Our School

Assistant Principal

Matthew Moore

 My name is Matthew Moore and I am very excited to be an Assistant Principal at Barton Primary School. It is a privilege to be a member of the Barton Primary School community and I look forward to working with you all.

I began my teaching career in the late nineties and have experienced teaching all grade levels, as well as having a specialist role in Health and Physical Education. I have held leadership roles since 2001 in both Government and Independent systems in Victoria. My previous role was a Teaching/Principal in a small rural school in West Gippsland.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two children, watching our kids play netball and basketball. I follow Australian Rules Football, where I support The Mighty Hawks in the AFL. I have played cricket at Premier level in Victoria and have played overseas in the UK, with a number of leadership roles with a number of local cricket clubs.

I am passionate about supporting the learning needs of all students and instilling an active learning approach, where students collaborate with teachers in their learning process, as opposed to passively taking in the information. I also enjoy helping students develop a growth mindset in order to face challenges confidently so they achieve success.

Business Manager

Kirby Law

My name is Kirby Law and I feel very privileged to be working as the Senior HR & Finance Manager at Barton Primary School. It has been exciting watching the school grow over the last few years and I look forward to seeing this continue in 2021.

Outside of school, I enjoy camping, travelling around Australia and spending time with family and friends.

Administration

Gemma Whittingham

Hi, my name is Gemma Whittingham and I am so pleased to be a member of the Administration team at Barton.  I am looking forward to getting to know all the students and families and feel very fortunate to be part of the Barton community.  

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, bike riding and watching my boys play sport.   

Administration

Kate Mathews

Hi my name is Kate Mathews and I really enjoy being part of the Barton Administration team. I feel privileged to be working in such a dynamic environment with a community of caring and friendly people. I love getting to know all the students and families within the Barton Community so please call into the office and say hello.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my nine year old twin boys, going on bush walks with my dog ‘Waffles’ and running.

Administration

Sarah Rivers

Hello, my name is Sarah Rivers. I am very delighted to be part of the Barton family in the Administration team. I feel fortunate to be apart of such a wonderful and divergent school and I am excited to greet families and see the students smiling faces.

During my spare time, I am very passionate about playing golf and going fishing with my dad in his boat. I also really enjoy shopping with my mum and visiting my family to have a chat and catch up. In addition, I really love cuddling animals!

Hi, my name is Shannon Gallagher and have always been called Mr G. I have been teaching now for 9 years and I am excited for the opportunity to be part of a wonderful primary school and community.

My spare time consists of anything outdoors. I love to go camping near the water as I love to fish and enjoy water sports. Over the last couple of years I have become a green thumb as I thoroughly enjoy pottering around in my garden.

Hi my name is Rachael Vriend. I am excited to be apart of the prep team this year. This is my third year as a prep teacher and I am excited to continue to be a part of the Barton community. Before becoming a Primary School Teacher I worked in Early Childhood Education for 8 years. I then worked as a relief teacher for 6 months.

Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my son, family and friends, the beach and spontaneous trips. I also follow AFL and I am a huge Bombers fan! I am looking forward to wonderful year in Prep.

Hi, my name is Charlotte Howle and I am one of the Prep teachers this year. I started teaching at Barton Primary School towards the end of last year and am very excited to be teaching Prep again this year. I am looking forward to a wonderful year ahead and improving student learning.

When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also like travelling and trying new foods. I love watching movies, going to the beach and going on walks with my dog Tilly.

Hi! My name is Bec Hurley and I am very excited to be joining the Prep team this year. I joined Barton Primary School last year and I’m looking forward to getting to know our Prep students this year.

Outside of school I enjoy going to the beach, reading and spending time with my friends and family. I look forward to a great year ahead!

Outside of school I love to travel overseas, teach and dance classical ballet, and eat lots of food! I also love to spend time with friends, family and my rescue greyhounds, Riley and Leo.

Hi my name is Maryanne Ognjenovic. I’ve been a Kindergarten Teacher for five years and this is my first year in a Primary School.

I recently got married and I have two fur babies; Arlo the German Shepard and Pandora the cat.

I love holidays in Tropical North Queensland with my husband, spending time with my family, cooking and making personalised cookies.

My name is Melanie Chand and I am one of the Grade 1 classroom teachers this year. I am very excited to be part of the wonderful team here.

