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Meet The Teachers

The wonderful bunch here at St Gregory the Great Catholic Primary School would love to say hello!

Meet Our Teachers

At the top of the list when measuring the quality of a school has to be the quality of the teaching staff. We are beyond fortunate to have a team of teachers truly dedicated to positive outcomes for all children.

Meet our teachers below!

Leadership & Administration

Miss Michelle Verna

Miss Michelle Verna

Principal

It is my great pleasure and honour to be the Principal of St Gregory the Great
Catholic Primary School. As a person of strong faith, I provide opportunities for both
the educators and learners to grow and discover meaning as future stewards of
God’s creation.
My passion for education inspires me in my role as Principal each day. I believe that
creating the conditions for growth and progress, enables teachers and support staff
to understand their contribution to student outcomes and to seek constant
improvement.
By creating a rich learning environment, I support staff to focus strongly on the
development and nurturing of the whole person. My vision is that students become
faith filled people who see themselves as life-long learners and who can discover
their potential – and aspire to achieve it.
In my free time, I love spending quality time with family and friends, walking and
beach holidays enjoying the sunshine.
Mrs Josie Italiano

Mrs Josie Italiano

Deputy Principal / Learning Diversity Leader

St Gregory the Great Catholic Primary school is a dynamic and welcoming school that values our Catholic faith and promotes strong relationships and harmony amongst all community members.

In my spare time I love spending time with my family especially on holidays at the beach.

Mrs Dianne Viola

Mrs Dianne Viola

Director of Teaching and Learning / Student Wellbeing Leader

St. Gregory the Great Catholic Primary school is a warm and welcoming school that offers many varied curriculum opportunities to suit all students. The friendly and supportive community makes it a special place to work at. When I am not working I love going for long walks, reading and skiing.

Mrs Vicki De Leo

Mrs Vicki De Leo

Religious Education

St Gregory’s is a place where Faith is at the core of our school community. As the Religious Education Leader I feel blessed to be working in an environment where the Catholic identity shines brightly and enhances all of our lives and our learning.

Mrs Lisa Viti

Mrs Lisa Viti

Office Administration / Learning Support Officer

Anna

Working at St Gregory’s is such a fulfilling and rewarding experience.  It is a pleasure coming to work and seeing the children grow and thrive in such a happy and positive environment.  Away from school, I love to travel, read and spend my time with family and friends.

Lisa V

My working week is divided between the busy school office and the classrooms. I enjoy welcoming and getting to know students and their families who are new to our school. I also work as a Learning Support Officer providing classroom support to students from Foundation to Year 6.

Lisa N

I have really enjoyed becoming part of the St Gregory the Great family this year.  A day in the office could see me working on accounts, answering phones, doing payroll or helping with special projects.  I love the variety!  In my spare time I love walking, reading or going to a cafe, but in reality most of my time goes towards watching my kids play footy, tennis and dance! 

Mrs Mariella Mabilia

Mrs Mariella Mabilia

Business Manager

I enjoy all the accounting work and the various challenges with the ongoing financial requirements.

I love going to the footy on the weekend, watching the car racing and going to see musicals!

Prep Teachers

Mrs Madeleine Fernandes

Mrs Madeleine Fernandes

Foundation Teacher

I love teaching children of all ages. In my spare time l enjoy spending time with my family, going on road trips exploring Australia, gardening and watching and playing sport.

Miss Emma Potter

Miss Emma Potter

Foundation Teacher

St Gregory’s is a warm, welcoming and inclusive school. In my role as a Foundation teacher I really enjoy the inquisitive nature of the students that I teach and their love of learning.

Year 1 Teachers

Mrs Belinda Hession

Mrs Belinda Hession

Year 1 Classroom Teacher

I enjoy working with the students, making their learning journey a positive experience.  Seeing the smiles as they grasp new concepts is so rewarding.

l have a passion for cooking, reading and art.  l love creating new things for family, friends and the students l work with.

Ms Sarah Hosking

Ms Sarah Hosking

Year 1 Classroom Teacher

I have been a classroom teacher at St Gregory’s since 2005. I love teaching because each day is different and I am inspired by the growth and development of each and every child. In my own time, I enjoy taking my puppy for walks and going to the movies.

