Information

Our Staff

Meet the 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

Meet the Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning Excellence: Middle Years Numeracy

Sadia Toqeer joined Truganina College in Term 1 2016. She has a Bachelor of Science (Biology), a Diploma in Education (Primary), a Master of Education and has also completed the CREATE program at Bastow.

She has taught across a range of educational settings in Melbourne and overseas with a focus on curriculum development and implementation.

Sadia is passionate about building strong educational partnerships between staff, students, families and the broader community to ensure outstanding growth is achieved for every child at the College.

Sadia Toqeer

Deputy Principal - Teaching And Learning Excellence: Middle Years Numeracy

Meet the Director of Learning and Wellbeing Excellence – Foundation to Year 3

Rhiannon Porter joined Truganina P-9 College in Term 1, 2022.  She has a Bachelor of Applied Science, a Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary) and a Master of Instructional Leadership through the University of Melbourne, completed in 2020.

Rhiannon has experience across a number of educational settings, including P-6, P-9 and P-12, predominately in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne.

She is an instructional leader and is passionate about leading school improvement in the key areas of literacy, assessment and reporting.

Prior to her years in education, Rhiannon worked across a number of fields including corporate real estate, hospitality and local government.

Rhiannon lives in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne with her husband, two teenage children and three cats – Oreo, Kelby and Buttercup.

Rhiannon will be leading the College to ensure evidence-based literacy instruction occurs in every classroom, allowing all students the greatest opportunities for success.

Rhiannon Porter

Director of Learning and Wellbeing Excellence - Foundation to Year 3

Meet the Director of Learning and Wellbeing Excellence – Year 4 to Year 7

Christina Arnold joined Truganina P-9 College in Term 2, 2021. Christina previously worked at Manor Lakes P-12 College for 5 years. During this time, she worked as a Primary classroom teacher, Learning Specialist and Acting Assistant Principal for Wellbeing. Christina has also worked at Concord School in the Northern suburbs for 6 years as a classroom teacher. She has completed a Bachelor of Education at RMIT University and a Masters in Special Education with Deakin University.

Christina lives on the Bellarine Peninsula with her son, their dog and two cats. Christina enjoys spending time at the beach with her dog, yoga and meditation.

Christina is passionate about ensuring that students are the centre of every decision that she makes.

Christina Arnold

Director of Learning and Wellbeing Excellence - Year 4 to Year 7

Meet the Director of Learning and Wellbeing Excellence – Year 8 and Year 9

Lucy Francis joined Truganina P-9 College in Term 4 2021.

Lucy has been an educator for 19 years. While she began her career at Frankston High School, she has worked predominantly in international schools in the Middle East, Hong Kong and India leading the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (Grade 6-10); a concept based inquiry driven curriculum with a focus on authentic contexts.

Immediately prior to joining Truganina P-9 College, Lucy worked as a Clinical Teaching Specialist at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne in addition to working as an Educational Consultant supporting schools with professional learning in the area of assessment for teaching.

Lucy lives in the city and is enjoying reconnecting with her family, friends and past colleagues.

Lucy is passionate about empowering and challenging middle school students to prepare them for success at both senior secondary school and beyond.

Lucy Francis

Director of Learning and Wellbeing Excellence - Year 8 and Year 9

Meet the Year 1 Assistant Principal

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

Year 1 Assistant Principal

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

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. She is a registered practitioner with the Australian Dyslexia Association.

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

Meet the Year 6 Assistant Principal – Teaching and 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

Meet the Year 7 Assistant Principal – Student Wellbeing and 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 8 Assistant Principal – Teaching and 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 9 Assistant Principal -Teaching and 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

Professional Learning Community 0.1 – Foundation

Ivanka Fiamengo
Learning Specialist – Excellence and Equity – Literacy
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher

