OUR Staff

Principal

Bernadette McKenna

I have been principal at Chewton since April 2020. I love the school's emphasis on community and sustainability. I love the way all staff know every child and work together to nurture them, supporting them academically, socially and emotionally. I love the way the whole community is so heavily involved in the life of the school and the stunning bush setting makes it a joy to come to every day. Chewton Primary really is "the best little school in Victoria."
Class TeacherYears 5-6

Scott Purdon

I am the grade 5/6 teacher. I have been teaching at Chewton since 2009. Chewton community is the reason this school is so special. I care about wellbeing in the kids I teach, I want them to strive to be their best and they know I have high expectations of them. Kids learn best when they are having fun, when they feel safe in the relationships around them and they know I am in their corner, even when things get tough. I love that my own children attend this school and we are a part of this nurturing community.
Class TeacherYears 3-4

Mikaylah Gillespie

I teach Year 3/4 at Chewton Primary School with Renee Maddams. I began teaching at Chewton at the beginning of 2020. I was inspired to teach here because of the school’s focus on curiosity and inclusion. I believe it is important for children to be creative thinkers and the school’s active community, as well as the bushland backdrop, allow for students to be curious and engaged learners. I value an individualised approach to learning where all students are challenged and supported.
Class TeacherYears 3-4 

Renee Maddams

I feel truly blessed to have the privilege of working in a small school and one that has such a diverse and active community. My colleagues and I are all passionate about education and student wellbeing and strive to nurture each and every child in our care as a team. Chewton Primary School is a unique and wonderful school and I love being a part of such a special place that is constantly growing to provide for the children in our community. 
Class TeacherYears P-2

Sue Pearson

I am the Prep-2 teacher at Chewton Primary School. Early years teaching has always been my passion and the opportunity to teach at Chewton was something I was immediately drawn to. Working in a small school community is an honour and I am committed to helping each student reach their full potential.
Class TeacherYears 3-4 

John Thomas

I'm the STEM and Technology specialist at Chewton, the school I chose for my own children's primary years. Chewton is a happy school with strong parent and community engagement. My own children loved their time here and I'm delighted to be able to continue to work at such a great school using my expertise to help students build strong digital and inquiry skills and to help staff make effective use of educational technologies.
Wellbeing and Mental Health Leader and Hands-on Learning Artisan Teacher

Margot Feast

As a local, I feel privileged to walk the track to school and to a workplace that encapsulates so much beauty. Being able to breathe in and gain strength from nature is something I take into both my roles as Hands-on Learning Artisan/Teacher and the Wellbeing and Mental Health Leader. In both roles, my focus is on developing students social and emotional skills. I support students to recognise and express their feelings, build healthy friendships and treat everyone, including themselves, with respect. Through my extensive background in visual arts education, I also use creativity to build a sense of pride, purpose and belonging at Chewton Primary School.
Art SpecialistYears P-6

Kate Meade

As the Art teacher at Chewton Primary School, I love exploring the world of creativity and art making with students.  I have a focus on nurturing the individual creativity of each child as well as teaching artistic behaviours. In the art room we are inspired by the beautiful bush that surrounds the school and often make art outside or bring these natural elements into the art room. We are also lucky to live in a vibrant arts community where we source many ideas and opportunities for arts participation. 
Education SupportYears P-2

Eloise Pengelly

I love coming to school every day to be embraced by the wonderful students, staff and families I work with at Chewton Primary School. I'm entrusted with the care of the Prep/One students and thrive on nurturing their specific learning, social and emotional needs. I get such a thrill from watching students adopt an "I can" attitude in the classroom. I enjoy shooting hoops and kicking the footy with students at break times.
Business ManagerAdministation

Kitty Ward

I am lucky to be the Business Manager at Chewton Primary. I love coming to work in the beautiful building and grounds and I’m proud to work at a school with a strong focus on sustainability and wellbeing. The staff, students and families are welcoming and supportive, giving Chewton Primary School a lot of heart.
Education SupportYears 3-4

Patsy Braybrook

My name is Patsy and I've been helping students at Chewton Primary School for longer than any other member of the team! It's a great place for children to come to school.
Patsy is running Family Day Care after school on Tuesday and Thursday.
Education SupportYears 5-6

Kahu Patira

I am so lucky to be a part of Chewton Primary. I am fortunate to come to school every day and and enjoy the friendly people, both staff and students, and natural environment upon which the school is situated. I love the team spirit of the school and the community atmosphere which is a pleasure to be part of.