Meet Our Staff

I absolutely love The Patch, our staff, community and kids all make working here a joy. It fills my bucket watching kids connect and thrive at our beautiful school and I work with the most lovely committed staff there is. After 20 years, I wouldn’t work anywhere else!

I love to travel and spent 3 years backpacking the world with my husband before I became a teacher. My favourite places were Italy and Africa!

Alesha.Sangster@education.vic.gov.au

The Patch Primary School has such a warm, inclusive culture and strong sense of community. It was clear to me that this school prioritises connection, wellbeing and purposeful learning, so I feel aligned with the school’s values.

As an active person, I love all things outdoors. You’ll often find me at the beach. I love to explore and hike or in the winter months, I’ll be by the fire watching the Footy.

I love being surrounded by a warm and welcoming community, and the amazing grounds at the Patch! It is a beautiful environment to watch the students grow each day.

I grew up in Portland on a farm, and still love visiting the beautiful beaches at home!

Angela.Bennett2@education.vic.gov.au

The best thing about the Patch is all the trees and the access to nature, it makes getting outside at playtime a richer experience. I love the creativity of the kids and all the crazy stuff they come up with. I like the look on their faces when they understand something for the first time, or when they learn a new skill and get a little confidence boost. Kids are pretty cool- the staff here are all pretty rad as well.

I’ve travelled a bit and worked in a few different industries, so I’ve accumulated a bit of life experience here and there. I play some obscure traditional Irish instruments and also…’carn the Tiges!

I love working at The Patch because everyone is so welcoming, and there’s a wonderful sense of community and belonging. I love getting to know the students and their families.

I used to twirl fire, but these days I just spin poi — it’s just as fun (and much safer)!

Elke.Evans@education.vic.gov.au

I love the beautiful, natural environment of our school, the kind and creative students, and the friendly and supportive staff!

I am a Mum to four beautiful children, I love live music, reading lots and lots of books, and practising yoga.

The Patch feels like one big family. Everyone looks out for each other and there’s a genuine sense of belonging. The students here are quirky, clever, funny, kind, and full of ideas. Which means every day brings new opportunities for imagination.

I love listening to music, my music taste is all over the place. I love going to the beach and creating memories with friends.

Grace.Kukuruzovic@education.vic.gov.au

I love teaching at The Patch because of the community here.

I enjoy teaching, spending time with my family and reading.

Haley.Burke@education.vic.gov.au

The Patch is a place filled with wonderful people, who make every day enjoyable. I love teaching our amazing students and creating a fun, engaging class full of laughter and learning. Working with curious, enthusiastic students and colleagues makes it a truly special place.

I follow the Hawks of course! I also enjoy eating out at restaurants, hiking on trails around Melbourne, and spending time with my friends.

Hayden.Chiswell@education.vic.gov.au

I love working at The Patch because I love working in a community that is filled with so much positivity! Everyday at The Patch is full of happy moments and laughs amongst both teachers and students!

I love the beach- specifically reading in the sun at the beach! I also enjoy eating out at new restaurants, coffee and walks with my friends, and travelling to new places!

Indigo.Sangster@education.vic.gov.au

I love working at The Patch because I love being in such a beautiful outdoor environment and being surrounded by fantastic teachers!

I go for the Pies and I love to explore new places!

Jayde.Salan@education.vic.gov.au

I love working here because of the natural environment, support of the arts and amazing staff, kids and families to work with.

I’m also a visual artist and painted the feature wall in the STEM room.

I love working as part of The Patch Primary School team, our school creates a professional and friendly environment, while continuously supporting each other and having a laugh together.

I was drawn to The Patch Primary School by its strong sense of community and commitment to nurturing the whole child. I am passionate about supporting students at their point of need and fostering an environment where every learner can grow and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. I have a particular interest in student wellbeing and evidence-based teaching practices, and I am dedicated to ensuring that every student is empowered to reach their full potential.

I’m a passionate and crazy marathon swimmer. I’m a mum of two and we have three baby doll sheep, two dogs and 14 chickens in our fur and feather family.