Mrs Lynelle Maher

Mrs Lynelle Maher

Year 1 Classroom Teacher

I have been at St Gregory’s for a number of years and experienced many changes and extensive growth. I have very happy positive memories.  We work hard and share a strong vision focusing on the education and growth of every individual student in a strong Catholic community.

Year 2 Teachers

Mrs Caterina D'Oca

Mrs Caterina D'Oca

Junior School Teaching and Learning Leader/Year 2 Classroom Teacher

At St Gregory’s School, every day is different and I believe that each child has something special you can build on! I find teaching a rewarding experience and a great journey to take with my students each year.

I am the Junior School- Teaching and Learning team leader and a classroom teacher of Year 2.

I love calligraphy writing, watching movies with my family and going to the footy to support the Mighty Hawks!

Mrs Marianna Saladino

Mrs Marianna Saladino

Year 2 Classroom Teacher

Teaching Year 2 is a rewarding experience. I thrive on the children’s enthusiasm and energy and enjoy being part of the St Gregory School community. My own children were students at St Gregory the Great and l share many wonderful memories. I  have been teaching here for 20 years and l love that every day is different.

Mrs Milka Kovacevic

Mrs Milka Kovacevic

Year 2 Classroom Teacher

My name is Milka Kovacevic and I have the privilege of teaching students in Year 2 at St Gregory the Great Catholic Primary School. My career spans 12 years and continues to be rewarding, each year bringing new and exciting experiences. I feel very fortunate to be working in a great team of teachers, with a knowledgeable and inquisitive group of students

Year 3 Teachers

Mrs Vicki De Leo

Mrs Vicki De Leo

Year 3 Classroom Teacher

I am a Year 3 classroom teacher at St Gregory the Great Catholic Primary school. I love working here because everyone is so welcoming and friendly. At home I have a husband, two adult children, a dog named Toast and a cat. In my spare time I love to exercise and enjoy nature.

Mrs Genevieve Lack

Mrs Genevieve Lack

Year 1 and Year 3 Classroom Teacher

Hi! I’m Genevieve Lack and I’m new to the St Gregory the Great community.

This year I’m teaching in years 1HL and 3DL.  I am so excited to join such a welcoming and dynamic school and community.  Outside of school, I am a busy mum of three teenage children who enjoys cooking, socialising with family and friends, and taking my dog ‘Sonic’ for long walks.

Mrs Caterina Gioffre

Mrs Caterina Gioffre

Year 3 Classroom Teacher

St Gregory’s is a great place to educate your children! We work hard as teachers to provide a safe learning environment, with our focus on teaching, learning, wellbeing and a strong Catholic faith. As teachers, we have the best job of all, to make a positive influence on future generations.

Mrs Kathy Zarafa

Mrs Kathy Zarafa

Year 3 Classroom Teacher

My name is Kathy Zarafa and I am a Year 3 teacher  at St Gregory the Great Catholic Primary school. I enjoy going to the movies and gardening. Travel is sure to be on my wish list for the future. I enjoy spending time with my family and try to keep fit walking and doing Pilates. I am looking forward to another exciting year at school.

Ms Elizabeth Sleeth

Ms Elizabeth Sleeth

Year 3 Classroom Teacher

My name is Elizabeth Sleeth and I am a Year 3 teacher at St Gregory the Great. I feel grateful to be part of the warm and welcoming environment of the St Gregory’s community. In my free time, I love reading, singing and playing musical instruments, exercising, and spending time with my pet birds.

Year 4 Teachers

Mrs Sandra Reid

Mrs Sandra Reid

Middle School Teaching and Learning Leader/Year 4 Classroom Teacher

I find teaching a rewarding experience, watching students learning and growing is a highlight for me. I enjoy working with a team of professionals who are supportive and trustworthy. I am very fortunate to work with individuals that you can collaborate and share ideas with.

Year 4 Classroom Teacher

Year 4 Classroom Teacher

Digital Technologies Leader/Learning Diversity/Year 3/4 Classroom Teacher

I enjoy teaching in the Year 4 classroom part time and I am delighted to be a part of each child’s education as we strive to assist and encourage every child to reach their true potential.