Kaetlyn Bevilacqua
Classroom Teacher

Sarah Haslam
Classroom Teacher

Casey MacLean
Classroom Teacher

Meredith Wrigley
Spanish Teacher

Professional Learning Community 0.2 – Foundation

Jane Ryan
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher

Diem Vo
Classroom Teacher

Emma Pei
Classroom Teacher

Harry Koumanias
P.E. Teacher

Professional Learning Community 0.3 – Foundation

Chloe Borg
 Team Leader and Classroom Teacher

Greg Lee
Classroom Teacher

Mandy Debilzan
Classroom Teacher

Rebecca Morgan
Classroom Teacher

Mariam Zaki
Classroom Teacher

Professional Learning Community 1.1 – Year 1

Zoya Hussain
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher

Renee Avery
Classroom Teacher

Sumayye Gunsay
Classroom Teacher

Roohi Walia
STEM Teacher

Professional Learning Community 1.2 – Year 1

Vicki Stanley
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher

Rajwinder Masson
Classroom Teacher

Shamama Hussain
Classroom Teacher

Sargon Barkho
P.E. Teacher

Professional Learning Community 1.3 – Year 1

Nimmi Mendes
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher

Nathan Williamson
Classroom Teacher

Jennifer Nguyen
Respectful Relationships Teacher

Professional Learning Community 1.4 – Year 1

Sarah Berry
Team Leader and STEM Teacher

Gurpreet Batth
Team Leader and STEM Teacher

Mandeep Kaur
Classroom Teacher

Emi Ipedal
Classroom Teacher

Kathryn Anderson
Art Teacher

Professional Learning Community 2.1 – Year 2

Chris Robinson
Classroom Teacher

Michael Debilzan
Classroom Teacher

Professional Learning Community 2.2 – Year 2

Harjot Kaur
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher

Isperee Singh
Classroom Teacher

Nidia Mendez
Spanish Teacher

Professional Learning Community 2.3 – Year 2

Dilani Bombuwelage Don
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher

Scarlett Nguyen
STEM Teacher

Meg Cogdon
Respectful Relationships and Art Teacher

Lachlan Petruccelli
P.E. Teacher

Kylie Lidgerwood
Art Teacher

Professional Learning Community 2.4 – Year 2

Kym Challen
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher

Harneet Mann
Classroom Teacher

Robyn Forsyth
Classroom Teacher

 

Professional Learning Community 3.1 – Year 3

Inderpreet Kaur
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher

Livia Yang
Classroom Teacher

Gary Bowman
Classroom Teacher

Professional Learning Community 3.2 – Year 3

Andrew Pateras
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher

Bianca Stagliano
Classroom Teacher

Rachel Hall
Classroom Teacher

Rosa Ieria
Spanish Teacher

Professional Learning Community 3.3 – Year 3

Elaine Loizides
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher

Erin Taylor
Learning Specialist – Pedogy Coach – Numeracy
Classroom Teacher

Elizabeth Blias
Classroom Teacher

Phil Lloyd
Classroom Teacher

Professional Learning Community 3.4 – Year 3

Kimberley Phan
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher

Kathryn Anderson
Classroom Teacher

Stephanie Baldasso
Classroom Teacher

Professional Learning Community 4.1 – Year 4

Sumeet Kaur
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher

Linda Keeling
Classroom Teacher

Courtney Hodgson
Learning Specialist – Student Success Coordinator
Naplan Coordinator
Classroom Teacher

Dayna Williams
Art Teacher

Professional Learning Community 4.2 – Year 4

James Damjanovski
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher

Polina Flint
Classroom Teacher

Letitia Wang
Classroom Teacher

Professional Learning Community 4.3 – Year 4

Marina Hohua
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher

Mariyam Raza
Classroom Teacher

Leisa Blanche
Classroom Teacher

Damien Fatini
P.E. Teacher

Professional Learning Community 5.1 – Year 5

Taylor Rhodes
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher

Stephanie Li
Classroom Teacher

Letisha Hirniak
Art Teacher

Professional Learning Community 5.2 – Year 5

Kellee Cristino
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher

Silsila Amini
Classroom Teacher

Jake Farrow
P.E. Teacher

Peter Goodman
P.E. Teacher

Professional Learning Community 5.3 – Year 5

Hannah Tooze
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher

Tolga Kanbur
Classroom Teacher

Kelsey Lucas
Pedagogy Coach – Respectful Relationships
Classroom Teacher

Zahra Saadat
Classroom Teacher

Kiran Khan
STEM Teacher

Professional Learning Community 5.4 – Year 5

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

Amy Ditchburn
Classroom Teacher

Hanan Khalil
Classroom Teacher

Sarah Daniele
STEM Teacher

Professional Learning Community 6.1 – Year 6

Ayda Haouchar
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher

Xavier O’Halloran
Learning Specialist – Engagement and Wellbeing
Classroom Teacher

