

Joshua Kamener joined Truganina P-9 in Term 4 of 2022. He has an Arts degree and his Masters of Teaching (secondary). He has also completed the Impact: Emerging Leaders program at Bastow and the Teach for Australia Leadership Development Program.

He has worked in a range of mainstream and specialist settings, teaching German, humanities and leading professional learning. Most recently he worked as an Assistant Principal of a school in custody.

Josh lives with his wife, two-year-old daughter and pet cavoodle in the western suburbs and is a self-proclaimed sports nerd.

He is passionate about inclusive education and school improvement and loves seeing young people enjoy their learning, believe in themselves and be hopeful about their future.

Joshua Kamener
Year 7 Assistant Principal - Student Wellbeing and Engagement

Learning Support

Kirsten Mellios
Learning Support Leader Years 4-9

Keerthi Bhimavarapu
Learning Support

Anmol Wallia
Education Support

Acting Principal

Teaching & Learning Excellence: Middle Years Numeracy

Sadia Toqeer joined Truganina College in 2016. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Biology), a Diploma in Education (Primary), and a Master of Education. Additionally, she has successfully completed the CREATE program at Bastow. Embracing the philosophy that learning is a lifelong journey, Sadia is eagerly anticipating her participation in the Victorian Aspiring Principal Program through the Academy.

Her teaching experience spans various educational settings in Melbourne and overseas, focusing on enhancing teaching pedagogies, fostering student engagement, and promoting well-being. Sadia has played a pivotal role in developing the Annual Implementation Plan and implementing key improvement strategies aligned with School Strategic Plan.

In 2022, Sadia led a team of Assistant Principals and Learning Specialists to present at the Education State Principal’s Conference in Victoria. The presentation focused on building a culture of high expectations through the use of data, with the key message of ‘Know the Child to Grow the Child’. The interactive session allowed the team to engage in discussions, collaborate with other schools, and offer evidence-based strategies to address problem of practice in an educational setting.

Sadia is proud to lead a culturally diverse college community, with students from 45 different nationalities. She believes that multiculturalism at the college brings a wealth of perspectives, experiences, and values to the learning environment, enriching the educational experience for all students at Truganina College. She has led the Community Engagement in Learning team to develop appropriate learning support resources for families to use at home.

The Community Engagement in Learning team’s work at Truganina College was recognized with the Susan Ryan Family Engagement Award at the Australian Council of State School Organisations awards (ACSSO) in November 2022 in Canberra. This was a proud and exciting moment for the college and the entire community.

Sadia is deeply committed to fostering strong educational partnerships among staff, students, families, and the broader community. Her passion lies in ensuring learning growth for young people and adults guided by DET values and lifelong learning.​

Director of Learning & Wellbeing Excellence

Year 8 and 9

Lucy Francis joined Truganina P-9 College in Term 4, 2021. She has a Bachelor of Arts and Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) from the University of Melbourne, and a Master of School Leadership from Monash University. Lucy began her career as a Secondary English and English as a Second Language (Year 7 – 12) teacher at Frankston High School where she developed strong digital technology-based teaching and learning, and curriculum leadership.

Lucy worked for 14 years in international schools in the Middle East, Hong Kong and India leading the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP); a concept-based inquiry driven curriculum with a focus on authentic contexts and outcomes for Years 6 - 10. Highlights of this time were building the capacity of staff to implement the MYP framework especially the Personal Project. This culminated in an opportunity to present at the International Baccalaureate Organisation Conference in Singapore in 2018, ‘Activating the MYP: The MYP Developmental Ladder’ and promoting and supporting students to win eight of the 30 worldwide IB MYP Innovators Awards in 2020.