My passions are my family, which includes my little dog, Luna, reading, ICT, knitting, musical theatre and binge watching any good TV series, films or documentaries.

Barbara Sommerville

Barbara Sommerville

Year 4 Classroom Teacher

St. Gregory the Great Catholic Primary school is a  welcoming school that offers many varied curricula and a  range of learning and social engagement  opportunities to suit all students. The friendly and supportive community makes it a special place to work in. When I am not working I enjoy walking, reading and gardening.

Year 5 Teachers

Mrs Michelle Gibson

Mrs Michelle Gibson

Year 5 Classroom Teacher

I am very excited to join the St Gregory’s Community and am grateful for the warm and friendly welcome. Having the opportunity to help students reach their full potential is something I highly value. I always ensure that my students are in an environment that is welcoming, safe and inclusive. I have two primary aged children and am grateful I get to support and contribute to the lives of young people each day. Out of school I love spending time with my family and watching Richmond play at the MCG.

Mrs Annette Hora

Mrs Annette Hora

Year 5 Classroom Teacher

I became a teacher because I had a passion to teach children, of all abilities, to read. I have a strong interest in teaching mathematics and humanities and guiding students to build their resilience, so they can cope with the challenges that learning may bring. I work for those “ahah, I get it!” moments when students smile because they understand.

Year 6 Teachers

Bernadette Rizzo

Bernadette Rizzo

Senior School Teaching and Learning Leader/Year 6 Classroom Teacher

I love working with a supportive 5/6 team to plan engaging learning experiences for our students and make learning memorable. My role as Digital Technologies Leader allows me to use Digital Technologies as a valuable tool in the classroom. Outside of school, I enjoy cooking and listening to music.

Mrs Melanie Eva

Mrs Melanie Eva

Year 6 Classroom Teacher

As a Year 6 teacher I love being part of the senior school. The opportunities and activities that our students take part in are engaging and  relevant to their world and their learning. It’s a really exciting time to be in education.

Miss Renee Scarmozzino

Miss Renee Scarmozzino

Year 6 Classroom Teacher

Being a teacher at St Gregory the Great Catholic Primary School means being part of a close-knit community of students, parents and staff. The positive relationships we develop in this community are what foster the safe and supportive environment. Nothing beats seeing that ‘light-bulb’ moment in students, when they’ve discovered a new idea or mastered a new skill. Outside of school, I like to be on the beach, reading a book or spending time with my family and friends.

Specialist Teachers

Mrs Jane Barry

Mrs Jane Barry

PE and Sports Coordinator

Hi, I’m Mrs Barry and I am the PE teacher at St. Gregory’s. I am passionate about sport and keeping physically active. I love to hike, run, play tennis and workout at the gym. I encourage the students at St. Gregory’s to be active and foster a lifelong love of playing sport and keeping fit. I enjoy teaching here as the students are enthusiastic and love to learn. I like teaching outside in the fresh air and having fun with the students while they develop their movement skills and game strategies. I encourage all students to give things a go and be involved in our many interschool sporting opportunities. Most importantly, our students learn to work collaboratively and play fairly.

Mrs Marianna Saladino

Mrs Marianna Saladino

Visual Arts Teacher

As a Visual Art specialist and Classroom teacher, l am privileged to teach all classes from Foundation  to Year  6. I guide the students to be creative and  responsive as they explore many facets of visual arts. In Visual Art, classes are planned around an integrated curriculum. Students enjoy a weekly art lesson in a well-equipped art room. Students create  works for display within  the school community as well as in the Parish when we have our own art exhibition.   I enjoy being part of each individual child’s learning journey and encourage the students to have a go, enjoy the process and not to worry about making “mistakes” because they can  be turned into “ masterpieces”!

Mr Christopher Hoyne

Mr Christopher Hoyne

Performing Arts Teacher

I have been a Performing Arts teacher for fifteen years and truly believe I have the best job in the world.  Outside of school I adore spending time with my family and watching my children grow into adulthood.