Ann Le
Learning Specialist – Student Success Cordinator
Classroom Teacher

Michelle Daly
Art Teacher

Professional Learning Community 6.2 – Year 6

Roma Gill
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher

Rose Hashim
Leading Specialist – Pedagogy – Literacy
Classroom Teacher

Caitlyn Charlesworth
Classroom Teacher

Ivor Dyall
Classroom Teacher

 

Professional Learning Community 6.3 – Year 6

John Whitehouse
Team Leader and P.E. Teacher

Aimee Boyd
Classroom Teacher

Shweta Anand
Classroom Teacher

Kellie Hindmarch
Classroom Teacher

Marwa Warsame
Classroom Teacher

 

Professional Learning Community 7 – Year 7

Grace Thomas
Year 7 Team Leader and Year 7 Teacher

Lauren Gibson
Year 7 Team Leader and Year 7 Teacher

Pawani Kohli
Year 7 Team Leader and Year 7 Teacher

Prafulla Erra
Year 7 Team Leader and Year 7 Teacher

Alicia Pettinella
Year 7 Team Leader and Year 7 Teacher
HAPE Teacher

Rita Duber
Year 7 Teacher

Darcy Lauder
Year 7 Teacher

Calypso Owen
Year 7 Teacher

Jennifer Tanner
Year 7 Teacher

Swagata Rudra
Year 7 Teacher

Cameron Shanks
Year 7 Teacher

Leela Fernandez
Year 7 Teacher

Chiarenne Cooper
Year 7 Teacher
Music Teacher

 

Professional Learning Community 8 – Year 8

Sabrina Baker
Year 8 Team Leader and Year 8 Teacher
Art Teacher

Naseem Sayeda
Year 8 Team Leader and Year 8 Teacher

Jackie Cusack
Year 8 Team Leader and Year 8 Teacher
HAPE Teacher

Brett Shiel
Year 8 Team Leader and Year 8 Teacher

Will Cooper
Year 8 Team Leader and Year 8 Teacher

Tania Fota
Learning Specialist – Transitions and Pathways
Year 8 Teacher
Spanish Teacher

Parnett Kaur
Year 8 Teacher

Sarah Thompson
Year 8 Teacher

Kevin Ngo
Year 8 Teacher

Jasen Couttiguane
Year 8 Teacher

Nellie Gunathilake
Year 8 Teacher

Jessie Patterson
Learning Specialist – Pedagogy Coach – Numeracy
Year 8 Teacher

Ashima Ghuman
Year 8 Teacher

Professional Learning Community 9 – Year 9

Daniel Suarez
Year 9 Team Leader and Year 9 Teacher
HAPE Teacher

Joanna Gee
Learning Specialist – Literacy
Year 9 Team Leader and Year 9 Teacher

Stephen Ireland
Year 9 Teacher

Manisha Kakkar
Year 9 Teacher

Matthew Owens-Gale
Year 9 Teacher

Tamanna Juli
Year 9 Teacher

Suh-Yeon Kim
Year 9 Teacher

David Shea
Year 9 Teacher

 

 

 

Soundgarage Music School

Patrick O’Brien
Manager of Soundgarage Music School

 

