Truganina College has a strong and vibrant education system that celebrates diversity and is committed to supporting the achievement and participation of all students. Inclusive education means that all members of every school community are valued and supported to fully participate, engage, grow, learn, develop and succeed within an inclusive school culture. Truganina College is a safe and inclusive school environment for students with disabilities and additional needs.
The Education Support Team for 5-9 students is led by Kelly Carter and Stefanie Chiurtu.
Vitina Scremin
Year 5 Integration Aide
Uzma Usama
Year 5 Integration Aide
Faiza Faisal
Year 6 Integration Aide
Anmol Walia
Year 7 Integration Aide
Sonal Shah
Year 8 Integration Aide
Kelly Carter
Year 9 Integration Aide
Truganina College has a strong and vibrant education system that celebrates diversity and is committed to supporting the achievement and participation of all students. Inclusive education means that all members of every school community are valued and supported to fully participate, engage, grow, learn, develop and succeed within an inclusive school culture. Truganina College is a safe and inclusive school environment for students with disabilities and additional needs.
The Education Support Team for F-4 students is led by Tammy Todd and Stefanie Chiurtu.
Harshala Gupta
Year 1 Integration Aide
Abha Doda
Year 2 Integration Aide
Anu Cyriac
Year 2 Integration Aide
Nazlie Ajam
Year 3 Integration Aide
Tammy Todd
Year 3 Integration Aide
Anita Srinivasan
Year 4 Integration Aide
This layer of School Improvement is lead Professional Learning Community (PLC) Leaders, Learning Specialists, Leading Teachers and Principal Class Officers. This team is the engine room of all we do at Truganina College. The passion, high attention to detail and commitment to believing every student can achieve is highly visible in all this team does. SIT PLC Team focuses on improving educational outcomes by driving the work of the Strategic Plan and Annual Implementation Plan through each of their PLCs. PLCs are no more than five staff and have a sub-school focus. The SIT PLC Team lead ongoing professional development for all staff. This professional learning is based on the High Impact Teaching Strategies, High Impact Wellbeing Strategies and High Impact Engagement Strategies.
Leading this team involves fostering collective efficacy with all staff and having a focus on academic emphasis around high expectations and educational excellence. This ensures the continuous growth and development of all learners at the College, both students and adults. The School Improvement Team – Professional Learning Communities is led by Sharon Hunt.
Sharon Hunt
Christina Arnold
Rhiannon Porter
Stefanie Chiurtu
David Yacoub
Jonathan Skipworth
Leanne McNaughton
Joshua Kamener
James Bayard
Daniel Piacqardio
Lucy Francis
Sadia Toqeer
Jane Ryan
Chloe Borg
Robyn Forsyth
Chloe Chan
Zoya Hussain
Gurpreet Batth
Shamama Hussain
Ivanka Fiamengo
Harjot Kaur
Dilani Bombuwelage Don
Chris Robinson
Renee Avery
Erin Taylor
Punsala Crofton
Andrew Pateras
Elaine Loizides
Inderpreet Kaur
Sumeet Kaur
Marina Hohua
Rachel Hall
James Damjanovski
Courtney Hodgson
Taylor Rhodes
Melanie Park
Rose Hashim
Kristine Lemus
Kellee Cristino
Hannah Tooze
Roma Gill
Ann Le
Jake Farrow
Kelsey Vo
Kellie Hindmarch
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
STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) engages students with hands-on, real-life applications of learning. Students apply the 21st century skills of communication, collaboration, critical and creative thinking as they work to solve real-world problems. Students follow the engineering design process to investigate contemporary issues, generate possible solutions, produce a chosen solution using relevant technology and evaluate their work. Students are equipped with the STEM skills essential for some of the fastest growing industries in modern society.
At Truganina College, Spanish is taught from Foundation to Year 9. Students become familiar with the sound systems of the Spanish language, including pronunciation, rhythm, pitch and stress. Students become familiar with the idea of grammatical gender and plural forms. They discuss differences and similarities they notice between Spanish and their first language and culture.
