Staff

The community is the heart beat of Karoo and one that I feel so honoured to be a part of.  I always wanted to be a teacher and feel so fortunate to have been in education for over 25 years, with the last 5 here at Karoo.  Throughout my career, I have always been passionate about ensuring that students are given every opportunity to be their best.  To know they can be anything they want to be, and to always be striving to achieve their potential.  I feel honoured to lead and work alongside our dedicated and passionate staff, who work tirelessly every day to provide high quality learning for our students. They inspire me every day the way by they build relationships, support and care for each and every student in the school.  Outside of school, I endeavour to spend quality time with my husband and 3 children or at a netball game, passionatley supporting the Vixens!

My name is Ashley Kuusela and it is a great pleasure to be the Assistant Principal at Karoo Primary school.
I have worked across different school networks within diverse community contexts and in various roles in both Government and Independent schools. Throughout my experiences, I continue to develop my instructional leadership capacity and am passionate about growing and developing professional learning communities (PLCs) and use coaching to develop the capacity of others and work stronger, together. I am a lifelong learner who endeavors to learn alongside others.

I am proud of the hard work and achievements that our great school continues to build on and love working within our strong community to ensure we are constantly evolving and working collaboratively to provide a safe and engaging place to learn and grow together- as students, teachers and parents. As a part of the Principal and Leadership team, I am energised to work strategically to achieve our vision, apply current educational research and pedagogy, and maintain high expectations of ourselves and others, so that each individual can achieve our school values of Personal Excellence, Tenacity and Kindness.

It is my privilege to be part of the welcoming, supportive and dynamic community that is Karoo Primary School. I look forward to working with students, families and our Karoo Staff to support our students to thrive at school. Education and lifelong learning is my passion. The joy that comes from working with students and supporting them to have those ‘lightbulb’ moments, inspires me every day. I have worked as an educator both in the classroom and in a range of leadership roles over the past two decades and I look forward to bringing this experience to Karoo PS in the Wellbeing and Inclusion role. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading and travelling. Therefore, if you have a great book recommendation or travel location that is a must, then please don’t hesitate to let me know. I look forward to a fantastic year!

Hello Karoo community! My name is Mrs Peta Phillips, and it is an honour and privilege to be the new Learning Specialist and Acting Assistant Principal at Karoo Primary School.
I am an experienced Leading Primary School Teacher who works collaboratively, is innovate and strives for high quality education for all students.  I have over 15 years of classroom teaching experience and I have fulfilled leadership roles within many primary school settings including in the United Kingdom and the North Eastern Victorian Regional office. I work collectively with others, to share my enthusiasm and passion for high quality teaching and learning of all pupils. I operate under the belief that all students can learn, surprise and amaze us with their understandings.
Out of school, I enjoy spending time with my friends, family and taking long walks and hikes with my lovable Labrador. My favourite sport to watch is Netball and Tennis and I also like going to the cinema to watch movies especially Disney and Marvel films. I Look forward to getting to know you all and I am extremely grateful to be working with such a dedicated and enthusiastic team of colleagues, who together will ensure that the pupils of Karoo Primary School receive the best quality education.

I have worked at Karoo Primary School for many years and have been part of many changes along the way. My own children attended Karoo and I have always valued being part of a caring and supportive community that learns and works together for our students. I thoroughly enjoy my role as a Learning Specialist as it provides me with the opportunity to work closely with a range of students and teachers across the school, whilst striving towards our shared goals. My passion is Maths and I enjoy passing on this passion to students whilst supporting them to develop a growth mindset. When I’m not working, I enjoy cooking and spending time with my family and friends.

I am a proud Karoo Primary School staff member, who is passionate about teaching and learning. With the experience of both primary and secondary school teaching, l aim to contribute the understanding of a wide range of curriculum to Karoo P.S. as well as the understanding of student learning needs I enjoy forming strong connections with students, teachers and the wider community and believe that together, we play a significant role in the holistic growth of our students.  Developing effective teaching and learning practices is my passion, and you will often see an academic book sitting on my desk. I live with my husband and our border collie dog named Tilly. My weekends are spent visiting my two adult children, who l am immensely proud of. I love to read, garden and paint with ink.