Wellbeing Team

Jordan O’Connor
Provisional Psychologist

Erika Benitez
Mental Health Practitioner

Meg Olive
School Counsellor

Priyanka Singh
School Counsellor

Courtney Santullo
Education Support

Sarah Knight
School Nurse

Hannah Viado-Vega
School Nurse

Education Support

Abha Doda
Intergration Aide

Afshan Karim
Learning Support

Ami Bhaiyaji
Intergration Aide

Anita Srinivasan
Intergration Aide

Anmol Walia
Intergration Aide

Anu Cyriac
Intergration Aide

Ariba Fatima
Learning Support

Arooj Fatima
Learning Support

Avni Shah
Learning Support

Bhawna Dogra
Learning Support

Bhoomika Vala
Learning Support

Bree Sullivan
Learning Support

Brooke Cole
Food Tech Assistant

Colleen Scott
Intergration Aide

Daljit Kaur
Intergration Aide

Dammi Suriya Mudiyanselage
Food Tech Assistant

Donna Curtis
Intergration Aide

Faiza Faisal
Intergration Aide

Garima Walia
Intergration Aide

Gurleen Sodhi
Intergration Aide

Gurpreet Gill
Learning Support

Harshala Gupta
Intergration Aide

Joshua Failla
Learning Support

Jyothsna Basireddy
Learning Support

Kamala Selvakannan
Learning Support

Karishma Soni
Learning Support

Keerthi Bhimavarapu
Intergration Aide

Kelly Carter
Intergration Aide

Khuteja Almas
Learning Support

Kiranjeet Kaur
Learning Support

Kirsten Mellios
Learning Support

Kirsty Evans
Learning Support

Lauren Baker
Learning Support

Manisha Patel
Intergration Aide

Melanie Matsakos
Learning Support

Mitesha Patel
Learning Support

Nashia Anzar
Intergration Aide

Navjot Dhaliwal
Learning Support

Nazlie Ajam
Intergration Aide

Nilo Fatima
Learning Support

Nirmesha Pathak
Intergration Aide

Paola Zevallos
Learning Support

Priya Katwe
Learning Support

Rebecca Coggan
Intergration Aide

Rukshani Nagaratne
Learning Support

Safna Fawzan
Learning Support

Sajida Awan
Learning Support

Sandip Kaur
Learning Support

Saniya Khatoon
Learning Support

Shaveta Bhanot
Learning Support

Sonal Shah
Intergration Aide

Sue Vithanage
Intergration Aide

Swe Zin Myint
Learning Support

Tammy Todd
Intergration Aide

Theo Huang
Learning Support

Timothy Bilogrevic
Learning Support

Urmil Khatana
Intergration Aide

Uzma Usama
Intergration Aide

Vitina Scremin
Intergration Aide

Vrunda Patel
Learning Support

Zainab Khalil
Learning Support

Zahra Sania
Learning Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enrichment Team

Nicole Puttyfoot
Enrichment Team Leader
Level Literacy Intervention (LLI) and MultiLIt

Anjali Dhaka
Level Literacy Intervention (LLI) and MultiLIt

Amita Mittal
Level Literacy Intervention (LLI) and MultiLIt

Feride Kulafi
Level Literacy Intervention (LLI) and MultiLIt

Gunjan Mahajan
Level Literacy Intervention (LLI) and MultiLIt

Labina Khan
Level Literacy Intervention (LLI) and MultiLIt

Marianna Kountouri
Level Literacy Intervention (LLI) and MultiLIt

Matthew Byrnes
Level Literacy Intervention (LLI) and MultiLIt

Rashmi Pal
Level Literacy Intervention (LLI) and MultiLIt

Tina Kountouri
Level Literacy Intervention (LLI) and MultiLIt

Student Success

Ann Le
Student Success Coordinator

Courtney Hodgson
Student Success Coordinator

Cassidy Marsh
Data Analyst

Pedagogy Coaches

Erin Taylor
Pedagogy Coach

Jessie Patterson
Pedagogy Coach

Kelsey Lucas
Pedagogy Coach

Rose Hashim
Pedagogy Coach

Librarians

Jane Burrows
Library Manager

Roisin Danaher
Library Manager

Mamta Srivastava
Library Technician

Geethika Perera
Library Assistant

Administration Team

Helen Salmond
Business Manager

Kerry Kun
Executive Manager
Daily Organiser

Lisa Rouvray
Enrolments Manager & PSDMS Administrator

Kate Sutcliffe
Administration

Sharon Minett
Administration

Ann Williams
Reception

Suzanne Romero
Administration

Sibel Kacmazer
Administration/First Aid Officer

Jessica Radford
Middle Years Administration

Kymberley Sharp
Middle Years Administration

Elisha Schafer
Middle Years Administration

I.T. Team

Shaquil Elias
I.T.