In years 7-9, Students in Spanish recognise similarities with many English words, noting differences in pronunciation and spelling. They understand and apply elements of Spanish grammar such as word order, simple verb forms, including common reflexive verbs; gender and number agreement of articles, nouns and adjectives; pronouns; and prepositions.
Science is all around us and at Truganina College; we look to fuel student’s curiosity about the world around them. By prompting an evidence based way of answering questions students will become familiar with four different areas of Science covering Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Space. Learning activities in Year 7 include; developing classification systems, observing and testing simple machines, investigating separation techniques and researching planet Earth and its features.
At Truganina College we are committed to encouraging students to remain active throughout their primary & middle years. Students will experience a range of sports and activities to further develop their motor skills. This includes supporting and expanding student knowledge of sports, skills and values students can gain from participating in physical education.
Students explore topics such as fitness, nutrition, mental health, societal issues and social and emotional wellbeing to enhance and understand how to contribute to a healthy and active community while engaging in a deeper understanding of the 21st Century world.
We are a college that pride ourselves on competing at an interschool sport level. As a proud member of School Sports Victoria our students throughout primary and middle years have opportunities to enhance their learning further by competing against other schools increase their understanding of sportsmanship and team work skills. This allows our students to foster respectful relationships and promote fair play and inclusivity. Truganina college has achieved success over previous years in interschool sport competitions with teams progressing from district and division tournaments to represent the college at regional events in an aim to become the best in the state.
Join Our Year 7 Music Program: Our Year 7 Music Program is a dynamic musical adventure that extends throughout the entire year, with all Year 7 students immersed in a comprehensive curriculum. In this program, we blend traditional and contemporary music elements, instrumental studies, and music production to provide a comprehensive musical education. Students explore various musical genres, enabling them to uncover their unique talents and interests. They'll express themselves through instrumental performances, while also diving into composition and production, turning their musical ideas into reality. We value every student's perspective and foster a collaborative environment where all voices are encouraged. By the end of Year 7, students build a strong foundation for future music studies in Years 8 and 9 as electives.
Unlock Your Musical Potential in Year 8 and 9: In Year 8 and 9, students have the opportunity to further their musical studies through our elective stream. Our holistic approach to music education encompasses a diverse range of musical experiences, with a focus on contemporary elements, as well as instrumental studies and music production. Our inclusive and collaborative environment ensures that every student's perspective is valued, and they are encouraged to actively contribute to the musical journey. By the end of Year 7, students are well-prepared to pursue further studies in music and set the stage for success in the future, whether in the music industry or as lifelong music enthusiasts.
Truganina College is committed to improving the mathematical skills of all our students. Teachers create a rich, engaging and purposeful learning environment with high expectations, catering to the needs of all students. Lessons across F-9 follow the Maths Lesson Structure, consisting of a connector, explicit teaching, learning experience and small group instruction, and the reflection. Each math lesson is differentiated to meet the needs of all students with a focus on using hands-on materials to support learning.
Truganina College offers an engaging humanities curriculum that is designed to challenge and inspire students, while focusing on the development of critical thinking skills. Through the study of ancient and modern history, geography, civics, economics and business studies, we aim to empower our students to explore and understand the world, supporting both their academic growth and personal development. Through sparking curiosity and nurturing empathy, the study of humanities supports our students to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Independent reading is an integral part of our morning routine at Truganina College. From 8:35am, all students in Foundation to Year 9 have the opportunity to immerse themselves with the variety of rich texts we have at the college. To deepen their understanding of what they are reading, students refer to our Reading Mantra and use Duke and Pearson comprehension strategies such as predicting, questioning, and inferring. Our students learn how to be amazing writers by learning about what good writing looks like through the 6+1 Traits model. Across the college, teachers confer with students and provide feedback individually and in small groups to further support and extend the literacy skills of our students.
In Drama, students develop skills around characterisation through improvisation. Students are presented with a variety of different characters and scenarios that require them to think on the spot and develop appropriate facial expressions and body language to match their character.
Students get the chance to perform alongside their peers in fractured fairy tales, where they get to explore alternative characters, settings and storylines. Students compare and contrast different versions of known characters and stories from a range time periods.