Miss Renee Scarmozzino

Miss Renee Scarmozzino

Italian Teacher

Ciao, mi chiamo Signorina Scarmozzino ed io sono l’insegnante d’italiano qui a St Gregory the Great Catholic Primary School. Hello, my name is Miss Scarmozzino and I’m the Italian teacher here at St Gregory the Great Catholic Primary School. I love being able to teach a language to students from Years 3 to 6. We have so much fun learning all about Italy and how to speak the beautiful language. A presto!

Miss Emily Geng

Miss Emily Geng

Learning Support Officer

Hi, my name is Emily Geng. I am passionate about language teaching and I strive to instil a love of learning in children. I use games, songs, books and various resources in my class to engage students in exploring Chinese language and culture. In my role as a learning support officer, I work with classroom teachers to support students of all needs to achieve their best potential. I enjoy making new discoveries with students every day and support them along their learning journey.

Mrs Tina Paolino

Mrs Tina Paolino

Reading Recovery/Literacy Intervention

I have been working at St Gregory’s school since 2003. I attended the school as a student from Year 4. I have seen the school as a student, parent, teacher and parishioner. I work in the area of Literacy intervention in programs such as Reading Recovery, Literacy Intervention, New Arrivals & English as an Additional Language. Sometimes I get to work in classrooms with students. I am privileged to work in a school which is committed to making a difference to student’s learning. I love my work with students and seeing them become more confident and blossom into lifelong learners. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends in my spare time and enjoy musicals and crafts such as crochet and knitting.

Mrs Lucia Balasso

Mrs Lucia Balasso

Literacy Intervention

Hello! My name is Lucia Balasso and I have had the pleasure of working at St. Gregory’s for the past 15 years. In my time here, our school has always had a strong connection with the school parish and a sense of community. I love spending my spare time with my family, especially when we drive to the beach to explore new places.

Mrs Loretta Sinni

Mrs Loretta Sinni

Digital Technologies

Here at St Gregory’s students have access to a variety of digital resources such as one-to-one Chromebooks for all students from Years 2-6, laptops for the Year 1 and Foundation students, interactive Television screens, desktop computers, printers and iPads enabling them to vary and expand the way they can communicate using their creative, designing, investigating and collaborating skills. STEM is taught across all levels of the curriculum incorporating the Robotics curriculum in Year 4. St Gregory’s is an eSmart school where we teach students the importance of Cybersafety through the smart, safe and responsible use of digital technology.

Mrs Louisa Scariot

Mrs Louisa Scariot

Library

My name is Louisa Scariot and I work in the school library.

I have enhanced the walls with art work that relates to children’s literature. My lunchtime reading club has become very popular with  students.

In my spare time I enjoy reading, going to the theatre, and gardening.

Classroom Support Assistants

Mrs. Maureen Barker

Mrs. Maureen Barker

Learning Support Officer

I have worked at St. Gregory the Great for many years and enjoy working with all the students. I have been involved with Literacy Programs in the Junior school and have also worked to assist many other students with their studies. I am passionate in my endeavours to assist both students and teachers in whatever way I can.

In my free time I enjoy walking and spending time with my family and many grandchildren.

Mrs Ann Bonnello

Mrs Ann Bonnello

Learning Support Officer

St. Gregory’s is a loving and nurturing school. My role is to assist teachers to help children in all areas of the curriculum, whether that be social, emotional or academic. This could involve working with children in groups or one-on-one.

Mrs Cecilia Carpinteri

Mrs Cecilia Carpinteri

Learning Support Officer

In my position at St Gregory the Great, I am fortunate to work with students across all the year levels. I enjoy getting to know the students and their learning styles and assisting them to achieve their individual goals. Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family.

Mrs Anita Calvitto

Mrs Anita Calvitto

Learning Support Officer

I like assisting children of all learning capabilities to reach their potential and achieve their personal and academic goals. When I’m not at work, I like spending time with my family, watching a good movie, cooking and baking.

Have you taken our online VIDEO tour yet?

Meet our principal, teachers, current students, parents, learn about our curriculum opportunities and tips for a smooth start to school!


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