Facilities Team

Mark Sewart
Facilities Manager

Paul Rathjen
Facilities Officer

Ainsley Sprague
Maintenance

Kirsty Young
Maintenance

School Council

 

School Councils play a key role in Victorian government schools. The School Council supports the Principal to provide the best possible educational outcomes for students.

The role of School Council as outlined in the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 is one of helping to set the long term future for the school and maintaining oversight of the school’s operation. The Principal is responsible for the leadership of the school and acts as the Executive Officer of Council.

School Council responsibilities can include

  • Contributing to the development of the Strategic Plan.
  • Approving the annual budget.
  • Working with the school to develop, review and update policies.
  • Representing the views of the school community.
  • Arranging for items needed for the running of the school.
  • Raising funds to support school initiatives & programs.
  • Making sure the school grounds and buildings are maintained.
  • Creating positive interest in the school within the community.

2023 School Council 

Our school constituting orders as endorsed by the Minister for Education; Hon Natalie Hutchins MP, state that our Council shall consist of six members comprising of the Principal, one department employee, three parents and one community member.

The role of School Council as outlined in the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 is one of helping to set the long term future for the school and
maintaining an overview of the school’s operation. The Principal is responsible for the management of the school and acts as the Executive Officer of Council.

Any questions can be directed to School Council Secretary; Helen Salmond via the school office on 9368 9800.

2023 School Council Members are:

President:  Dhara Parekh
Vice President: Geetanjali Gaba
Treasurer:  Jodie Argueta
Principal: Nicole O’Brien
DET Representative: Sadia Toqeer
Community Member: Adrian Gonnella
Member:
Rahima Ahmed
Member: Isha Chawla
Member: Ashish Karambelkar
Student Representative: Kisa Naqvi
Student Representative: Ansh Nayak

 

2022 School Council 

In 2022 our School Council consisted of Parent, Community and Department of Education (DET) members including; School Council
President; Dhara Parekh, Vice President; Shashank Jain; Treasurer; Dhara Patel, Parents; DET Representative; Sadia Toqeer; Community Member; Adrian Gonnella; Student Representatives; Ashton Lim and Anahat Marwaha and Principal; Nicole O’Brien. I would like to extend a sincere thank you for their outstanding governance and support of our wonderful school.

 

School Council Reports

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Enrolment

Officially opening in 2015, Truganina College is located within the City of Wyndham at 55 Clearwood Drive, Truganina. The area is believed to be named after Truganini, a full-blooded Aboriginal Tasmanian woman who spent a short time in the area.

In 2015, the first stage of Truganina College opened and provided classrooms and specialist spaces for students in Years Foundation – 6. The second stage opened in late 2016 and involves learning communities for students in Years 7 – 9, additional specialist spaces and a gymnasium. The College is organised around the primary and secondary stages of schooling. The school focuses on effective transition from Early Learning Centres and to Senior Secondary education.

Truganina College has a Neighbourhood Boundary.
findmyschool.vic.gov.au hosts the most up-to-date information about Victorian school zones.

Information on this site is updated in Term 1 each year.

To visit the site, see: www.findmyschool.vic.gov.au

If you have a question about school zones call the VSBA Hotline on 1800 896 950 or email: vsba@edumail.vic.gov.au

Proof of residency is required at the time of enrolment.