Lucy has worked as a Clinical Teaching Specialist at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne in addition to working as an Educational Consultant to support schools with professional learning in the area of assessment for teaching and developmental rubrics. Developmental rubrics espoused by Emeritus Professor Patrick Griffin are an area of passion for Lucy because they empower students to take ownership of their learning and support teachers to teach explicitly, differentiate to the point of the student learning need and scaffold feedback to grow learners. The developmental approach to teaching and learning supports the Truganina Instructional Framework and focus of the Annual Implementation Plan (AIP).

Lucy is passionate about empowering and challenging middle school students to prepare them for success at senior secondary and beyond, starting with an unrelenting focus on Literacy because literacy is key to academic success across the curriculum. This involves strategically using Lyn Sharrat’s Putting Faces on the Data to drive high levels of student reading growth from Foundation to Year 9, and embedding the Duke and Pearson Comprehension Strategies - question, infer, predict, text structure and summarise – in teaching and learning.

In response to the Framework to Improve School Outcomes (FISO 2.0), Lucy has built a team of wellbeing experts who are wrapped around the students to support them both in their learning and through some of the more challenging times that being a teenager can present.

Lucy lives in the Western suburbs of Melbourne, plays tennis, hikes and would like to be better and more consistent at running.

Year 8 Assistant Principal

Teaching & Learning Excellence

James Bayard joined Truganina P-9 College in term 2, 2023. He has degrees in Science and Biomedical Science and completed his teaching qualification through the Teach for Australia Leadership Development Program. Having worked in the government school system for a decade, James has held a wide range of positions as a teacher and leader across P-12, including as a Science/maths teacher, curriculum leader, coach and most recently as leading teacher for year 9.

He has previously worked for the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority building teaching capacity across the whole of Victoria and was also his school’s lead in the Victorian Teaching and Leadership Academy’s Leading Curriculum and Assessment program.

James is passionate about the connection between student wellbeing, agency and learning and the need to see the student as a whole person for them to be successful and grow. He is a basketball tragic and lives in Geelong with his partner and their cat and greyhounds.

James Bayard
Year 8 Assistant Principal – Teaching and Learning Excellence

Learning Support

Khuteja Almas
Learning Support Officer - Years 8 & 9

Sonal Shah
Education Support

Damian Duke
Basketball Couch

Year 9 Assistant Principal

Teaching & Learning Excellence

Daniel Piacquadio has worked in the Goulbourn Valley region supporting the diverse needs of a highly complex school as both a Literacy and Wellbeing and Engagement leader. He comes to Truganina with a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) and Masters of Teaching Practice from RMIT.

He has a strong belief in supporting all students to reach their academic potential and incorporates his academic background in psychology to empower students through a restorative and introspective approach to understanding themselves as school and global citizens.

Daniel lives in Caroline Springs, cherishing the company of his wife, young child and two Labradoodles.

When you see them out in the yard be sure to introduce yourself.

Daniel Piacquadio
Year 9 Assistant Principal – Teaching and Learning Excellence

Learning Support

Khuteja Almas
Learning Support Leader Years 4-9

Kelly Carter
Education Support

SIT FISO Team

This layer of School Improvement is guided by the Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO). This team is phenomenal in their knowledge, leadership, passion and rigour in the work they lead. The SIT FISO Team are responsible for developing our Annual Implementation Plan goals, actions and outcomes based on the targets in the School Strategic Plan. Focusing on Collective Efficacy and Academic Emphasis, student growth in the areas of learning and wellbeing are at the core of all we do.

The SIT FISO Team build the capacity of all staff through Professional Learning Community Inquiry Cycles, professional learning, student centred coaching, data dialogues and peer observations. We communicate the success of this work through School Council, Newsletter articles, student forums, parent forums, staff forums and day to day interactions with families. Students, staff, and the School Improvement Team report our progress and achievements to the Department of Education (DoE) through our Senior Education Improvement Leader (SEIL) at both mid-year and end of year points.

In 2024, the SIT FISO Team will lead the School Review in 2024. This process takes place every four years and measures the success of the School Strategic Plan.

