鈥楨ffective teaching is the single most influential 鈥榠n-school鈥� factor for creating an effective learning environment.鈥� Natalie Siegel-Brown, Productivity Commissioner.
At 91全能, our teachers are valued, playing a vital role in shaping student success by focusing on four key areas: Relationships, Teaching Practice, Learning Environment, and Feedback. These elements define what teachers do every day to create an engaging and effective learning experience. Building strong relationships with students through approachability, kindness, and genuine care fosters motivation, engagement, and a willingness to learn. Our teachers prioritise positive connections, creating a sense of trust and belonging that enhances the overall classroom experience.
In addition to relationships, teachers ensure student success through effective teaching practices. This involves delivering knowledgeable, skillful, and clear instruction, supported by explicit guidance that helps students grasp new concepts with confidence. A well-structured learning environment is also essential, as teachers establish clear rules, consistent routines, and purposeful collaboration to maintain focus and readiness for learning. Finally, teachers provide effective feedback, ensuring that it is timely, specific, achievable, and affirming. This approach helps motivate students, recognise their progress, and guide them toward continued growth. By integrating these four areas into their daily practice, our teachers create a strong foundation for student achievement and lifelong learning.
Our teachers are deeply valued and recognise the profound impact they have on our students. Their dedication and passion are evident in their engagement with students, creating a positive and enriching experience at 91全能.
Staff Biographies
ELC
Suzanne Marshall
Qualifications
Bachelor of Contemporary Arts Deakin University
Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood) Melbourne University
Master of Teaching (Early Years) Melbourne University
Commenced at YVG 2023 Position ELC Teacher (Kindergarten Three)
Biography
There's nothing more fulfilling than witnessing children develop a love for learning and experiencing that "light bulb" moment when they achieve something for the first time. With 15 years of experience in teaching, I am fortunate to witness many of these moments each day. Yarra provides a truly inspiring learning environment, and I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to watch the children I teach in the Kindergarten Three program continue their journey throughout the school over the years.
Lani Phelan
Qualifications
Bachelor of Early Childhood (Melbourne University)
Commenced at YVG July 2003
Position ELC Teacher (Pre-Prep)
Biography
Guiding, inspiring, and challenging young learners has always been a passion of mine. There鈥檚 nothing quite like witnessing the moment when a child grasps a new concept, knowing that I鈥檝e played a role in their development. I have been at Yarra for more than 17 years, which has been extremely fulfilling. I have the privilege of teaching and nurturing the children in the Pre-Prep program. Laying the groundwork in these early years, building strong connections with families and watching the children grow throughout their schooling in such a supportive environment is a truly rewarding experience. Yarra provides so many wonderful opportunities where children thrive and teaching practices are enriched.
Junior School
Russell Monaghan
Qualifications
Bachelor of Behavioural Science (La Trobe University)
Masters of Teaching - Primary (La Trobe University)
Commenced at YVG 2017
Position Junior School Digitial Technologies Coordinator, Middle Primary Coordinator and Year 3 Teacher
Biography
As an innovative and passionate educator, I dedicate my time to creating engaging learning experiences that empower students to think beyond the classroom walls. I believe in the power of technology to amplify and support learning opportunities for all students while embracing new and creative ways to demonstrate understanding. Every student deserves the opportunity to showcase their learning in a way that suits them best. As a Junior School teacher, I prioritise fostering strong relationships and nurturing the development of the whole child as a person and as a student. 91全能 has provided me with a supportive and professional environment where students and staff are encouraged to take risks and be brave, fostering a culture of innovation and growth.
Dani Thomas
Qualifications
Bachelor of Education (Primary) Deakin University
Commenced at YVG 2022
Position Senior Primary Coordinator and Year 5 classroom teacher
Biography
I have always been passionate about teaching. As a later entrant to the profession, I feel incredibly fortunate to pursue a career that I truly love. I find my role immensely rewarding, as it allows me to build meaningful relationships with students, positively impact their lives, and witness their growth and development. My goal is to inspire young people to reach their full potential while fostering a lifelong love of learning. I am committed to nurturing the whole child鈥攁cademically, socially, and emotionally鈥攕o they develop the confidence, resilience, and skills needed to thrive in all aspects of life.