Truganina College require all new enrolments to provide proof of address, plesae see what documents are required here:

Check Box For Enrolment 2022 and 2023

For all enrolment enquiries, please contact Truganina College on the details below:

Find My School link

Kinder to Foundation Transitions

Kindergarten to Foundation Transition

Truganina College Details

Bunurong Country
55 Clearwood Drive, Truganina, 3029

Principal: Nicole O’Brien
Deputy Principal: Sadia Toqeer
Director of Learning & Wellbeing Excellence – Years 8 & 9:
Lucy Francis
Director of Learning & Wellbeing Excellence – Years 4 to 7:
Christina Arnold
Director of Learning & Wellbeing Excellence – Foundation to Year 3:
Rhiannon Porter
Assistant Principal:Rhiannon Porter
Assistant Principal:
Stefanie Chiurtu
Assistant Principal: Jonathan Skipworth
Assistant Principal: Christina Arnold
Assistant Principal: Leanne McNaughton
Assistant Principal: Sharon Hunt
Assistant Principal: Joshua Kamener
Assistant Principal: Daniel Piacquadio
Assistant Principal: James Bayard
Business Manager: Helen Salmond

Phone: 03 9368 9800

Email: truganina.p9.co@education.vic.gov.au

Enrolments for 2023

Enrolment at Truganina College – First Step

If you wish to enrol your child at Truganina College, please contact our Enrolments Manager on enrolments@truganinap9.vic.edu.au with the following information:

  • Child’s name
  • DOB
  • Residential Address
  • Previous School (if applicable)

The Enrolments Manager will respond via email. If you do not have access to email, please call the school on 9368 9800.

Foundation Enrolments for 2024

The Department of Education (DE) has a statewide Foundation (Prep) enrolment timeline. 

The timeline advises families when and how to enrol their child into Foundation (Prep) at a Victorian government primary school, including Truganina College. 

You can find information and resources about the enrolment timeline and procedures at: Enrolling in Foundation (Prep)

Enrolments are now open for 2024, please contact Lisa Rouvray our Enrolments Manager on enrolments@truganinap9.vic.edu.au

Proof of residency is required at the time of enrolment. 

Truganina College require all new enrolments to provide proof of address, please see what documents are required here: 

 2023 Truganina College Parent Payment Policy

2023 Explanation of Charges Foundation to Year 6

Voluntary donation requests for the College’s Building Fund and Library Fund can be paid via Compass.

Camps and Excursions: when in addition to the standard curriculum program are self-funded and must be met by parents, as the college is unable to recover this cost from other sources of funding.

For further information regarding Parent Payment Categories please click on the following link: Parent Payment Policy

Please also refer to Department of Education and Training website for further details

Methods of Payment & Statement of Accounts

Truganina College offers various ways to pay family accounts. Families can pay their child’s account via Compass, over the phone with credit card or at the General Office. All payments will be receipted into the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DET) approved accounting system in a timely manner. All processes will follow DET’s guidelines and procedures as they apply at that time.

Primary COMPASS Community Portal

Parents can pay for Events and some School Charges via Compass.

For events please ensure that you give approval online and pay by the due date as the system will lock you out after this date. You must contact the General Office to make a payment after the due date has passed.

 

Financial Support Options

CSEF – Camps, Sports and Excursion Funding

Families holding a valid means-tested concession card or temporary foster parents are eligible to apply. Each family receives $125.00 per year for eligible primary school students or $225 per year paid for eligible secondary school ​students. A special​​ consideration eligibility category also exists.

Payments are made directly to the school and are tied to the student.

Please note: If you applied in 2022 your application will carry over to 2023. You do not need to submit a new application unless your circumstances have changed.

Please submit applications to the Front Office. For any questions please email Ann Williams –  truganina.p9.co@education.vic.gov.au

Application Form

Refund Policy for Camps, Excursions & Incursions (on-site activities)

  • All Camps, Excursions and Incursions are fully self-funded.
  • On site activities and Incursions at the College will not be refunded in the case of absence or withdrawal.
  • One day excursions will not be refunded in the case of absence or withdrawal.
  • Camps – In the case of illness or withdrawal there maybe chance of a partial refund where a camp provider is willing to refund the camp cost for your child. A written statement from a parent is necessary with a bona fide excuse. A request of a supporting medical certificate will be required.
  • To discuss further please contact Alyssa Tobin –  truganina.p9.co@education.vic.gov.au or phone the School on 9368 9800.