The Arts enable students to develop their creative and expressive capacities by learning about the different practices, disciplines and traditions that have shaped the expression of culture locally, nationally and globally. Students are both artist and audience in the Arts. They make and respond and learn to appreciate the specific ways this occurs in different disciplines.
Students are able to generate ideas for artworks through research into a particular topic, artist or art technique. Students use a variety of materials and have the opportunity to explore a range of different techniques to produce both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional art pieces.
Students are encouraged to explore and respond to art, by expressing their opinions about how effective their technique was to produce a piece of art, what challenges they faced completing the task and how they believe they could improve their artwork in the future. Students also critically evaluate other artists’ work and discuss its specific purpose and to what kind of audience it would appeal.
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.
Ivanka Fiamengo
Pedagogy Coach - Excellence and Equity
Chloe Chan
Pedagogy Coach – Disability Inclusion
Erin Taylor
Pedagogy Coach – Lead Numeracy
Punsala Crofton
Pedagogy Coach – Literacy
Courtney Hodgson
Pedagogy Coach – Assessment
Kelsey Vo
Pedagogy Coach - Respectful Relationships
Melanie Park
Pedagogy Coach - Excellence and Equity
Chloe Borg
Pedagogy Coach - Excellence and Equity
Ann Le
Pedagogy Coach - Assessment
Rose Hashim
Pedagogy Coach - Literacy
Kellie Hindmarch
Pedagogy Coach - Student Engagement and Wellbeing
Jessie Patterson
Pedagogy Coach - Numeracy
Tania Fota
Pedagogy Coach - Attendance, Transitions and Pathways
James Damjanovski
Pedagogy Coach - Wellbeing and Engagement
Joanna Gee
Pedagogy Coach - Literacy
Hannah Tooze
Pedagogy Coach - Wellbeing and Engagement
Kristine Lemus
Pedagogy Coach - Literacy
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.
John Whitehouse
Lauren Gibson
Brett Shiel
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.
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
Jane Ryan
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Emma Pei
Classroom Teacher
Sukhman Dahiya
Classroom Teacher
Wendy Pierce
Art Teacher
Robyn Forsyth
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Greg Lee
Classroom Teacher
Diem Vo
Classroom Teacher
Chloe Chan
STEM Teacher
Chloe Borg
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Mariam Zaki
Classroom Teacher
Chandni Kaushal
Classroom Teacher
Fernando Becerra
Spanish Teacher
Kirsty Evans
Learning Support Leader F-3
Caroline Morgan
Foundation Learning Support
Safna Fawzan
Foundation Learning Support
Mitesha Patel
Foundation Learning Support
Gurpreet Batth
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Yuan Yang
Classroom Teacher
Sarah Haslam
Classroom Teacher
Zoya Hussain
Team Leader & Classroom Teacher
Dante Olive
Classroom Teacher
Sukhdeep Kaur
Classroom Teacher
Lyndsey Sneddon
Classroom Teacher
Nidia Mendez
Spanish Teacher
Shamama Hussain
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Maddison Marshall
Classroom Teacher
Livia Yang
Classroom Teacher
Benua Nure
P.E. Teacher
Kirsty Evans
Learning Support Leader F-3
Zainab Khalil
Year 1 Learning Support
Bhoomika Vala
Year 1 Learning Support
Nazlie Ajam
Year 1 Learning Support
Jodie Agueta
Year 1 Learning Support
Harshala Gupta
Education Support
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
Renee Avery
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Ivanka Fiamengo
Learning Specialist – Excellence and Equity – Literacy
Classroom Teacher
Lachlan Petrucelli
P.E. Teacher
Harjot Kaur