Tim Gray
Qualifications
Bachelor of Exercise Science (ACU)
Masters of Teaching P-12 (La Trobe University)
Commenced at YVG 2023
Position Prep teacher
Biography
Teaching at 91全能 is incredibly rewarding because of the warm and welcoming community. The dedicated families, passionate staff, and enthusiastic students make Yarra a really special place to work. I am honoured to play a key role in nurturing each student's academic and personal development. I value the opportunity to spend an entire year with my students, building strong, lasting relationships that positively impact their growth. My passion is teaching literacy in the early years鈥攁 critical time for laying the foundation for lifelong literacy and a love of learning.
Tess Lawrence
Qualifications
Bachelor of Education (Primary) Deakin University
Commenced at YVG 2022
Position Year 4 classroom teacher
Biography
Inspired by the incredible teachers who supported and guided me throughout my own education, I chose to become a teacher myself and am especially grateful to be working within the nurturing environment of 91全能. My teaching philosophy is centred on building strong relationships with my students, fostering a love of learning, and inspiring the next generation. I strive to create a positive and supportive classroom where students develop gratitude, empathy, and the lifelong skills they need to succeed. With three years鈥� experience teaching Year 6 and now in Year 4, I am excited to continue growing and learning. I am fortunate to be surrounded by such caring Yarra staff, students and community as I further my teaching career.
Secondary School
Randy Senn
Qualifications
Bachelor of Applied Science (Health & Physical Education) RMIT University
Teaching Methods Science and Health & Physical Education
Commenced at YVG 2016
Position Year 9 Coordinator
Biography
Teaching at 91全能 over the past 10 years has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The School鈥檚 commitment to both its exceptional students and the development of its staff makes it a truly special place. As a Physical Education Studies teacher, having unlimited space to run activities and immerse students in nature is a privilege. There鈥檚 no better environment to inspire learning and foster a love for movement.
Daniel Tomada
Qualifications
Bachelor of Teaching
Bachelor of Visual Arts (English +2 Minor) Doane College, Nebraska and Australian Catholic University
Teaching Methods English and Visual Arts
Commenced at YVG 2023
Position Year 7 Tutor, Girls Firsts Basketball Coach
Biography
Being part of the teaching community at 91全能 is both inspiring and rewarding. The school fosters an extraordinary sense of care, support, and excellence, creating an environment where both students and staff are encouraged to thrive. As educators, our role extends beyond delivering content- I love having the privilege to influence and guide young minds to be curious, resilient, and confident in themselves. Yarra isn鈥檛 just a school; it鈥檚 a thriving community where relationships matter, and every individual is empowered to grow. I look forward to continuing to encourage students to take bold risks, step outside their comfort zones, and make the most of everything Yarra has to offer.
Christy Kertes
Qualifications
Bachelor of Forensic Science (Deakin University)
Diploma of Education (Melbourne University)
Teaching Methods Mathematics and Science
Commenced at YVG 2022
Position Year 12 Tutor and Mathematics Teacher
Biography
With over 20 years of teaching experience, I am a confident educational leader dedicated to nurturing the whole person. My passion lies in fostering happy, confident, and lifelong learners who are equipped to navigate the challenges of an ever-changing world. I am a strong advocate for pastoral care, believing that relationships form the cornerstone of effective teaching. 91全能 enables me to pursue this approach, allowing me to create an environment where students feel supported, valued, and understood. Through meaningful connections, my goal is to help students succeed academically, whilst providing them with the guidance and direction they need to grow into resilient, compassionate individuals ready to contribute positively to society.
Claire Wight
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Arts, Dean鈥檚 Scholars Program (Monash University and Universit茅 Fran莽ois Rabelais)
Honours, Combined in French and Psychology (Monash University)
Diploma of Education, Specialisation in English and Languages (Monash University)
Master of Education, Specialisation in Leadership and Management (University of Melbourne)
Teaching Methods: English, Literature and French
Commenced at YVG: 2014
Position: Debating Coordinator, Year 7 Tutor and VCE Literature Teacher
Biography
Connections forged on a foundation of mutual respect and compassion are indispensable in education. I fervently believe that student engagement is amplified through positive relationship building, which has been the cornerstone of my teaching practice from the outset. Whether introducing Year 7 French students to the vast possibilities of language learning or challenging Year 12 Literature students to excel beyond their perceived potential, there is nothing more fulfilling than imbuing students with the confidence to achieve. I derive immense satisfaction from sharing my passion with my classes and witnessing student growth over time, particularly as a Year 7 tutor and VCE teacher. 91全能 offers unparalleled opportunities to all lifelong learners, staff and students alike, and I am grateful to be part of this unique community.