2023 Explanation of Charges Year 7 to 9

Year 7 To 9 Curriculum Contributions 2023

This year we will be using an online only ordering system for Year 7 to Year 9 stationery packs for 2023 with Paperchase Office National.  Your child’s stationery pack will be delivered free of charge to your home address if the order is placed by 20th December 2022.Online ordering is now open, please click on the link below, using the access code  BTSTC79

Truganina College makes every effort to keep the cost of curriculum contributions to a minimum.

Media

Below are links to media releases featuring Truganina College.

Purpose Statement

Community Engagement in Learning Team

Our staff are committed to engaging families in their children’s learning. Our aim is to provide opportunities for families to participate in experiences that will help build an understanding of how our children learn. We strive to strengthen educational partnerships across our College community and beyond.

Useful Information

Marrung Strategy

Marrung – Aboriginal Education Plan at Truganina College

The Marrung Vision:

Victoria will be a State where the rich and thriving culture, knowledge and experience of our First Nations peoples are celebrated by all Victorians; where our universal service systems are inclusive, responsive and respectful of Koorie people at every stage of their learning and development journey; and where every Koorie person achieves their potential, succeeds in life, and feels strong in their cultural identity. 

At Truganina College, we are committed to supporting the Marrung Vision by:

  • Celebrating our First Nations peoples rich and thriving culture by acknowledging the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders by naming our College’s Houses after Cathy Freeman, Jonathan Thurston, Albert Namatjira and David Yunaipon.

  • Being inclusive, responsive and respectful of Koorie people at every stage of their learning and development journey by ensuring Koorie students have Individual Learning Action Plans and access to support beyond the classroom.

  • Embedding knowledge of Koorie experiences and culture within all aspects of our Curriculum Planning in Years F-9. This is highlighted through the development of Resource Tubs, which contain Rich Literature that reflect Koorie culture and traditions.

  • Continuing to acknowledge the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our curriculum and the college to build in our students’ respect and deep appreciation for their contributions to society.

 

Marrung Aboriginal Education Plan on Department Website: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/about/programs/aboriginal/Marrung_Aboriginal_Education_Plan_2016-2026.pdf 

Information Sessions

2023 Assessment Information Night Presentation

 

NAPLAN Information Session: An Opportunity to Participate in Your Child’s Learning

Helping Your Child Succeed

Tips to Support Learning at Home

See the videos below for easy tips to help your child’s learning at home in the following languages: English, Somali, Somoa, Hindi and Urdu. 

Educational Resources

In this presentation you will find some easy tips for how to access a variety of Educatoinal Resources that have been developed by the Community Engagement in Learning Team to support learning at home.

Supporting Your Child’s Learning through Educational Resources

Mathletics

In this presentation you will find some easy tips to support your child to use Mathletics at home.

Supporting Your Child to Use Mathletics at Home

Educational Resources

At Truganina College, we set high expectations for all students to succeed. Please find below a selection of key educational resources to motivate and support your child’s learning at school as well as at home.

 

Reading Mantra

We developed this Reading Mantra here at Truganina College as a brief, visual guide to help support our students develop their thinking and deepen their understanding of what they are reading. Students use this across the College during reading.
Click here to access resources.

F-9 Reading Mantra

The following videos show students using the Reading Mantra for deeper understanding – Video

 

 

 

Reading Mantra Dinka

Reading Mantra Hindi

Reading Mantra Samoan

Reading Mantra Somali

Reading Mantra Urdu

 

Maths Mantra

We developed this Maths Mantra here at Truganina College as a brief guide to help support our students thinking when they are responding/solving Maths problems. It’s simply a structured way for them to think about how to do this.

Click here for more information.

Years F-4 Maths Mantra

Years 5-9 Maths Mantra

This video shows students using the Maths Mantra for problem solving – Video

 

Maths Mantra Foundation Year 4 Dinka

Maths Mantra Foundation Year 4 Hindi

Maths Mantra Foundation Year 4 Samoan

Maths Mantra Foundation Year 4 Somali

Maths Mantra Foundation Year 4 Urdu

Maths Mantra Years 5 9 Dinka

Maths Mantra Years 5 9 Hindi

Maths Mantra Years 5 9 Samoan

Reading Mantra Somali

Maths Mantra Years 5 9 Urdu

Responsible Digital Citizen

As Responsible Digital Citizens at Truganina College, students agree to follow the expectations set out in the attached poster when using ICT (Information and Communication Techlonogy).