Kate.Watkins@education.vic.gov.au

I love working at The Patch because it truly feels like a family. The sense of care, connection, and community makes it such a special place to be. I feel so lucky to work alongside passionate colleagues and curious, kind students who make every day rewarding.

My favourite food is chocolate- especially any type of dark chocolate, Kit Kat Aero Mint, Cadbury’s Marvellous Creation, Malteasers, Toberlone…. actually ANY chocolate!

Kellie.Mcdonald@education.vic.gov.au

I think what I love most about working here is the diverse range of kids. They all have something awesome about themselves and something in which I can connect.

I have too many hobbies and passions! I’m a musician, mountainbiker, snowboarder, surfer, skater and video gamer.

Kent.Agis@education.vic.gov.au

I love working at The Patch. For me it’s the people – the kids, the staff, the parents & the visitors to our beautiful school! I love the relationships that are created and feeling like I am in some small way able to help people. My role is also very diverse and interesting, so no day is boring!

My family is my everything. My kids are sporty kids, so I am forever driving to sporting events or watching them play (which I sometimes complain about but absolutely love). I am also a very big animal lover and live on a hobby farm with dogs, horses, sheep, chickens and a cat! My horse is a Clydesdale called George.

I love working here because of our beautiful gardens, outdoor learning spaces and the strong community connections.

I enjoy river and beach camping with my 3 children. Summer is my favourite season where I spend lots of time outside gardening, fishing and playing sports with my partner and kids.

I love working at this school because I find The Patch Primary to have a vibrant musical community!

I love to play the piano and sing, it makes me happy!

I was drawn to The Patch Primary School for its strong commitment to student wellbeing and believe that my experience and calm nature will help to create a positive, safe and inclusive environment for all students. Aligning with my own values, I hope to bring kindness, courage and connection into my interactions with staff, students and the school community. I am excited to be joining the team at The Patch Primary School.

I have a background in graphic design and love art and design, you could say I’m a bit of a design nerd.

I love working here because I have always loved each year getting a new grade of students and their families and getting to know them. Always a joy. And plenty of outdoor time – we have fantastic grounds. Did I mention the folks I work with? Pretty amazing!

I love food…shoes…my family…books…no particular order.

I love working here because of the community, the close-knit staff, and beautiful outdoor spaces.

I enjoy anything outdoors! Mountain biking, motorbike riding, hiking, gardening, music festivals, and sometimes just sitting and soaking up what a beautiful place we live and work in 🙂

Oliver.Piesse-Walton@education.vic.gov.au

I love being a part of the wonderful Patch community. Everyone has a passion for learning and our beautiful environment makes it an ideal place to support the children on their learning journeys.

Beyond school I treasure time with my friends and family.

The Patch School is a magical place. I have worked here for many years, I have lost count, and many people come and go. They all contribute to the amazingness of our school but whoever comes and goes, the magic continues. It attracts people who are kind and generous in spirit and who deeply care about kids and education. I love working here and feel thankful for our beautiful environment and people every day.

I was a calisthenics fanatic up until I was 30 years old and I still love it when I get the chance to choreograph or teach any performing arts.

Pauleen.Gould@education.vic.gov.au

I love working at The Patch because of our beautiful natural setting, where Bunjil often soars above us, reminding us of our connection to Country. I feel grateful every day to work alongside such kind, passionate teachers and an inspiring community.

Before teaching Prep, I spent many years as an Art teacher, so creativity is still a big part of my classroom! I love nature, hands-on learning, and anything that encourages children to explore and express themselves.

Sofia.Walsh@education.vic.gov.au

I love working here because of the sense of community. There is something magical about The Patch, the staff, the families and the students. This is why I love teaching here.

I love Maths, teaching Maths and instilling in students the wonder that is Maths.

Tania.Blandthorn@education.vic.gov.au

I love working at The Patch because it means I am surrounded by nature every day in the sounds of our vibrant birdlife and fresh air, and watching the kids learn and play among the trees and gardens.

I can solve an easy sudoku in 1 min and 28 seconds.