JUNIOR SCHOOL STAFF
SARAH WALLER | HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL
Teaching Style:
Hands-on and practical, encouraging students to explore through inquiry and wonder. I focus on real-world connections to inspire curiosity and meaningful learning experiences.
Experience:
14 years teacher Junior Primary
Art Coordinator (R-6)
Math Coordinator (K-R)
Specialization:
BSc (Hons) Psychology
PGCE Early Childhood and Lower Primary Education
Year Level:
Reception
CATE HEPBURN | JUNIOR SCHOOL COORDINATOR
Teaching Style:
Building relationships is the foundation of learning - only when children feel safe are they ready to learn
Education:
Bachelor of Science (Hons)
Master of Arts (Communication)
Grad Dip Primary Education
Year LeveL:
Year 2
JOANNA MCSHANE | YEAR 1 TEACHER
Teaching Style:
Engaging, hands-on learning that challenges students to meet their goals.
Experience:
8 years of teaching experience working with students from kindergarten to high school.
Specialization:
BA (Hons) Communication and Mass Media (Glasgow Caledonian University)
PGDE - Primary (University of Glasgow)
Cert IV TESOL (TAFE SA)
Year Level:
Year 1
GILLIAN KOTIAN | YEAR 3 TEACHER
Teaching Style:
My teaching is student-centered, engaging, and adaptable, combining hands-on activities,
storytelling, and play-based learning to make lessons fun and meaningful. I aim to foster a
positive classroom culture, encourage a growth mindset, and use differentiated instruction to
meet diverse learning needs while promoting curiosity and independence.
Experience:
11 years of teaching Primary.
Specialization:
Diploma in Teaching
Bachelor of Arts – English Literature
Masters in Teaching
Year Level:
Year 3
JESSICA CARLSON | JUNIOR SCHOOL TEACHER
Teaching Style:
I strive to encourage independent learning and creative thinking, while accommodating various learning styles and abilities. My teaching style includes opportunities for peer collaboration and exploration.
Experience:
12 years of teaching Junior Primary
Teaching experience in Australia, USA, and Thailand
Specialization:
BSc (Hons) Elementary Education, Reception - 6th
ESOL Endorsement
Reading Endorsement
Year Level
Year 2
CARMEN LEUNG | YEAR 2 TEACHER
Teaching Style:
To make learning meaningful and fun, helping students connect new knowledge to their everyday lives.
Experience:
6 years teaching experience working with junior primary students.
Education:
Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics
Master of Teaching Primary R-6
Year Level:
Year 2
ABBEY KELSEY EVANS | RECEPTION TEACHER
Teaching Style:
Enthusiastic, creative and hands on learning. I love encouraging all children to try new things, build confidence in their abilities whilst feeling a sense of belonging and strong connection within their classroom environment.
Experience:
1.5 Years of teaching Receptions and .5 Years of teaching in Year 3. 6 years of experience in childcare/kindergarten settings.
Specialization:
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Honours) Specialising in STEM.
Year Level:
Reception
DIANE CHRISTIE | YEAR 1 TEACHER
Teaching style:
Nurturing, teaching the foundation of essential skills and capabilities for futures beyond school.
Experience:
Bachelor teaching in Early childhood
30 years teaching experience.
Early Childhood Education
Special Education
Alternative Education
Achievements:
Acknowledgement by the Director General of Early Childhood Education, for teaching excellence and behaviour management.
Exemplar of the state for Modified SACE.
Year Level:
Year 1
DALIA SALEH | YEAR 1 TEACHER
Teaching Style:
Practical, Collaborative, Empowering.
Achievements:
Acknowledgement by the Director General of Early Childhood Education, for teaching excellence and behaviour management.
Exemplar of the state for Modified SACE.
Experience:
16 years of experiance in teaching.
Specialization:
Diploma in Teaching Methodolog.
Diploma in Education.
Year Level:
Year 1
JIAQI (KIKI) YAO | RECEPTION TEACHER
Teaching style:
Encourage young children to exercise their agency in their learning and development, with teachers acting as co-constructors to scaffold their growth. Foster holistic well-being in an inclusive and nurturing learning environment.
Experience:
Four years of teaching practice with children and adolescents
Diverse experience in childcare centres and primary schools
Management role at an overseas learning and training institute
Specialization:
Bachelor’s in Japanese Language and Literature
Master of Teaching, specializing in Early Childhood Education (ages 0-8)
Year Level:
Reception
AMRA KASUMOVIC | STUDENT SUPPORT OFFICER
Teaching Style:
‘Dedicated, Passionate, Nurturing’
Specialization:
Certificate III & IV In School Based Education Support
Supporting Students in Reception – Year 3
HANISAH ROSLAN | STUDENT SUPPORT OFFICER
Teaching style:
Supporting each learner in their learning journey with care, compassion and consideration.
Experience:
Accredited with the Ethnic School Board
Specializing in Mental Health and Wellbeing
Specializing in TESOL or EALD
Specializing in Curriculum Development
Certificate III, ICT - TAFE SA
Year Level:
Reception - Year 3

Arunima PILLAI | YEAR 3 TEACHER
Teaching style:
Active learning, encouraging collaboration, critical thinking, and hands-on activities. I focus on creating a positive, inclusive classroom atmosphere where all students feel comfortable sharing their ideas and learning from one another.
Experience:
10 Years of Teaching in Primary and Junior Primary schools in Australia.
Specialization:
Master’s degree in physics
Bachelor’s degree in education
Year level
Year 3
Hsiao-Chieh Chang (Jie) | Year 3 Teacher
Teaching style:
By incorporating hands-on learning experiences, I aim to make learning both engaging and meaningful. I value an integrated approach across subject areas and foster an inquiry-based environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and deeper understanding.
Experience:
Diverse experience in primary schools and childcare centres.
Specialization:
Master of Teaching
Bachelor of Arts (Japanese and Literature)
Year Level:
Reception - Year 3
HAWWA NAZEEHA | JUNIOR PRIMARY TEACHER
Teaching style:
I create a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where young people feel valued and supported. I'm passionate about nurturing their growth, sparking curiosity, and building the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century.
Experience:
18 years in the education field: 8 years teaching across Primary, Middle School, Secondary, and Tertiary levels. 10 years in school Leadership across the Maldives. Achievements: Chancellor’s Letter of Commendation (2016, 2017), Australia Awards Scholarship (2016), President’s Award (2002).
Specialization:
Bachelor of Arts (English Language, Literature and Journalism), Middle School English & Mathematics, Master of Education: Leadership and Management, Master of Teaching Primary
Year Level:
Reception to year 2