Stefanie Chiurtu
FISO Leader - Wellbeing and Inclusion

Lucy Francis
FISO Leader - Literacy

Chloe Chan
Pedagogy Coach – Disability Inclusion

Kelsey Vo
Pedagogy Coach - Respectful Relationships

Rose Hashim
Pedagogy Coach - Literacy

Joanna Gee
Pedagogy Coach - Literacy

Chloe Borg
Mental Health & Wellbeing Lead

Enrolments Team

The Truganina Enrolments Team enjoys welcoming new families to the College.

The team is lead by our Enrolments Manager Lisa Rouvray who has been in the role for 7 years. Lisa prides herself on her teams inclusive and welcoming approach to all students and families. Recently she has been joined by Ann Williams who works closely with families to ensure that all students have access to financial support for uniforms and excursions. Both Lisa and Ann have extensive knowledge in all areas of enrolment processes and transition. They look forward to meeting you soon.

Respectful Relationships Team

The Student Empowerment team is comprised of our Respectful Relationships and School Wide Positive Behaviour School (SWPBS) teams. Our team is dedicated to embedding a differentiated Student Empowerment curriculum in all learning experiences to improve student Resilience. The SWPBS team, led by Hannah Tooze and Kellie Hindmarch, provides targeted lessons around the 4 College Values of Respect, Resilience, Responsible and Learn to ensure the consistency of our College Expectations across the College. Respectful Relationships, led by Kelsey Lucas, follows the guidelines of the Department’s mandated curriculum. Respectful Relationships embeds the teaching and learning of respect, positive attitudes and behaviours. It teaches our children how to build healthy relationships, resilience and confidence.

Hannah, Kellie and Kelsey have led the Student Empowerment team in the delivery of Professional Learning that develops staff’s capacity to show Unconditional Positive Regard (UPR) by conducting daily check-ins/conferences with students to promote resilience. We have also lead the implementation of Ready to Learn scales across the College to monitor student wellbeing and provided staff with intervention strategies to support those students in achieving their best for each day.

Library Team

Emily Vuksic is the Library Manager at Truganina College. She has been working in public libraries for the past 20 years as a Children's & Youth Services Librarian. She loves being able to foster a love for reading in students and being able to encourage reading for pleasure. Emily’s hobbies include playing and watching soccer (GO MATILDAS!!), arts & crafts, cooking and reading.

Library

The Truganina library is a welcoming relaxed open space which holds an extensive collection of resources including picture story, early chapter books, junior and middle grade novels, teen fiction, graphic novels, non-fiction, eBooks, and a range of magazines. A small number of teacher resources are also included. The collection continues to expand, grow and broaden along with our students.

Library sessions

All students have the opportunity to enjoy library sessions with their class every 3 weeks. Students are encouraged to borrow regularly and explore the different genres and types of books available. All students can borrow 2 books at a time. All students are encouraged to treat library books with respect. They are a vital, valuable resource and should be cared for to be enjoyed by all. Emily maintains our library resources to ensure that students have access to new releases and a wide variety of interesting books.

Enrichment Team

Nicole Puttyfoot is very excited to lead Truganina College’s Exemplary Enrichment Program.

Truganina College's Enrichment program is designed to provide evidence-based, targeted small group interventions, utilising a range of strategies such as MacqLit, LLI, and MiniLit. These interventions enable Education Support staff to offer a differentiated approach, maximising student learning gains and focusing on both student learning and wellbeing. The Enrichment curriculum exemplifies an exceptional education support team that has demonstrated excellence in collaboration and teamwork. The curriculum's long-term strategic and inclusive approach has proven highly effective in empowering students and driving direct and indirect improvements in student outcomes.