Team Leader & Classroom Teacher
Colin Bright
Classroom Teacher
Elizabeth Blias
Classroom Teacher
Antonella Ortiz
Spanish Teacher
Heather Gallacher
Team Leader & Classroom Teacher
Dilani Bombuwelage Don
Classroom Teacher
Courtney Shuttleworth
Classroom Teacher
Joseph Bough
Performing Arts Teacher
Chris Robinson
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Samantha Prewitt
Classroom Teacher
Zachary Robertson
STEM Teacher
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
Elaine Loizides
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Tugby Koyu
Classroom Teacher
Maria Lara
Classroom Teacher
Brodie Spence
Classroom Teacher
Punsala Crofton
Classroom Teacher
Andrew Pateras
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Erin Taylor
Learning Specialist – Pedogy Coach – Numeracy
Classroom Teacher
Shahwar Shahwar
Classroom Teacher
Phil Lloyd
P.E. Teacher
Kirsty Evans
Learning Support Leader F-3
Rebecca Jones
Learning Support
Jyothsna Basireddy
Learning Support
Nazlie Ajam
Education Support
Tammy Todd
Education Support
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
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
Inderpreet Kaur
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Leisa Blanche
Classroom Teacher
Nicola Braun
Classroom Teacher
Ana Blazquez
Spanish Teacher
Marina Hohua
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Polina Flint
Classroom Teacher
Letitia Wang
Classroom Teacher
Juvaria Marium
Visual Arts Teacher
Sumeet Kaur
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Kimera Ellappen
Classroom Teacher
Rachel Hall
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Rosa Morda
Classroom Teacher
Becky Hawker
P.E. Teacher
Kirsten Mellios
Learning Support Leader Years 4-9
Anita Srinivasan
Education Support
Melanie Park
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Rose Hashim
Classroom Teacher
Jubin Kang
Classroom Teacher
Wafa Muneer
STEM Teacher
James Damjanovski
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Stephanie Li
Classroom Teacher
Damien Fatini
P.E. Teacher
Taylor Rhodees
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Tolga Kanbur
Classroom Teacher
Kristine Lemus
Classroom Teacher
Aimee Boyd
Classroom Teacher
Kirsten Mellios
Learning Support Leader Years 4-9
Afshan Karim
Learning Support
Vitina Scremin
Education Support
Uzma Usama
Education Support
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
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
Roma Gill
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Shweta Anand
Classroom Teacher
Ivor Dyall
Classroom Teacher
Jake Farrow
Team Leader and P.E. Teacher
Ann Le
Learning Specialist – Student Success Cordinator
Classroom Teacher
Ron Gonzalez
Classroom Teacher
Kellee Cristino
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Hannah Tooze
Classroom Teacher
Andrea Homan
Classroom Teacher
Kirsten Mellios
Learning Support Leader Years 4-9
Navjot Dhaliwal
Learning Support
Faiza Faisal
Education Support
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
PLC 7.1
Kellie Hindmarch
Year 7 Team Leader and English Teacher
Jenny Pei
Year 7 Teacher
Sunilla Naik
Year 7 Teacher
Ledyn Naidoo
English Teacher
PLC 7.2
Jennifer Tanner
Year 7 Team Leader and Year 7 Teacher
Peta Hills
Year 7 Teacher
PLC 7.3
Brett Shiel
Year 7 Team Leader and Maths/Science Teacher
Rachel Lowe
Year 7 Teacher
Julieanna Milicevic
Year 7 Teacher
PLC 7.4
John Whitehouse
Year 7 Team Leader and P.E. Teacher
John Cook
P.E. Teacher
Kirsten Mellios
Learning Support Leader Years 4-9
Keerthi Bhimavarapu
Learning Support
Anmol Wallia
Education Support
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.
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.