Hello, my name is Claire and I am the Year 6 Leader for 2023. I am passionate about student wellbeing, listening to student voices and creating a positive and inclusive learning culture for the students at Karoo. As a teacher, I believe that creating a meaningful and quality learning experience is essential to developing student independence, resilience and ability to collaborate together. I am an avid sports fan and keep active by playing competitive basketball, football and jazz dancing. On the weekends, I love to take my dogs Sammy and Koda for a walk around Lilydale Lake with my family.

I am a proud Karoo Primary School staff member, who is passionate about teaching and learning. With the experience of both primary and secondary school teaching, l aim to contribute the understanding of a wide range of curriculum to Karoo P.S. as well as the understanding of student learning needs I enjoy forming strong connections with students, teachers and the wider community and believe that together, we play a significant role in the holistic growth of our students. Developing effective teaching and learning practices is my passion, and you will often see an academic book sitting on my desk. I live with my husband and our border collie dog named Tilly. My weekends are spent visiting my two adult children, who l am immensely proud of. I love to read, garden and paint with ink.

I have worked at Karoo Primary School since the very beginning of my teaching career and have always loved being part of such a vibrant school community! passionate about helping all students achieve their personal best effort, and creating a fun, positive and supportive learning environment. I strive to empower my students to be life-long learners who always work as a team. My classroom will always be a safe place for everyone to work hard to reach their goals! Outside of school, I love playing sport, hanging out with my friends, watching the mighty Collingwood Magpies and reading lots of Harry Potter.

I have enjoyed working at Karoo for the past ten years and pride myself on building strong relationships with students in all year levels. I am passionate about spreading kindness and promoting this throughout the school, implementing the first World Kindness Day celebration at Karoo last year. In my classroom I set high expectations whilst keeping learning fun and engaging. In the senior year levels, I enjoy promoting and facilitating student leadership, strengthening students’ skills and providing opportunities for them to showcase their ideas. In my time away from school, I love making memories with my daughter, Isabella. I enjoy travelling and visiting my family and friends overseas in the UK, Switzerland and Amsterdam.

I have been teaching at Karoo Primary School for many years and thoroughly enjoy the community feel that is created by the teachers, students and parents working together in partnership. I have worked in many areas of the school including a stint in the Art room. I have taught in Special Education and Secondary school settings have a personal interest and skills in digital technology. I love nurturing the inquisitive minds of my students and work hard to ensure their wellbeing and personal growth are a priority. Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family and my beautiful Golden Retriever, Archie.

Karoo Primary School is a wonderful community to be a part of. I have a passion for building strong positive relationships with not just my students, but with everyone who is part of the Karoo community. In my classroom I promote a positive and supportive environment, encouraging student voice, developing students’ Growth Mindset, creating a fun and caring learning space where everyone can succeed and achieve their personal best, and continuing to inspire all my learners to develop a love for learning. When not in the classroom, I enjoy watching AFL, NBA and NFL, playing Nintendo and have a passion for health and fitness.

2023 is my first year at Karoo Primary school, and I am so honoured to be a part of such a positive and inclusive school community. I am proud to work alongside a dedicated group of staff who are devoted to developing the whole child and encouraging student agency. I’m looking forward to continuing to develop positive and supportive bonds within my class, and to getting to know the wider student body and their families. In my spare time I enjoy reading, crocheting and watching a variety of sports.

Hello, my name is Sophie Brown and I absolutely love being a teacher. l strive to support students in becoming the most successful versions of themselves. I want all learners to feel empowered and ready for the real world. I believe the most important thing about being an educator is the student-teacher relationships. I pride myself on knowing every student, their interests and learning styles, so we can have the most productive and memorable year together as a team. Being a teacher at Karoo, provides me with the opportunity to be a part of a fantastic community where students have opportunities to succeed and be celebrated for their differences. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, being active outside, reading and watching the Richmond Tigers (which can be excruciating at times). 