Truganina College's Enrichment team demonstrates exemplary practices, fostering a positive climate for learning and driving improved student and school outcomes. With their unwavering commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and collective efficacy, the team has implemented strategies in their respective areas of work. The Enrichment team has dedicated learning spaces designed to replicate small classrooms with visibles inspired by the work of John Hattie. These thoughtfully arranged rooms showcase Truganina College's visibles and literacy-supporting infographics, creating a conducive and stimulating environment for learning. With tables and chairs arranged for small group instruction, these spaces foster respect and productivity. Students benefit from 45 minutes of explicit intervention instruction, receiving a minimum of four sessions per week.
Lessons within the Enrichment curriculum are differentiated to cater for individual student learning goals. Multiple exposures to concepts ensure students make progress towards achieving their objectives. Throughout the Enrichment cycle, students engage in supportive and engaging activities that consolidate their learning and boost their confidence.

Ami Bhaiyaji
Enrichment

Donna Curtis
Enrichment

Priya Katwe
Enrichment

Ann Le and Courtney Hodgson

The continuous assessment and reporting of students’ academic growth and progress is an integral part of teaching and learning.

Lead Assessment supports teachers to develop, lead, monitor and evaluate student learning progress and growth at Truganina College.
Teachers use evidence gathered from a comprehensive range of assessments to plan teaching and learning programs, deliver instruction to students that meet their specific learning needs and provide feedback to students about their performance.

Truganina College’s reporting processes are designed to facilitate the delivery of accurate and useful.

Community Liaison Officers

Our Community Liaison Officers play a pivotal role in enhancing student engagement and connection to their learning and wellbeing. We lead a range of inclusive practices that strengthen our understanding of different cultural backgrounds.

Nyingot Ater
Community Liaison Officer

Renee Rizio
Community Liaison Officer

Facilities Team

Mark Sewart joined Truganina P-9 College in Term 4, 2021. Mark has held leadership roles in the construction industry for many years and completed a Bachelor of Education, Graduate certificate in Vocational Education and a number of other qualifications before becoming a Technology teacher in 2010 and going on to teach for 4 years in Melbourne’s west. Mark and his team have a wealth of experience working on a number of maintenance projects over several years and they do their best to maintain the high standards of functionality and presentation of the college grounds and facilities.

Mark is a sports lover having an interest in several sports and plays golf regularly, he lives in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne with his wife and has 4 adult children, three boys and a girl.

Wellbeing Team

Jodan O’Connor is the Provisional Psychologist and Lead of Wellbeing. She has been privileged to work with the students and help them develop strategies to help cope with their experiences.

Jordan and her team have worked to create a space the students see as valuable and safe. This increases their willingness to engage and improves relationships with them.

The aim for the Wellbeing Team is to facilitate group and individual sessions, as well as whole year level workshops that target the students’ needs. The Wellbeing Team are also lucky enough to work with a leadership team who supports their vision and encourages wellbeing conversations within the school.

Outside of work, Jordan enjoys playing netball and creating friendships through different activities. In her down time, she is likely working on a puzzle while watching movies.

She is very grateful to be working alongside this community, and is excited for what else Wellbeing can do to support the students.

Sakshi Sabharwal
Social Worker

Meg Olive
School Counsellor

Courtney Santullo
Education Support

Admin Team

Helen Salmond is the inaugural Business Manager of Truganina College. The College first opened in 2015 with 165 students.

As Business Manager, Helen is responsible for the efficient management of the school’s business functions including administration, asset management, procurement, finance, HR and staff wellbeing and safety.

It’s important that at Truganina College, all financial and administrative practices are developed and maintained to create efficiency, ensuring we are compliant with the Department of Education’s policies, procedures and guidelines.

At Truganina College, everyone who visits our school are warmly welcomed and treated with respect by our fabulous Administration Team.

Suzanne Romero
Finance & Recruitment

Meet the Year 9 Assistant Principal

Teaching & Learning Excellence

James Bayard joined Truganina P-9 College in term 2, 2023. He has degrees in Science and Biomedical Science and completed his teaching qualification through the Teach for Australia Leadership Development Program. Having worked in the government school system for a decade, James has held a wide range of positions as a teacher and leader across P-12, including as a Science/maths teacher, curriculum leader, coach and most recently as leading teacher for year 9.