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
PLC 8.1
Alicia Pettinella
Year 8 Team Leader and Year 8 Teacher
Marcus Boom
Year 8 Teacher
PLC 8.2
Kathryn Anderson
Year 8 Team Leader and Year 8 Teacher
Lee-Cole Hayhow
Year 8 Teacher
PLC 8.3
Steve Ireland
Year 8 Team Leader and English/Humanities Teacher
Stefan Bilovanic
Year 8 Teacher
PLC 8.4
Calvin Tran
Year 8 Team Leader and Maths Teacher
Swagata Rudra
Year 8 Teacher
PLC 8.5
Lauren Gibson
Year 8 Team Leader and Year 8 Teacher
Rebecca Morgan
Year 8 Teacher
Saddaf Naqvi
Year 8 Teacher
Khuteja Almas
Learning Support Officer - Years 8 & 9
Sonal Shah
Education Support
Damian Duke
Basketball Couch
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
PLC 9.1
Joanna Gee
Learning Specialist – Literacy
Year 9 Team Leader and Year 9 Teacher
Jonathan Lian
Year 9 English/Humanities Teacher
Rangita Limbu
Year 9 English/Humanities Teacher
PLC 9.2
Prafulla Erra
Year 9 Team Leader and Year 9 Teacher
Tania Fota
Learning Specialist – Transitions and Pathways
Year 9 Teacher
Spanish Teacher
PLC 9.3
Naseem Sayeda
Year 9 Team Leader and Year 9 Teacher
Lavanya Nasamivayam
Year 9 Teacher
PLC 9.4
Tamana Juli
Year 9 Team Leader and Year 9 Teacher
Jessie Patterson
Learning Specialist – Pedagogy Coach – Numeracy
Year 9 Teacher
Theo Huang
Science/Maths Teacher
PLC 9.5
Daniel Suarez
Year 9 Team Leader and Year 9 Teacher
Joshua Messer
P.E. Teacher
Khuteja Almas
Learning Support Leader Years 4-9
Kelly Carter
Education Support
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.
Christina Arnold
Leader of SIT FISO Team
Sharon Hunt
FISO Leader - Excellence and Equity
Rhiannon Porter
FISO Leader - Literacy
Stefanie Chiurtu
FISO Leader - Wellbeing and Inclusion
Leanne McNaughton
FISO Leader - Adult Learning
Joshua Kamener
FISO Leader - Wellbeing and Engagement
James Bayard
FISO Leader - Wellbeing and Empowerment
Lucy Francis
FISO Leader - Literacy
Sadia Toqeer
FISO Leader - 21st Century Curriculum and Professional Learning Community
Daniel Piacquadio
FISO Leader - Transitions and Child Safety
Ivanka Fiamengo
Pedagogy Coach - Excellence and Equity
Chloe Chan
Pedagogy Coach – Disability Inclusion
Erin Taylor
Pedagogy Coach – Numeracy
Punsala Crofton
Pedagogy Coach – Literacy
Courtney Hodgson
Pedagogy Coach – Assessment
Kelsey Vo
Pedagogy Coach - Respectful Relationships
Melanie Park
Pedagogy Coach - Excellence and Equity
David Yacoub
FISO Leader - Assessment
Ann Le
Pedagogy Coach - Assessment
Rose Hashim
Pedagogy Coach - Literacy
Kellie Hindmarch
Pedagogy Coach - Student Engagement and Wellbeing
Jessie Patterson
Pedagogy Coach - Numeracy
Tania Fota
Pedagogy Coach - Attendance, Transitions and Pathways
Joanna Gee
Pedagogy Coach - Literacy
Jonathon Skipworth
FISO Leader - Student Empowerment
& Child Safety
Hannah Tooze
Pedagogy Coach
Mental Health & Wellbeing Lead
Kristine Lemus
Pedagogy Coach
Literacy
Chloe Borg
Mental Health & Wellbeing Lead
Lisa Rouvray
Enrolments Manager
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.
Ann Williams
Enrolments Coordinator
Kerry Kun
Executive Manager
Ahmed Faraaz
Daily Organiser
Kerry Cornell is the Executive Assistant to the Principal Class Team. Kerry’s title also includes Timetable and Daily Organisation Manager.
As Executive Assistant Kerry assists the Principal Class Team with their administration work and scheduling. As Timetabler and Daily Organisation Manager Kerry ensures that the College’s staffing on a day to day basis is orchestrated and that over the school year the students classes adhere to the Curriculum Policy.
At Truganina College we ensure that every day is efficient and effective for all staff, students and the wider school community.
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.
Kelsey Vo
Respectful Relationships
Hannah Tooze
Respectful Relationships
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.
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.
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.