I have worked at Karoo Primary School for many years and have been part of many changes along the way. My own children attended Karoo and I have always valued being part of a caring and supportive community that learns and works together for our students. I thoroughly enjoy my role as a Learning Specialist as it provides me with the opportunity to work closely with a range of students and teachers across the school, whilst striving towards our shared goals. My passion is Maths and I enjoy passing on this passion to students whilst supporting them to develop a growth mindset. When I’m not working, I enjoy cooking and spending time with my family and friends.

I absolutely love teaching and strive to create a fun and caring learning environment where all the students in my class rally together to achieve their best in all they do. I have many years of experience teaching students with disabilities and diverse learning needs, and I am passionate about creating an inclusive environment for all students. I believe it is important to focus on developing each student academically, socially and emotionally. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and our dog, Pickles.

I am very excited to join the Karoo Primary School community in 2024. I have been teaching for many years and one of my favourite things about being a teacher is that no two days in the classroom are the same. I get great satisfaction from watching students take on and conquer challenges in their learning. I enjoy building a classroom culture of cohesiveness and inclusion, where all students feel valued and cared for. I have high expectations for students to always present their personal best efforts whilst also having fun. When I am not at school, I enjoy watching AFL, reading, cooking and spending time with family, friends and my dog. 

I absolutely love the community spirit and inclusive nature of Karoo Primary School! As a teacher, l strive to support students in becoming successful learners who are confident, creative and empowered. I am an advocate for instilling values that promote a commitment to learning and encourage my students to persist and take risks in order to manage their knowledge and skills to meet the challenges of the future. Karoo Primary School provides the opportunity to nurture this growth in a positive, fun environment. Outside of school, I enjoy brunching at new café spots, visiting the beach and creating fun memories with my family and friends.

My name is Clare McCandlish and I love being part of the wonderful Karoo community! As a classroom teacher, I am passionate about fostering a caring and supportive environment where each student is able to achieve their very best. I have a strong focus on wellbeing and practicing kindness and gratitude, as well as ensuring learning is vibrant and engaging. Outside of school, I love to read, travel and spend time with family and friends.

I am filled with gratitude to be a member of this welcoming, collaborative, professional community and look forward to the continuous growth in the year to come. I am thrilled to share my passion for teaching and learning and believe in a growth mindset for all. In my classroom I will form strong relationships with my students and establish an inclusive, positive, respectful classroom environment. I believe in celebrating students for their individuality and challenging them to achieve their personal best. I am a strong advocate for all things health and wellbeing and will always work to ensure that my students and colleagues alike feel safe and supported.

I am thrilled to return to Karoo in 2024 after spending 18 months working overseas. Having taught at Karoo for 10 years it feels like coming home. Karoo has a great community feel and I can’t wait to be part of the dedicated, passionate and supportive team again. Teaching is my passion and I’m looking forward to building relationships with my students and going on our learning journey together. Enabling students to become independent, critical thinkers and take risks in their learning is something I’m passionate about. When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with my family, reading and travelling.

I have worked at Karoo Primary School for a number of years and the best way to describe Karoo is like a second home. With passionate staff, involved parents and students who are eager to learn, we have a supportive school community. I pride myself on the connections I make with my students and their families. I strive to foster a life long love of learning in all our students and support them to achieve their personal best. Outside of school I enjoy being with my family and friends, cooking and gardening

I feel very fortunate to be working at Karoo Primary School amongst a very supportive team of professional teachers.  I strive to create a warm and inclusive classroom where all my students feel safe and supported. I am passionate about the focus Karoo are placing on the Wellbeing of its students.  I love teaching and supporting my students to do their very best.  Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, watching my daughters play their sport and supporting my beloved Bombers!

I am so fortunate to be part of Karoo Primary school for some time now. I love teaching and watching the students grow socially and academically. Making connections with students and their wellbeing is a priority. It is wonderful to work with such an amazing group of students, teachers and families. Outside of school I am a mum to two children. We love making memories together and having fun with our friends.

Hi, my name is Karla Markovic and I’m very proud to be the teacher of 4K at Karoo Primary School. As I’ve discussed with many of our families and staff, I feel extremely lucky to teach such a wonderful group of students who consistently try their best to embody the Karoo values of kindness, personal excellence, and tenacity. I am grateful to be part of a highly knowledgeable, supportive, and dedicated team here at Karoo. I love teaching and I strive to foster a fun, safe and supportive environment for our students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. In my spare time I love being active, travelling, spending quality time with family and friends, and relaxing at the beach!