I love to travel to different places around the world. I have been overseas a few times and look forward to travelling in the future as it is a fantastic experience.  I enjoy going for long walks on summer nights. I also love spending time with my family and friends and have three beautiful nieces.

 Hi, my name is Kate Fishwick and I am one of the Grade 1 teachers. This is my third year teaching at Barton Primary School and I am excited for a great year ahead.

Outside of school, I enjoy playing netball, going for walks and attending fun fitness classes at gym. I also like to spend time with my family, friends and my cat Maggie.

Hello, my name is Alice Michael and I am thrilled to be joining the Year 1 team. I am so excited to see all the fun and learning that our students will get up to!

When I’m not at school, I love spending time with my family, especially my gorgeous little girl Hazel. I also really enjoy taking my dog Murphy on weekend adventures.

I’m looking forward to a fantastic 2021!

My name is Emma Buggy and I am excited to be back at Barton in 2021! I’m looking forward to being a part of the grade 1 team this year and getting to know a whole new group of students.

Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, including my one year old daughter. I also enjoy going to the movies and watching sport, especially Australian Rules Football. I have a love of travel and have been lucky enough to visit some amazing countries around the world.

Hi my name is Ebony Elysee and I am super excited to be starting my first year as a teacher at Barton primary. I have dreamt of being a teacher since I was in grade 1 and I am now going to be a grade one teacher in 2021. I can’t wait to get to know everyone involved in the Barton community. From staff, to students, and their families.

Whilst I’m not teaching, I love to travel the world. I enjoy going out with friends, going to the gym, and spending time with those closest to me.

I look forward to learning many new things, and guiding  my students to achieve the best they can.

In my spare time I enjoy traveling, riding my horse Snickers, exercising and spending time with my family and friends. I am looking forward to a great year ahead.

My name is Katrina van Dam and I am very excited to be here at Barton Primary School. This is my eighth year of teaching and my passion for education continues to grow. Watching children overcome learning challenges and develop their own passions is a privilege and something I take a huge amount of pride.

Previously from New Zealand I now call Melbourne home and enjoy spending my spare time with family and friends. During the winter months you can find me watching AFL, cheering Collingwood to victory or down at my local footy club watching my son and the rest of juniors develop their skills. I loving living so close to the beach in the summer, where I can go for walks and enjoy the lifestyle the peninsula has to offer. I look forward to meeting the members of the Barton community.

My name is Claire Keyworth and I am excited to be joining the Grade 2 team this year. I have been at Barton for the last two years as an Integration Aide, but am very excited to have finished my studies and be starting my first year of teaching with the barton community. When I am not at Barton you will find me with my friends catching up over a latte or two whilst enjoying the Melbourne sunshine, swimming in the ocean or travelling overseas and exploring new and wonderful places.

My name is Aaron Abella and I absolutely love what I do! Teaching children to possess the ‘I can’ mindset when faced with learning challenges is something I take a lot of pride in. This is my third year at Barton Primary School and I am excited to continue working alongside motivated colleagues and being a part of the supportive community.

During my spare time, I enjoy spending it with my family and friends by eating out, going to the cinemas, playing tennis, cheering Collingwood to victory and going for long walks. I look forward to meeting more members of the growing Barton community – I enjoy a good chat so please come up and say “hi”.

Hi, my name is Fraser Rendall and I am overjoyed to be in grade 2 team this year at Barton Primary. This is my second year of teaching and I joined Barton half way through last year. I have a passion for education and helping students grow to their full potential.

Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, playing sports and following my favourite football team, the Collingwood Football Club. I am really looking forward to a full year at Barton Primary and getting to know the wonderful students at the school.

Hi, my name is Jayde Evans and I am so excited to be joining the Barton Primary School community this year! I have always wanted to be a teacher and my favourite part of this is seeing children grow and believe in themselves. This will be my second year of teaching and I am lucky to be doing this in the Grade 2 team.

Outside of school I spend lots of time with my friends and family, try lots of delicious food, read lots of books and cheer on my favourite sporting teams; Collingwood and Melbourne Vixens. I look forward to getting to know the wonderful Barton community!