He has previously worked for the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority building teaching capacity across the whole of Victoria and was also his school’s lead in the Victorian Teaching and Leadership Academy’s Leading Curriculum and Assessment program.

James is passionate about the connection between student wellbeing, agency and learning and the need to see the student as a whole person for them to be successful and grow. He is a basketball tragic and lives in Geelong with his partner and their cat and greyhounds.

James Bayard
Year 9 Assistant Principal – Teaching and Learning Excellence

Meet the Year 8 Assistant Principal

Teaching & Learning Excellence

Daniel Piacquadio has worked in the Goulbourn Valley region supporting the diverse needs of a highly complex school as both a Literacy and Wellbeing and Engagement leader. He comes to Truganina with a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) and Masters of Teaching Practice from RMIT.

He has a strong belief in supporting all students to reach their academic potential and incorporates his academic background in psychology to empower students through a restorative and introspective approach to understanding themselves as school and global citizens.

Daniel lives in Caroline Springs, cherishing the company of his wife, young child and two Labradoodles.

When you see them out in the yard be sure to introduce yourself.

Daniel Piacquadio
Year 8 Assistant Principal – Teaching and Learning Excellence

Meet the Year 7 Assistant Principal

Student Wellbeing & Engagement

Joshua Kamener joined Truganina P-9 in Term 4 of 2022. He has an Arts degree and his Masters of Teaching (secondary). He has also completed the Impact: Emerging Leaders program at Bastow and the Teach for Australia Leadership Development Program.

He has worked in a range of mainstream and specialist settings, teaching German, humanities and leading professional learning. Most recently he worked as an Assistant Principal of a school in custody.

Josh lives with his wife, two-year-old daughter and pet cavoodle in the western suburbs and is a self-proclaimed sports nerd.

He is passionate about inclusive education and school improvement and loves seeing young people enjoy their learning, believe in themselves and be hopeful about their future.

Joshua Kamener
Year 7 Assistant Principal - Student Wellbeing and Engagement

Meet the Year 6 Assistant Principal

Teaching & Learning Excellence: Adult Learning

Leanne McNaughton came to Truganina College at the beginning of 2016 as a Visual Art Specialist. Leanne has worked at various schools in Gippsland, Geelong, Hobart and around the Western Suburbs of Melbourne, where she has taught every year level from Kinder to Year 9, primarily as a classroom teacher.

Leanne has a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a major in Psychology and Commerce at Deakin University. She has successfully completed the Inspire program at Bastow and worked as an ‘Education Changemaker’ as part of the Intercultural Capabilities Project with the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership.

Leanne leads Adult Learning at the college, where she models excellence in teaching and learning for colleagues and works alongside teachers in their classrooms to help improve students’ learning outcomes through improved teaching practice. Leanne’s philosophy is that we are life-long learners and we are all on a learning journey to continually improve our practice and strive to be the best educators for the students within our care.

Leanne lives in Ocean Grove with her husband, and they have two children of whom they are extremely proud.

Leanne is a ‘people person’ who genuinely cares about all students, staff and the wider community of Truganina College. She wants to make a difference in the lives of young people and focuses on supporting students’ social and emotional wellbeing. Leanne is passionate about making education engaging and motivating for students so they can achieve academic success.

Leanne McNaughton
Year 6 Assistant Principal – Teaching And Learning Excellence: Adult Learning

Meet the Year 5 Assistant Principal

Teaching and Learning Excellence: Excellence and Equity

Sharon Hunt joined Truganina P-9 College in Term 3, 2021. Sharon has been an educator for over 20 years and has worked across three states educating both Primary and Secondary students. She has worked in leadership roles at both Williamstown North Primary School and Parkwood Green Primary School. As a curriculum leader she has a passion in Literacy, specifically in the area of Enrichment. Sharon is trained in IMSLE which is a recognised practice for students with Dyslexia.