I feel incredibly privileged to have started my teaching career at Karoo Primary School in 2003 and I still love being here every day. I have a great passion for learning new things and have a particular interest in literacy. I love to bring a bit of fun to every day with silly stories, songs and games while we learn. Being a part of the school community at Karoo has been a huge part of mine and my family’s life with each of my 3 boys also attending the school. It is really a great, positive place to be.

I feel extremely fortunate to be a part of the Karoo community. It is a privilege to be working alongside a wonderful, knowledgeable and highly dedicated team. In my classroom I strive to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students develop a lifelong love for learning. I am also passionate about supporting the wellbeing, academic and social needs of all students. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, being active and travelling.

Karoo is an amazing and inclusive community that I am proud to be part of. I love coming to work and seeing the incredible social, personal and academic growth, the Karoo students display. I have learnt a lot being an Education Support Officer and I am excited to continue learning, as I progress into my teaching career.

I am a passionate teacher who has been lucky enough to work in this wonderful industry for over 10 years. I put my students at the forefront of everything I do and endeavour to make my classroom a fun, creative, positive and engaging environment to learn. Before my teaching degree I earned a degree in Media Arts and ran my own Media based production company for many years. I have incorporated my loves of photography, animation, filmmaking, art and music into every classroom I have taught in and am so excited that I get to inspire the students at Karoo Primary School to find their voice and love for Media Arts and Digital Technologies in 2023.

I began my teaching career as a primary classroom teacher, and I am excited to continue my teaching journey at Karoo Primary School as the Science specialist. I am passionate about STEM education. I aspire to ignite curiosity, creativity, and a love of science for all students. I want my students to be independent, critical, and creative thinkers who are motivated to challenge themselves and achieve their best in all their endeavours. Outside of school I enjoy being active, doing craft, and spending time with my family and friends.

I have been a member of the Karoo Primary School community for many years. During that time, I have taught almost all year levels as well as the specialist areas of Visual and Performing Arts. I love teaching at Karoo and getting to know all the students and families who are part of our community. When I am not at school, I enjoy going to the gym and spending time with family and friends.

I love to sing, dance, play, create and present alongside my fellow musicians in Foundation, Year 1 and Year 2 at Karoo Primary School. How fortunate to be able to do all these things in such a well resourced Performing Arts Classroom. In my own time (when not playing guitar or ukulele) interests centre on the family and then include sport, travel, Australian native plants, gardening and collectables.

Hello (ni hao), everyone! My name is Ms. Cheng, and I am excited to be your new Mandarin teacher at Karoo Primary School for 2023! With several years of experience in primary education, I am eager to make this year a fun and enriching learning experience for all of you. One unique aspect of my teaching style is incorporating music into the Mandarin program. So, get ready to see me singing and dancing in the classroom!

Beyond the walls of Karoo, my family holds a special place in my heart. We share a passion for travel, and our adventures together have allowed us to explore various cultures and gain a deeper appreciation for diversity. This love for culture and language has fuelled my enthusiasm for teaching Mandarin, and I am eager to inspire that same curiosity in each of you.

I am looking forward to getting to know each and every one of you and seeing your progress throughout the year.

I feel extremely privileged and thrilled to be joining the Karoo team in 2024. Over my teaching career I have been fortunate to teach across a variety of curriculum levels and specialist subjects. My passion lies in the health, education and the well-being of young children, so to teach not only Physical Education, but to also join the well-being team makes me excited that we can make a difference in young people’s lives. I provide an inclusive learning environment where I love to see all children thriving and achieving their best whilst engaging in not only sporting activities, but also their leadership skills and social, emotional and academic learning. Seeing happy, eager faces on children who are proud and confident to shine and be themselves is why I love my job and value teaching so much.