Mamta Srivastava
Library Assistant
Geethika Perera
Library Assistant
Manisha Patel
Library Assistant
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.
Nicole Puttyfoot
Enrichment Leader
Gunjan Mahajan
Enrichment
Amita Mittal
Enrichment
Anjali Dhaka
Enrichment
Rashmi Pal
Enrichment
Marianna Kountouri
Enrichment
Feride Kulafi
Enrichment
Labina Khan
Enrichment
Matthew Byrnes
Enrichment
Ami Bhaiyaji
Enrichment
Donna Curtis
Enrichment
Priya Katwe
Enrichment
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.
Courtney Hodgson
Student Success
Ann Le
Student Success
Cassidy Marsh
Data Analyst
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.
Jessica Radford
Community Liaison Officer
Narlene Ioane
Community Liaison Officer
Valentine Hicks
Community Liaison Officer
Nyingot Ater
Community Liaison Officer
Zeituna Hussein
Community Liaison Officer
Valerie Ioane
Community Liaison Officer
Amanuel Shume
Community Liaison Officer
Renee Rizio
Community Liaison Officer
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.
Mark Sewart
Facilities Manager
Paul Rathjen
Facilities Officer
Maxine Rouhard
Facilities Officer
Ainsley Sprague
Maintenance Officer
Kirsty Young
Maintenance Officer
Shaquil joined Truganina College in 2015 and led the ICT setup for the college. Shaquil has worked in various rural and metropolitan schools in Victoria since 2000 as DET appointed specialist technicians to support ICT in schools. Shaquil is passionate about improving student learning and classroom teaching through digital technology.
Shaquil Elias
I.T. Manager
Mirza Ahmed
Specialist Technician
Steven Tran
Specialist Technician
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.
Jordan O'Connor
Provisional Psychologist/Wellbeing Lead
Erika Benitez
Social Worker
Emma Reynolds
Social Worker
Sakshi Sabharwal
Social Worker
David Baskaran
Mental Health Practitioner
Rosa Caruso
School Counsellor
Priyanka Singh
School Counsellor
Meg Olive
School Counsellor
Sarah Knight
School Nurse
Hannah Viado-Vega
School Nurse
Elisha Schafer
Disabilities Inclusion Officer
Courtney Santullo
Education Support
Middle Years Administration serves as a central pillar in providing support to both the schools staff and leadership, overseeing resource management, and promoting efficient communication and office operations.
A school administration team plays a crucial role in the effective operation and management of a school. Their responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks and functions that ensure the school runs smoothly and provides a safe and productive learning environment for students.
Lisa Rouvray
Enrolments Manager
Ann Williams
Enrolments Coordinator
Kym Sharp
Administration
Helen Salmond
Business Manager
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.
Jenny Phraphone
Assistant Business Manager
Sharon Minett
HR & Marketing
Kate Sutcliffe
Administration
Suzanne Romero
Finance & Recruitment
Sibel Kacmazer
Reception
Tegan Minett
Administration
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
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
Tamanna Juli
Year 9 Team Leader and Year 9 Teacher
Stephen Ireland
Year 9 Teacher
Manisha Kakkar
Year 9 Teacher
Matthew Owens-Gale
Year 9 Teacher
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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
Naseem Sayeda
Year 8 Team Leader and Year 8 Teacher
Brett Shiel
Year 8 Team Leader and Year 8 Teacher
Will Cooper
Year 8 Team Leader and Year 8 Teacher
Jessie Patterson
Learning Specialist – Pedagogy Coach – Numeracy
Year 8 Teacher
Tania Fota
Learning Specialist – Transitions and Pathways
Year 8 Teacher
Spanish Teacher
Parneet Kaur
Year 8 Teacher
Kevin Ngo
Year 8 Teacher
Jasen Couttiguane
Year 8 Teacher
Nellie Gunathilake
Year 8 Teacher
Ashima Ghuman
Year 8 Teacher
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
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
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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
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
Emma Wasson
Classroom Teacher
Michelle Daly
Art Teacher
Roma Gill
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Rose Hashim
Leading Specialist – Pedagogy – Literacy