Sharon lives in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne with her husband and three boys. They spend their summer months involved with their local Life Saving Club.

As an educator and a school leader, Sharon values the importance of creating strong and sustained partnerships with families and the wider community to develop a positive and strong learning environment for all stakeholders.

Sharon Hunt
Year 5 Assistant Principal – Teaching and Learning Excellence: Excellence and Equity

Year 5.4

Melanie Park
Learning Specialist – Numeracy Excellence and Equity
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher

Amy Ditchburn
Classroom Teacher

Janet Tavui
Classroom Teacher

Sarah Daniele
STEM Teacher

Meet the Year 4 Assistant Principal

Teaching and Learning Excellence: Early Years Numeracy

Adrian joined Truganina P-9 College in Term 4 2023. He has a Bachelor of Music degree (Classical/Jazz) and a Diploma in Education. Adrian has also completed Leading Literacy at the Victorian Academy Of Teaching and Leadership.

He has worked in a range of schools from Secondary to Primary, teaching English, Music and Studio Arts.

Adrian lives with his wife and two children in Bacchus Marsh and enjoys his time hiking, playing music and lifting weights.

He is passionate about reading, writing and improving student outcomes by nurturing students' strengths and providing an inclusive learning environment.

Adrian
Year 4 Assistant Principal – Teaching And Learning Excellence: Early Years Numeracy

Meet the Year 3 Assistant Principal

Teaching and Learning Excellence

Jonathan has been in Education for 19 years and has worked in multiple schools in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne and within Geelong. He really enjoys the opportunity to work with all key stakeholders to further drive the academic, social, emotional and physical wellbeing of every student.

Jonathan has lived in Geelong with his wife for the last 15 years and has two primary aged children. They enjoy spending time together, watching football (Go Bulldogs) and seeing friends and family.

Jonathan Skipworth
Year 3 Assistant Principal – Teaching And Learning Excellence

Year 3.4

Kimberley Phan
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher

Kathryn Anderson
Classroom Teacher

Stephanie Baldasso
Classroom Teacher

Year 2.4

Kym Challen
Team Leader & Classroom Teacher

Harneet Mann
Classroom Teacher

Robyn Forsyth
Classroom Teacher

Rosy Pharwaha
Classroom Teacher

Year 1.4

Gurpreet Batth
Team Leader and STEM Teacher

Mandeep Kaur
Classroom Teacher

Emi Ipedal
Classroom Teacher

Kathryn Anderson
Art Teacher

Principal

Nicole O’Brien was part of the foundation staff that opened the College in 2015. Nicole is a passionate educator with global experience in Education including both interstate and overseas appointments throughout her career.

Nicole lives in the Macedon Ranges with her husband Matt and their little boy Dustin. They all share a love of animals and their pets include dogs, cats and lots of chooks!

Nicole has a Bachelor of Education (University of South Australia), Specialist Certificate in Clinical Teaching (Melbourne University) and has recently completed the Unlocking Potential – Principal Preparation Program at the Bastow Institute for Educational Leadership. In 2018 and 2019, Nicole was a facilitator for INSPIRE, where she provided high potential leaders with the foundational capabilities required for school leadership. She used her experience to support and empower emerging leaders from schools in the Wyndham Network to learn collaboratively, develop leadership capabilities targeted to their career stage and to understand the skills and dispositions required to succeed as a teacher leader.

Nicole’s focus on excellence in teaching and learning is always evident by her love of student learning data, using the Framework for Improving Student Outcomes to inform all we do and ensuring all teaching and learning links directly to the High Impact Teaching Strategies and our Truganina College Instructional Framework. Nicole’s drive for a differentiated curriculum continues to contribute to the high expectations, achievement and success of the students and staff at Truganina College.

Nicole O'Brien
Principal

Rhiannon Porter

Foundation and Year 2 Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning Excellence