I’m delighted to join the team at Karoo as your Well-being Liaison.
I have a background in Counselling with a focus on primary school aged children.  This is an extremely rewarding role for me as I love to help children and their families navigate the ups and downs of life.
I have also written a well-being program that focuses on mental health.  The very talented and committed staff at Karoo have been rolling this out over the past year and I’m looking forward to collaborating with staff, students and parents to compliment the wonderful work that is already happening.
When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with my family, bike riding, cooking, entertaining and travelling.

Karoo Primary has played a very important part of my life for the last thirteen years. My two children attend as students and my career is an Education Support Staff Member at the school.
I feel extremely fortunate to be involved with the incredible Karoo community. My work is very rewarding and I thoroughly enjoy my interactions with such an amazing, caring team of staff and the fabulous students and families.

I joined Karoo Primary School in 2008 shortly after emigrating from the North of England with my husband and our dog. I have always enjoyed being part of such a close knit and caring staff and a wonderful school community where the collective aim is to ensure the best outcomes holistically for our students. I have enjoyed several roles over the years including the delivery of Literacy and Numeracy intervention to small groups, office and sick bay duties, accompanying camps and excursions. I am now very fortunate to be working in our amazing Library space managing the day to day book borrowing, returns, shelving and cataloguing. I am passionate about introducing all students to the magic of books and assisting them in getting the very best from our school Library. My life away from school involves volunteering for the RSPCA, a local Wildlife shelter and Wildlife Victoria.

As a member of the Education Support team, it’s a privilege working with students both in the classroom and at Karoo’s OSHC program. I’m passionate about creating inclusive learning environments where all students can thrive and realise their full potential. It’s a pleasure working with a dedicated staff in a community where all members are encouraged to be kind and tenacious individuals, who strive for their personal best. Outside of school, you might find me on a soccer pitch, exploring nature or playing the drums.

Hi my name is Cei and I am part of the education support team here at Karoo. I love being able to support students in their learning and help them to achieve their own personal education goals I am also part of the well-being team where we can offer tools to students to improve themselves and their relationships with their peers. It’s really important for me to me to build connection with students to then be able to help them foster a love for school and leaning When I’m not at school I am looking after my two children and my dog. I love cooking, eating out, travelling and listening to podcasts in my spare time.

I have been part of the Karoo Primary School community for the past 5 years. Working on the Education Support team here is a dream job. It is a privilege to walk through our school gates each morning and be surrounded by staff who are passionate and committed to providing not only an exceptional education for our students but also providing a holistic approach to their wellbeing through numerous support programs. Making connections with students and helping them realise and achieve their ‘own’ best academically and socially is a journey I’m excited to help them with. I look forward to continuing to build strong and lasting relationships with staff and students alike.

In my spare time I enjoy long bike rides with my hubby, spending time with my children and grandbabies, reading and travelling. I love crafting in general and have recently dusted off my crocheting skills.

I have worked at Karoo Primary School for many years and have enjoyed being part of the school community who work hard for our school.

In my spare time I love to read, travel to different countries and of course catch up with my family.

I have had the absolute privilege to be an Education Support Officer at Karoo Primary School for just over 10 Years now.  I love being part of such a special school. We have a wonderful warm community feeling at Karoo. I really enjoy working with such a fantastic group of staff, students and families. 

I have worked at Karoo Primary School for a number of years and have always enjoyed being part of such a wonderful school community who work together to ensure best outcomes for the students.

My name is Tanya Caulfield and I am excited to join the team at Karoo Primary School this year.  I have recently completed a Certificate in Education Support after falling in love with helping students at my children’s school. While completing placement at Karoo I have found the community very welcoming.  My husband and I have two sons who keep us busy with all their sport. I enjoy getting away and camping with my family and friends and exploring new places. I also can’t resist a good book.
At home you will often find me in our vegetable patch or cooking up something in the kitchenI love the focus put on well-being at Karoo as well as their passion for developing a love of learning. I am looking forward to supporting students in a fun and caring environment so they can be the best they can be.