Classroom Teacher
Caitlyn Charlesworth
Classroom Teacher
Ivor Dyall
Classroom Teacher
John Whitehouse
Team Leader and P.E. Teacher
Aimee Boyd
Classroom Teacher
Shweta Anand
Classroom Teacher
Kellie Hindmarch
Classroom Teacher
Marwa Warsame
Classroom Teacher
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
Taylor Rhodes
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Stephanie Li
Classroom Teacher
Letisha Hirniak
Art Teacher
Kellee Cristino
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Silsila Amini
Classroom Teacher
Jake Farrow
P.E. Teacher
Peter Goodman
P.E. Teacher
Hannah Tooze
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Tolga Kanbur
Classroom Teacher
Kelsey Lucas
Pedagogy Coach – Respectful Relationships
Classroom Teacher
Zahra Saadat
Classroom Teacher
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
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
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
James Damjanovski
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Polina Flint
Classroom Teacher
Letitia Wang
Classroom Teacher
Marina Hohua
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Mariyam Raza
Classroom Teacher
Leisa Blanche
Classroom Teacher
Damien Fatini
P.E. Teacher
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
Inderpreet Kaur
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Livia Yang
Classroom Teacher
Gary Bowman
Classroom Teacher
Chloe Chan
STEM Teacher
Andrew Pateras
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Bianca Stagliano
Classroom Teacher
Rachel Hall
Classroom Teacher
Rosa Ieria
Spanish Teacher
Elaine Loizides
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Erin Taylor
Learning Specialist – Pedogy Coach – Numeracy
Classroom Teacher
Elizabeth Blias
Classroom Teacher
Phil Lloyd
P.E. Teacher
Kimberley Phan
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Kathryn Anderson
Classroom Teacher
Stephanie Baldasso
Classroom Teacher
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
Year 2 Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning Excellence
Michael Debilzan
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Chris Robinson
Classroom Teacher
Harjot Kaur
Team Leader & Classroom Teacher
Isperee Singh
Classroom Teacher
Nidia Mendez
Spanish Teacher
Dilani Bombuwelage Don
Team Leader & Classroom Teacher
Maria Lara Yu
Classroom Teacher
Scarlett Nguyen
STEM Teacher
Meg Cogdon
Respectful Relationships & Art Teacher
Lachlan Petruccelli
P.E. Teacher
Kylie Lidgerwood
Art Teacher
Kym Challen
Team Leader & Classroom Teacher
Harneet Mann
Classroom Teacher
Robyn Forsyth
Classroom Teacher
Rosy Pharwaha
Classroom Teacher
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
Zoya Hussain
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Renee Avery
Classroom Teacher
Sumayye Gunsay
Classroom Teacher
Roohi Walia
STEM Teacher
Vicki Stanley
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Rajwinder Masson
Classroom Teacher
Shamama Hussain
Classroom Teacher
Sargon Barkho
P.E. Teacher
Nimmi Mendes
Team Leader & Classroom Teacher
Sukhdeep Kaur
Classroom Teacher
Jennifer Nguyen
Respectful Relationships Teacher
Gurpreet Batth
Team Leader and STEM Teacher
Mandeep Kaur
Classroom Teacher
Emi Ipedal
Classroom Teacher
Kathryn Anderson
Art Teacher
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.
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
Jane Ryan
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Diem Vo
Classroom Teacher
Emma Pei
Classroom Teacher
Heather Gallacher
P.E. Teacher
Harry Koumanias
P.E. Teacher
Chloe Borg
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Greg Lee
Classroom Teacher
Mandy Debilzan
Classroom Teacher
Rebecca Morgan
Classroom Teacher
Mariam Zaki
Classroom Teacher
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 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.
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
Jane Ryan
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Diem Vo
Classroom Teacher
Emma Pei
Classroom Teacher
Harry Koumanias
P.E. Teacher
Chloe Borg
Team Leader and Classroom Teacher
Greg Lee
Classroom Teacher
Mandy Debilzan
Classroom Teacher
Rebecca Morgan
Classroom Teacher
Mariam Zaki
Classroom Teacher
