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Our principal and staff

Welcome from our Principal

Mrs Voula Pounendis, School Principal

Welcome to Virginia Primary School, our vibrant and inclusive learning community, where values of Respect, Caring, Fairness, Diversity, and Achievement are not just words but the foundation of our school culture. As the proud Principal of VPS, it is my pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all students, families, and staff. I feel privileged to be in a role whereby I can make a difference in the lives of our students, staff and families.

At Virginia Primary School, our mission is to inspire a love for learning, empower students to reach their full potential, and cultivate a strong sense of community. We strive to create an inclusive and supportive educational environment that values all student’s unique strengths and abilities, and that fosters personal growth and development.

At the heart of our mission are the values of wellbeing and high-quality education. We understand the importance of creating a supportive and nurturing environment that promotes not only academic excellence but also the holistic development of each student. Our committed and dedicated staff work tirelessly to ensure that every child feels safe, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

We celebrate our rich tapestry of cultures, making our school a true melting pot of diversity. We firmly believe that embracing our differences and similarities, enhance the learning experience for everyone. Our commitment to being an inclusive and multicultural organisation is unwavering, creating an environment where every individual feels valued and respected.

As part of our commitment to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students, we offer a range of support services to cater to the diverse needs of our students, including special education programs, counselling services, and English language support. Our team of caring professionals work collaboratively to ensure that every student receives the necessary support to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

We are dedicated to providing opportunities that extend beyond the classroom, encouraging our students to become lifelong learners. By nurturing a love for knowledge and curiosity, we aim to equip them with the skills and mindset necessary for success in an ever-changing world.

Virginia Primary School recognises that the partnership between families and the school community is crucial in providing students with the best opportunity to thrive. Together, we can create a strong foundation for our students’ success, fostering a sense of belonging and a love for learning.

I thoroughly love my job and am excited about the journey ahead. I look forward to witnessing the growth and achievements of each and every member of our VPS family.

Thank you for entrusting us with the education and well-being of your children.

Warm regards,

Voula Pounendis

VOULA-POUNENDIS-PRINCIPAL-VIRGINIA2-PS

Meet our leadership staff

Meet our leadership staff

Thuy Tran Deputy Principal Virginia

Ms Thuy Tran

Deputy Principal

Thuy Tran, our Deputy Principal, is a passionate and dedicated leader who upholds our school values and high quality expectations. She has a strong connection with the community and is committed to further supporting our children and families.

Ms Thuy Tran, Deputy Principal

Thuy Tran, our Deputy Principal, is a passionate and dedicated leader who upholds our school values and high quality expectations. She has a strong connection with the community and is committed to further supporting our children and families.

Mrs Jess Botchen

Inclusion/Wellbeing Leader

Miss Jess focuses on our school wellbeing. With a background in psychology & counselling, she supports students with social, emotional, & behavioural challenges. Miss Jess gives students & families a safe space to talk & problem solve so students can continue their learning journey with confidence.

Mrs Jess Botchen, Inclusion/Wellbeing Leader

Miss Jess focuses on our school wellbeing. With a background in psychology & counselling, she supports students with social, emotional, & behavioural challenges. Miss Jess gives students & families a safe space to talk & problem solve so students can continue their learning journey with confidence.

Mr Jarred Page

Numeracy Co-ordinator

In this role, I am leading our school’s work around the continuous improvement of mathematics, with a strong focus on building high quality teaching practices and supporting all students to become confident and capable with their approach to numeracy.

Mr Jarred Page, Numeracy Co-ordinator

In this role, I am leading our school’s work around the continuous improvement of mathematics, with a strong focus on building high quality teaching practices and supporting all students to become confident and capable with their approach to numeracy.

Mrs Jenny Attewell

Literacy Co-ordinator

This year we have introduced Spelling Mastery across Yrs 3–6 as part of our whole-school literacy approach. It teaches spelling in a clear, step-by-step way. Students learn about sounds, spelling patterns, rules and word parts (such as prefixes, suffixes and base words), with guided practice.

Mrs Jenny Attewell, Literacy Co-ordinator

This year we have introduced Spelling Mastery across Yrs 3–6 as part of our whole-school literacy approach. It teaches spelling in a clear, step-by-step way. Students learn about sounds, spelling patterns, rules and word parts (such as prefixes, suffixes and base words), with guided practice.

Teaching staff

Mid-Year Reception teacher

TBC

Reception teacher

Miss Catherine Macdonald

Reception teacher

Miss Ella McKaye

Reception teacher

Miss Tamika Townsend

Reception/Year 1 teacher

Mrs Amy Wormald

Year 1 teacher

Miss Caitlyn Quinlan

Year 1 teacher

Mr Vince Scali

Year 1 teacher

Miss Gabrielle Cantlon

Year 2 teacher

Mrs Jessica Ipkendanz & Mr Jackson Penrose

Year 2 teacher

Mrs Thuy Nguyen

Year 2 teacher

Miss Cloe Bowman

Year 3 teacher

Mrs Belinda Haley

Year 3 teacher

Miss Anastasia Sissis

Year 3/Year 4 teacher

Mrs Jenny Attewell & Mrs Rachele Bexis

Year 4 teacher

Miss Rachael Pitt

Year 4/Year 5 teacher

Ms Cathy Lock

Year 4/Year 5 teacher

Miss Taryn Kopania

Year 5 teacher

Mr Andrew Romeo

Year 6 teacher

Mr Aaron Thomas

Year 6 teacher

Mr Page & Miss Kat

EALD & Student Support

Mrs Katrina Strangio & Mrs Elliana Andrew

Arts

Mrs Susan Graham & Mr Kevin Sy

Dance/Drama

Mrs Andrea Panozzo

P.E

Mr James Yates

Italian

Mrs Marie Lionello

Science

Mrs Thi-Hien Dahn & Mr Kevin Sy

Support staff

Front Office

Ms Deborah Smith

Front Office

Ms Jacqui Rowe

Finance Officer

Mrs Rebecca Mickel

SSO Librarian

Ms Leonie Watts

SSO

Mrs Mimi Azzurro

SSO

Miss Nelsie Hale

SSO

Mrs Khush Nisar

SSO

Miss Tahlia Dennie-Richards

SSO

Mr Bailey Jones

SSO Intervention

Mrs Hayley Klose

SSO

Ms Lia Jurkovic

SSO

Mrs Bernadette Van-der Walt

SSO

Miss Alyssa Desteno

SSO

Mr Trent Robinson

SSO

Miss Elana Dalakis

SSO

Miss Lilly Stiles

Aboriginal Education Worker

Mrs Jessica James

Canteen Manager

Karen McKeon

OSHC Director

Nisha Ahrens

Kitchen Garden

Mrs Sue Graham

JP Intervention & Behaviour Management

Mrs Jodie Spano

Preschool Staff

Lead Teacher

Mrs Belinda Burt

Preschool Teacher

Mrs Tahnee Hunt

Preschool Teacher

Miss Donna Thorpe

BSSO

Mrs Dipmala Patel

SSO

Miss Nelsie Hale

SSO

Mrs Debbie Barbato

SSO & Aboriginal Support

Mrs Cherylynne Catanzariti

BSSO

Mrs Annie Mettke