Hello Karoo community, my name is Crystal and I am so excited to have joined you this year as part of the Education Support team.
I have a passion for working with children and helping them with their primary school journey. I build my relationships with children on trust, support, fun & encouragement while incorporating my studies in art therapy and psychotherapy to the building blocks. My belief is that all children need support at some point in their school journey, and I hope that I can be there for them. I do the best I can at promoting a positive and supportive environment while caring for the child’s/children’s emotional and physical wellbeing.
When I am away from school, I am with my 2 very energetic boys & husband. We have 2 fur babies and normally have one as a study buddy on my chair with me. I love drawing and colouring, listening to music and being outdoors.
I look forward to an amazing 2023 with you all at Karoo.

I absolutely love the warmth and inclusivity at Karoo Primary School and I feel very lucky to be joining the community. I am extremely passionate about education for all and feel privileged to be able to support your children in their learning. I strongly believe in building positive relationships and helping children to reach their potential.  When I’m not at school I love to spend time with my family and friends!

I am so blessed to have been a part of the amazing Karoo Primary School community for a long time. My journey began in the planning stages of the school as a parent back in 1991. Once the school opened in 1992 I volunteered my services as many parents do, and as the school grew I had the opportunity to become a staff member. My children went though Karoo and now two of my gorgeous grandchildren attend here. I have seen and been part of many changes to the school over the years and feel extremely grateful to still be involved with such a caring community. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

My name is Sally Goyne. I joined tohe Karoo community as a parent in 2008. After having my third child in 2017 , I began working in the office two days a week. I feel extremely lucky to work in the office amoungst an amazingly supportive team and also am priveldged to work with our wonderful students , taking small well being and literacy enhancement groups. Creating a safe environment and supporting the wellbeing of students is a passion of mine. Outside of work, I enjoy holidays with my family, the beach , reading and long walks in the Dandenong Rangers.

I have worked at Karoo for many years and feel very proud to be part of such a wonderful and supportive school community. I enjoy coming to work just to see our happy and smiley students and blessed to be working with the most amazing and wonderfully caring people. I enjoy reading, food and travel, spending time with family/friends and spoiling my two gorgeous granddaughters.

I have worked as part of the office team for many years, with my own children attending here as well. I have seen and been a part of many changes to Karoo over the years, and am proud to have helped nurture the wonderful warm community feeling enjoyed at our school. Working with such a fantastic group of staff, students and families at Karoo Primary makes it easy to come to work!

I have been involved with Karoo PS since 1994, initially as a parent and volunteer and then began working at Karoo in 2001. I love feeling part of the wonderful community here at Karoo. Over the years I have enjoyed watching the students grow into young adults still following the Karoo Values. It is great to be a part of the team helping all students achieve their best, however they can. I also like the variety of programs we offer to our students to meet their many and varied needs. In my spare time I love reading, crafting, and spending time with my family.

I have worked at Karoo Primary OSHC for many years and have always enjoyed being part of such a wonderful school community. I love working in OSHC and strive to create a fun and caring environment for all children to enjoy. Outside of work I have my 2 fur babies Leonardo and Meredith, I enjoy reading and binging a good series on Netflix.

I have worked at Karoo Primary School OSHC program for 12 years and absolutely love it, both the staff and children here at Karoo are a delight to work with and care for. I enjoy watching the children learn and grow. I strive to build strong relationships with each child, helping them to feel comfortable and welcomed into the OSHC environment. As part of the OSHC team I do believe we all work very hard to provide a safe, fun and welcoming environment where each child feels valued, seen and heard. I also enjoy preparing and making the craft activities with the children where they can develop new skills while they spend time here at OSHC. My husband and I have four adult children and we have recently become grandparents to a beautiful little boy. I enjoy spending time with my family, baking, doing arts & craft, gardening, listening to music, going to church and watching a good movie on Netflix.

As a member of the Education Support team, it’s a privilege working with students both in the classroom and at Karoo’s OSHC program. I’m passionate about creating inclusive learning environments where all students can thrive and realise their full potential. It’s a pleasure working with a dedicated staff in a community where all members are encouraged to be kind and tenacious individuals, who strive for their personal best. Outside of school, you might find me on a soccer pitch, exploring nature or playing the drums.

Inclusion, Difference, Change, Awareness, Diversity

IT BEGINS WITH YOU