Hi, my name is Melissa Godenzi and I am excited to be teaching the Grade 3 class at Barton Primary School. I am passionate about teaching and always look for new and exciting ways to keep students motivated in particular reading and making reading fun and exciting. I enjoy working at Barton Primary School as it has great sense of community and the children and staff look out for each other.  I feel very privileged to work in such a dynamic school that always provides the best for children’s education and well-being.

Outside of school, I have been happily married for over 19 years and have 2 beautiful daughters who are 15 and 9 years old. I enjoy reading, shopping, going to the movies and hiking with my family.

My favourite holiday destination is Wilson’s Promontory, where I enjoy camping with family and friends and exploring the beautiful landscape.

Outside of school, I love to spend time with my family and friends. On weekends I am usually watching my children play sport, visiting markets, catching up on a good book or watching my favourite AFL team Collingwood play.

Outside of school, I have a wife and a beautiful baby girl Hazel! We also own a crazy dog called Lenny. I am passionate about field hockey both as a player and a coach!

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy open water swimming, spending time with family and friends and going for walks with my two greyhounds, Elsa and Bailey.

When I’m not at work I enjoy playing netball, going to the movies, watching music acts/gigs and spending quality time with my family and friends.
I look forward to another fantastic year!

My name is Rebecca Nunn and I am one of the Grade 4 teachers this year. I am excited to be teaching at Barton Primary School and I feel extremely fortunate to be part of a great school community.

When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, playing various sports, going to the movies and camping.

Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love traveling overseas, going to the movies and listening to live music at festivals and concerts. I look forward to meeting everyone involved in the Barton community.

Outside of school, I love spending time with my daughter, playing hockey and riding my bike. I really enjoy getting away during the school breaks to visit my folks who live in country Victoria as it’s a great way to recharge the batteries.

My passion is heavily focused around health, fitness and helping create great mental wellbeing for all.

In my spare time I love to play football, train in the gym, drink coffee and play with my beautiful nieces and nephew.

I look forward to another great year with the Barton family and hope to see you around the school grounds!

In my spare time I enjoy travelling, socialising with friends, eating delicious food, supporting the Hawks, and visiting my family and dog in Bendigo. I am looking forward to continuing my journey here at Barton with the amazing 56 team.

My name is Danielle Everest and I am very happy to be teaching grade 5/6 this year. I love to have fun when teaching and challenge students with problem solving tasks. It is really important to me that students (and teachers) develop and maintain a growth mindset and always be determined to do their best.

Outside of school I love to go to the gym, cook healthy food, spend time at the beach and read as much as possible. I also love to dance. I am looking forward to another great year at Barton Primary School and being part of the wonderful team here.

My name is Amy Clarke and this is my second year of teaching music at Barton Primary School.

As a child, singing, dancing, acting and dressing up made me so very happy. As an adult, not much has changed! My primary school music teacher was (and still is) one of my favourite teachers. I try to remember that each time I am working with my students. If I can help them find joy in the performing arts then I’ve done my job well. I very much look forward to meeting all of my students and working together this year.

Hi! My name is Camille Melarpis and this will be my first year in teaching. I am extremely excited to begin my journey at Barton in the Art room with the amazing Miss Kelly! I absolutely love art from painting, clothing designing to cupcake decorating.

When I am not in the classroom, you can find me in the kitchen cooking up a storm. I’m always baking delicious desserts especially cupcakes for my family and friends! I have a little puppy called Arctic, who I love to play with alongside my lovely siblings.

I’ll see you in Art!

Hello Junior Scientists! My name is Mrs French and I am so excited to be teaching STEM this year. I love solving problems using Science, Technology, English and Maths, and I can’t wait to see how your amazing scientific brains come up with creative solutions too.

I live with my husband Scott and our dog Murphy who we adopted this year. He is still a puppy and gets into a lot of mischief.

I love baking, going to the movies and spending time on my parents’ farm with all their animals.

Hi my name is Tiffany Palladino and I am super excited to be working 2 days at Barton Primary School. This year I am working in grade 3E on Monday and teaching Physical Education on Tuesday.

In my spare time I love spending time with my beautiful family, Michael my husband and my two boys, Arlo (6 years old) and Alfie (3 years old). I also love to spend time outside, going on regular walks with my dog Poppy and looking after our garden.

I’m super excited for this year and am loving teaching at Barton!

