OUR STAFF

Principal

Bernadette McKenna

I have been principal at Chewton since April 2020. I love the school's emphasis on Indigenous perspectives, 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 Teacher5-6

Kirra Beckwood

Chewton Primary is a truly special place to be, and I feel very lucky to be a teacher here. The school radiates warmth, nurtured by a kind and vibrant community and a strong connection to Djaara Country, upon which we learn and play. Student wellbeing is central to my practice, and I believe that children learn best when they feel safe, supported, and truly valued at school. I love that each student’s unique way of thinking is celebrated here, and that every learner is encouraged to grow in confidence and develop a genuine sense of belonging. Grades 5 and 6 are a period of remarkable personal and academic growth, and I am excited to support my students as they step into their independence as thoughtful and compassionate young leaders.

Class TeacherGrade 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 TeacherGrade 3-4

Shaun Farrugia

My name Shaun Farrugia and I love teaching at Chewton Primary School. I take great interest in learning about what my students are excited by and how they learn best. My practice revolves around students being highly engaged in their education, and in them learning the skills they need to move through the world with confidence as they grow and develop. I love the natural environment we have available to us at Chewton Primary and love to utilise the amazing surroundings wherever possible as part of our daily class activities.

First Nations Ways:Country and PlaceP-6

Kath Coff

Kath Coff is a proud Yorta Yorta woman who is also the CEO of Nalderun Aboriginal Education Corporation. Kath has worked closely with staff and students at Chewton Primary over a number of years. We are very privileged to have Kath teaching First Nations Ways: country and place this year.

Grade 1-2 teacher

Kitty Ward

I feel fortunate to be a Year 1/2 teacher at Chewton Primary School. I enjoy coming to work each day in such a beautiful setting and feel proud to be part of a school community that values sustainability, wellbeing and strong relationships. The staff, students and families create a welcoming and supportive environment that gives Chewton Primary School its strong sense of heart and community. In my role as a teacher, I am passionate about supporting young learners as they build confidence, curiosity and independence in their learning. I am also committed to teaching with respect for First Nations knowledge, cultures and perspectives, helping students develop an understanding of and appreciation for the rich histories and ongoing contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. By embedding these perspectives in our learning, I hope to foster respect, inclusion and a deeper connection to Country and community.

Class Teacher Prep

Erin Cook

I am excited to join the Chewton Primary School community as one of the Prep teachers. I believe that learning should be both fun and meaningful and I strive to make every lesson an enjoyable and rewarding experience for students of all abilities. Whether it's through creative activities, hands-on experiences, or tailored support, I want to ensure that each student feels supported, safe, valued, and inspired to learn. I look forward to working with the students, families, and staff at Chewton Primary School to create an inclusive, supportive, and fun learning space for all.

Lewis Mulvey

Class Teacher Prep

I love living and working on Djarra country and it is an honour to teach at Chewton Primary School. I love how our school values community and respect for ourselves, each other and the environment. I am passionate about quality education for all children and ensuring students can learn in a caring, nurturing environment where they are challenged and supported.

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 SpecialistGrades 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 SupportGrade 3-4

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 Manager

Stacey Solly

I joined the Chewton Primary School staff in 2026 as a new Business Manager. I am excited to be a part of the school community and look forward to seeing how the school grows and evolves.

Education SupportGrade Prep

Cat Fisher

As a former student of Chewton Primary, it is a privilege to be able to come back and support the next generation of learners. It is an absolute joy working in such a beautiful location on Djaara Country and to be part of a school community that radiates support, inclusion and diversity. The atmosphere here at Chewton really is one of celebrating individuality while fostering a deep sense of belonging. In my role as Education Support in the Prep room, I am passionate about supporting our youngest students as they begin their big, beautiful journey at Chewton. I feel very lucky to get to walk through the doors every day to be a part of such a welcoming and inspiring school community.

Education Support Grade 1-2SPAIDES (speech) support

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.

Education Support

Grade 5-6

Esther Castleman

As a past student, I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to come back and be part of the Chewton Primary School team. Our school has a very strong sense of community, and I love coming to work every day. I enjoy supporting the students in my role as ES and seeing them grow in their independence and self-confidence. Our beautiful school on Djaara Country is a wonderful place to work, learn, and play.

Sustainability

P-6

Serena Everill

Performing Arts

P-6

Thais Sansom

It's a delight to witness students expressing themsleves with confidence through the Performing Arts...Stories of their lives and their Place through: singing, dancing, drumming, circus, music making, marimba, recorder and ukelele playing, shadow puppetry.

I spent time in Ghana, West Africa, studying traditional Drum, Dance, Circus and received permission to share these rhythmic skills as a way to process and celebrate life!

I've taught Performing Arts for almosy 40 years, beginging my teaching career at CERES Environmental Park in Brunswick, Melbourne, where I established the Return of the Kingfisher Festival with Wurrunjerri Elder Ian Hunter and other founding artists.

Currently I teach at Chewton and Castlemaine Primary, Over The Moon Studios, Berkley St Kinder, 5Rhythms Castlemaine and private drumming classes. I am delighted to be teaching at Chewton with so many wonderful resources such as the music garden.

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