Digital Citizen IPad Visible

Reading Comprehension Strategies

Truganina College has a  strong focus on developing and extending reading comprehension skills.
Here you will find useful resources to support your child’s reading comprehension at home.

Metacognition
‘See, Think, Wonder’ is a thinking strategy to develop an understanding of the text.
This strategy can be used when reading a picture storybook or a longer text for enjoyment. It can promote deeper thinking while reading non-fiction books (science, humanities, history). Students can use it when they read any text containing photographs or pictures.
This video shows how teachers use ‘See, Think, Wonder’ strategy at Truganina College to develop metacognition.

Click to see a list of questions you can ask your child during reading.

Questions To Ask During Reading

Student Work sample.

See, Think, Wonder Foundation Year 1 Student Work Sample

See, Think, Wonder Year 2 Year 4 Student Work Sample

See, Think, Wonder Year 5 Year 9 Student Work Sample

Predicting

Predicting is a comprehension strategy that requires students to make an educated guess about what is going to happen in the story. Students need to use information in the pictures, text, title and their prior knowledge to make an educated guess about the story.

 

Questions to ask your child before, during and after reading.

What do you think the book is going to be about? Why?

What do you think is going to happen next? Why?

What do you think might happen now? Why?

This video shows how teachers use this strategy to promote deeper thinking about stories through prediction.

Predicting F 2 Student Work Sample

Predicting 3 4 Student Work Sample

Predicting 5 9 Student Work Sample

Inferring

Inferring is a comprehension strategy that requires students to make an educated guess about a part of the story they are reading. Students need to use the evidence in the story such as the pictures, words and phrases to understand more than what is directly found in the book.

Students can infer character emotions and guess the meaning of unknown words using the clues in the text to help them.

This video shows how teachers use this strategy to promote deeper thinking about stories through inferring.

Inferring F 2 Student Work Sample

Inferring 3 4 Student Work Sample

Inferring 5 9 Student Work Sample

Summarising and Retelling

Summaring and Retelling is a comprehension strategy to help students focus on the important parts of the story and communicate this to a teacher, friend or family member.

This strategy can be used after reading any piece of writing. After reading ask your child:
Can you tell me what happened in the story?
Then what happened?
What happened at the end?
What was the most important part of the story?

This video shows how teachers and families can use support students to retell and summarise after reading.

Summarising And Retelling F 2 Student Work Sample

Summarising And Retelling 3 4 Student Work Sample

Summarising And Retelling 5 9 Student Work Sample

 

Books and Libraries

 

Truganina College Library

The College library is a focal point for celebrating literature and reading in our community. The library holds books, graphic novels and magazines to meet the diverse interests of students from Foundation to Year 9.

Every student has regular opportunities to visit the library and borrow from the collection.

Access the library catalogue.

Contact the library for more information or to ask a question: library@truganinap9.vic.edu.au

Story Box Library

Story Box Library

Story Box Library is an online subscription service featuring high-quality videos of picture books being read and performed by professional storytellers.

Familes can use the Story Box Library subscription at home. https://storyboxlibrary.com.au/

Log in details are required. Please contact the library:  library@truganinap9.vic.edu.au

Wushka

In this presentation you will find some easy tips to support your child to use Wushka at home.

Supporting Your Child to Use Wushka at Home

Wyndham City Libraries

Wyndham City Libraries

Wyndham Libraries is the local public library service for the Truganina community. Membership of public libraries is free, and it is free to borrow. Wyndham Libraries have books, magazines, DVDs and digital resources for all ages, and run free activities during the school holidays.

Students and their families are strongly recommended to sign up for a public library membership.

https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/libraries

More Reading Resources

In this presentation you will some easy tips and resources to help your child connect and engage with reading at home.

Supporting Your Child’s Reading at Home

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