Hi, my name’s Sarah Shelley and I’m one of the Performing Arts Teachers at Barton Primary School. Although this is my second year at Barton Primary School, I have been teaching Music for the past 9 years at both Primary and Secondary schools. I have been loving getting to know the great students here! This year I am the DigiTech Curriculum Team Leader and I also lead a Senior Rock Band and Choir.

In my spare time I like to spend time with my husband and my two gorgeous dogs, taking them on long walks and to the beach. I also love spending time with my friends and family, going out for dinners and trying new food.

Hi my name is Tegan Long and I am really excited to be teaching Physical Education at Barton Primary! This is my second year teaching at Barton but prior to here, I have been teaching for over 10 years in the States and here in Australia.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband, who is also a primary school teacher, our two little boys, Rory and Camden and our two little West Highland Terriers. To stay active, I enjoy exercising and playing competitive softball for the Northwood Falcons. I can’t wait for another great year at Barton!

My name is Su Liyanage.

I am excited and feeling privileged to be joining the STEM Team at Barton Primary School.

It is wonderful to see Barton Primary students’ curious minds, and looking forward to walk along with you on an inquisitive STEM journey.

I love to spend my spare time with my family, especially painting with my nine-year-old daughter, travelling around Australia, gardening and doing mindfulness activities.

Hi my name is Michelle Krejic. I have been working in education for sixteen years and have taught most year levels and some specialist subjects as well. This year I am teaching in 5/6E on Mondays and in 1D on Tuesdays. I absolutely love teaching and aim to inspire a love of learning and bring out the best in each and every student that I am lucky enough to work with.

Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my husband, Dario and our two beautiful daughters Ilaria (2 ½ years old) and Luna (1 year old). Some of my favourite hobbies include shopping, baking, reading, going to the beach, traveling, going out for brunch and exercising. I also barrack for Carlton and love getting to go and watch a live game whenever I can.

I love a chat so please come and say hi when you see me out and about in our local community and of course when you see me at school.

Outside of school I love spending time with my family and friends, going to the beach, reading and practicing Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.

Hola! My name is Kathryn Shinners and I love being part of the Spanish team at Barton! Spanish is a real passion of mine; I studied Spanish at University, have lived and worked in Spain and I also got married there!

This will be my 10th year of teaching, having previously been a classroom teacher at Old Orchard Primary School.

In my spare time I like to go to the beach with my family, listen to music, run and practice yoga. I also love to travel as much as possible!

I am very excited to share my passion for Spanish with the students at Barton!

My name is Deborah Madder, and I have returned from retirement to join the teaching staff at Barton Primary School as part of the Tutor Learning Initiative. I am very pleased to be part of the team, and to be able to support the students gain confidence in their learning, and to assist them to achieve their learning goals.

My spare time is spent with pleasures such as live theatre, reading, travelling, cooking, and playing with my 4 beautiful grandchildren, who are growing up too quickly! 

Hi my name is Annette Dunn and I’m very excited to be joining the education support team at Barton Primary School. I have been working in the Early Childhood sector as a Kindergarten Teacher for over 25 years. I’ll be bringing my skills of patience, compassion and knowledge of children’s individual learning styles to add to the dedicated and enthusiastic team of Teachers at Barton Primary School.

I am the proud mother of two grown children. My daughter is a Secondary School Teacher who is currently raising my four grandchildren, aged nine months to five years and my son is a Physiotherapist working in Vancouver, Canada.

When I am able to relax, I enjoy watching or reading Science fiction, singing Karaoke and spending quality time with my friends and family.

I am looking forward to getting to know the families at Barton Primary School and assisting the students to have fun while achieving their best possible learning outcomes.

Hello, my name is Hayley Johnson and I am very excited to be joining the tutor team at Barton Primary School. This is my first year working in education and I cannot wait to be involved in every aspect of the Barton Primary community. I am passionate about working with children to encourage them to take risks, challenge their thinking and have a positive outlook in life. 

Outside of school I love spending time with my family and walking with my two rescue dogs, Patches and Morgan. I have a deep love of all things Disney and I have even worked at Walt Disney World in Florida! 

I am looking forward to getting to know everyone at Barton Primary. 

Hi, my name is Brodie Dewhurst and I am over the moon to be a part of Barton’s Education Support Team in 2021.

