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Meet Our Staff

We’re excited to meet you!

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 staff 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 Vicki De Leo

Mrs Vicki De Leo

Deputy Principal | Religious Education Leader | Student Wellbeing Leader

In my role as Deputy Principal and Leader of Religious Education and Wellbeing, my objective is to uphold the Catholic ethos of our school through both actions and words. I endeavor to embody Gospel values and the teachings of Jesus, guiding students to grasp and cherish their faith and spirituality. Working alongside dedicated educators at St. Greg’s, I find fulfillment in our collective efforts to nurture a passion for learning.

Mrs Josie Italiano

Mrs Josie Italiano

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.

Cathy O'Brien

Cathy O'Brien

Director of Teaching and Learning

As the Director of Teaching and Learning, I am responsible for building an outstanding culture of teaching and learning throughout the school. Improving student outcomes and teacher excellence is a key focus of this role. Here at St Gregory’s, I really enjoy working alongside the team of committed and passionate educators who foster a love of learning. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family and friends, beach walks and holidays. 

Office Administration Team

Office Administration Team

Anna Angouras

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 Viti

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 Noonan

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

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!

Adriana De Napoli

My main role here at St. Gregory’s is First Aid Assistant. I have a Level 2 in First Aid. I began my career as a preschool teacher, however after having my own children with different health needs, I quickly realised that my real calling was to work with students in health care – I have the best of both worlds, working with children and taking care of their health needs! It is very rewarding taking care of our wonderful students. I love the fact that each day is different. During a typical day at school, I may need to attend to students who are injured or feel unwell, provide asthma treatment, communicate with parents, ensure action plans and medications are up to date, organise first aid for school events/camps and maintain records, equipment and supplies. I really enjoy the variety of my role! 

Teachers

Mrs Caterina D'Oca

Mrs Caterina D'Oca

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

Kate Callea

Kate Callea

I am a passionate and dedicated teacher who feels privileged to have the opportunity to teach young growing minds. Outside of school I love spending time with my family, listening to music and exploring outside spaces.

Bella Curran

Bella Curran

My name is Bella Curran and I am a recent graduate teacher. In 2024, I am working in the senior levels, teaching in Year 5. As a teacher, I aim to foster a warm and supportive environment for my students and develop engaged and curious learners. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, travelling and watching AFL or NRL.

Mrs Melanie Eva

Mrs Melanie Eva

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.

Mrs Madeleine Fernandes

Mrs Madeleine Fernandes

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.

Adrian Genobile

Adrian Genobile

I love teaching children and shaping them into smart, responsible and kind young people. Outside of teaching I have a passion for sport, exercise and physical fitness. My hobbies include Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, boxing, hiking, running and going to the gym.

Mrs Caterina Gioffre

Mrs Caterina Gioffre

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 Michelle Gibson

Mrs Michelle Gibson

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 Belinda Hession

Mrs Belinda Hession

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.

Mrs Milka Kovacevic

Mrs Milka Kovacevic

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

Mrs Genevieve Lack

Mrs Genevieve Lack

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

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 Lynelle Maher

Mrs Lynelle Maher

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.

Mrs Lucy Macolino

Mrs Lucy Macolino

I have had the privilege and honour of being part of the St. Gregory’s family for a number of years. I have taught across all areas of the school and have found each experience to be positive, rewarding and enjoyable. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my beautiful family, traveling and going to the movies.

Maja Rizzotto

Maja Rizzotto

As a teacher, my role is to prepare primary aged children with the skills they will need to thrive in a future which is constantly evolving. I promote self-belief and confidence when tackling new challenges. I like to spend time with family and friends, travelling, reading, gardening and exercising. 
Miss Renee Scarmozzino

Miss Renee Scarmozzino

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.

 Loretta Sinni

Loretta Sinni

I enjoy teaching in the 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.

Ms Sarah Wessels

Ms Sarah Wessels

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 Kathy Zarafa

Mrs Kathy Zarafa

My name is Kathy Zarafa and I am always looking forward to another exciting year 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. 

Specialist Teachers

Daniel Avano

Daniel Avano

STEM Teacher

As a dedicated STEM educator, I am passionate about nurturing students’ interests and guiding them to explore the wonders of the world. Committed to fostering curiosity and critical thinking, I strive to create engaging learning experiences that inspire lifelong learning and discovery. With a strong belief in the power of hands-on exploration, I aim to cultivate a classroom environment where students feel empowered to ask questions, experiment, and make meaningful contributions to their community and beyond.
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 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.

Marija Passarella

Marija Passarella

Performing Arts Teacher

My name is Marija Passarella and I have been a teacher since 2007. I have a strong background in music and music theory as a trained pianist, and enjoy when students are eager to learn new songs on the piano. As a Performing Arts teacher I aim to encourage each student to build confidence in themselves and create a positive learning environment in my classroom. In my personal time I enjoy cooking, reading, travelling, and going for walks and adventures with my family.

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”!

Learning Support Officers

Mrs Ann Bonello

Mrs Ann Bonello

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.

Kristen Buckley

Kristen Buckley

Reading Recovery/Literacy Intervention

I live with my husband, 3 children, a cat, and dog. I am a qualified Kindergarten teacher but have been doing disability support work for the past 3 years. I am very excited to be starting my new role at St Gregory’s and have felt welcomed into the school community by staff and students. I enjoy catching up with friends, shopping, traveling, going on walks, and watching my children play sports.
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.

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.

Drusilla Galelli

Drusilla Galelli

Learning Support Officer

Buongiorno! My name is Drusilla Galelli, I’m honored to be part of St Gregory the Great Catholic Primary school staff. My role is to assist teachers to help children in all areas of the curriculum and provide support for teachers and students for Italian language learning. Outside of school, I am a mum of two teenage boys. I love reading, walking and travelling the world. 

Clare Ryan

Clare Ryan

Learning Support Officer

I have recently joined the welcoming community of St Gregory the Great and I’m looking forward to continuing my journey here as a learning support officer. I’m excited to get to know the students and support them in all aspects of their learning.  Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, camping, walking, reading and visiting family in New Zealand.
Gina Sun

Gina Sun

Learning Support Officer

I am truly grateful to be a part of the loving and caring community at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Primary School. As a learning support officer, my primary role involves providing personalized support and fostering a positive learning environment for all students. I am passionate about helping students build confidence in their abilities to achieve their full potential, both academically and socially. During my leisure time, I find great joy in spending quality time with my family outdoors and cooking. I also love exploring new cuisines and experiencing different cultures through travel.

Isn't it time we got to know each other?
Take our ONLINE VIDEO TOUR or BOOK A SCHOOL TOUR!

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


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