I am extremely passionate in the world of education and am currently studying my final year of the Bachelor of Education (P-12) majoring in mathematics. I am extremely driven and motivated to help students achieve the best they possibly can and have a great time whilst doing it. I’ve volunteered in Thailand where I taught grade 5’s and 6’s how to speak English and it was a life changing experience.

Outside the classroom I like to surf and go travelling, even better simultaneously.

My name is Sue Williams, this is my fourth year being a part of the Barton Family.  I love getting to know and working with all the students here.

Outside of work I love spending time with my family. I have 2 daughters who like to keep us busy. We love spending time outdoors doing fun runs, going to the drive in and going surfing.

Hi my name is Marnie Jung and I am thrilled to join the education support team here at Barton. I’m looking forward to getting to know the children.

Out of school hours I spend my time with my family. I have two children who keep me super busy. And two fur babies to look after, we have a dog Lexi and a cat Missy. We enjoy going to the movies, ten pin bowling, camping, mini golf, holidays and the beach.

Hi my name is Abbie Hall and I’m very excited to be apart of the education support team at Barton Primary School for 2021 and getting to know the students, helping them grow and supporting them.

In my spare time I love spending time with my family and friends especially my two children and my dog “Occy”  I also enjoy camping trips to the Murray River to water-ski with my family and friends.  

Hi, my names Raquel and I am thrilled to be part of the education support team for 2021. I take inspiration for my role from the aides my youngest son had during his time in primary school. I saw firsthand that compassion and treating each student as an individual foster’s success. I have an eagerness to constantly develop my skills and strive to achieve these values each day I walk into the school grounds.

When I’m not supporting the students at Barton, I enjoy family time. My sons and I love sitting around the table playing Cluedo. We have our own favorite character and endeavor to embody their idiosyncrasies. Laughter always erupts as we play. FYI, my character is Scarlet.

Hi my name is Ginger Parker and I love being a part of the Education Support team here at Barton Primary School. Being allowed the opportunity to interact with our diverse range of students everyday makes me look forward to come into work!

I am currently studying a Bachelor of Secondary physical education, health and geographical science, and I cannot wait to be in the classroom. I spend most of my time at my local footy club kicking the ball with my friends, otherwise you can find me eating through the menu at my favourite burger place.

Hi, my name is Tara Bateman and I am an Integration Aide at Barton Primary School. I’m passionate about education and helping students to achieve their goals.

Outside of school I love to write stories, create art, read and play music. I love going to the movies, going out for dinner and shopping with friends and family. I also do tai chi and I’m 1^st Dan in kung fu. I love travelling and would like to travel more in the future.

Hi, my name is Georgia Mackenzie and I am part of Barton’s Education Support team. I am excited to be able to support students across all year levels with their learning. I am also currently studying a Bachelor of Primary Education and am in my final year. 

Outside of work and study, I enjoy travelling, reading and spending time with my family. I also have a very spoilt and loved little cat named Ollie.

My name is Naomi Bartlett and I am part of the Barton Primary School Education Support Team. I’m excited to be working with the wonderful children and staff here, and am passionate about children receiving quality education and the support they need to achieve.

I am lucky to be the mum of four boys, traveling is our favourite pastime and we love exploring our amazing country and world. My spare time is spent with my family, cooking, seeing live music, attending sporting matches and photography. I have just begun my final year of the Bachelor of Primary Education and look forward to teaching in the near future.

My name is Alanah England and I am excited to be a part of the Barton Primary School team. Working with children is something I find great passion in and find it extremely rewarding to see them learn and grow. Being a part of an experience like this is very rewarding. 

I am currently in my final year of studying my Bachelor of Education (Early Years 0-12). After this I would love to continue my learning journey and complete my Masters. When I am not studying or working I am enjoying time with friends and family.

Hi, my name is Steph Talbot and I am excited to be a part of the Barton Education Support team in 2021. It is very rewarding to be able to build relationships and support students in their learning.

I am studying Primary Education and am in my final year of study.

In my spare time, I enjoy horse riding, walking my dog and catching up with friends.

Hi everyone, my name is Mollie Travica and I am part of the Education Support team for 2021. It is my first year at Barton Primary School and I am looking forward to meeting everyone and helping students achieve their goals! I am extremely passionate about working with children and can’t wait to see what the year brings!

Outside of the classroom, I love to read, travel the world and spend time with my family and friends. I also have a menagerie of animals at home that keep me on my toes!