STAFF MEMBERS

LEADERSHIP:

Laura Caddy - Principal

Welcome to our wonderful school! I'm Ms Caddy and I have been the proud Principal of Launching Place Primary School since July 2022. Having previously been Principal of a couple of small schools, I know that positive relationships are at the heart of any great school. I see it as my job to get to know everyone in our school and to ensure that students, staff and parents all love their time at Launching Place PS. Together we are striving for and celebrating our success!  

Candice Nyman - Inclusion Specialist/Student Welfare/ Leading Teacher

My name is Candice and I love my job! This year my role includes a variety of different hats, which keeps each day interesting. For three days of the week I teach The Arts to the whole school. The Arts is a lot of fun as it combines Performing Arts with Visual and Media Arts. On my other days, my role is part of the Disability Inclusion. One of the best things about my job is witnessing growth in the confidence of the students, as they take on challenges and step outside of their comfort zones. I am passionate, creative and organised. One of my main passions includes Calisthenics and I have been involved in the sport since I was 2 years old. I have competed in teams and solos at both state and national levels and I currently coach many solo competitors, as well as two sections at one of Victoria’s elite clubs - Regent Calisthenics.

Audrey Watt - Office Manager

Welcome to LPPS, I am Audrey I would like to tell you a little bit about me. I am helpful, patient, calm and most of the time organised and I absolutely love working at Launch. I love dancing and I love my family especially the extra love I have for my grandkids. I have been working at LPPS since 2003 and I love seeing all the families who have come through over the years. All the happy little faces really makes me smile. They say it takes a village to raise a child but it takes a team of dedicated teachers, parents, administrators, librarians and support staff to educate them. I love when a parent tells me that their child thinks that I even cook the lunches on lunch order day! They sure make me smile.

Sonia Dunn

My name is Sonia and I am an ESO. I like to think I’m friendly, caring and helpful. I love listening to music, gardening and crocheting. I have been at LPPS since 2004 and I am fortunate to say I love coming to work! It is the school community – students, families and staff that make work an absolute pleasure for me.

Ashleigh Bence - Foundation

Hi, My name is Ashleigh Bence! I love teaching at Launching Place Primary School and i am lucky enough to teach Prep. I love teaching Prep as you can feel their excitment buzzing every morning when they walk through the door. Seeing kids eyes light up when they learn something new is one of the many joys about my job.

I would describe myself as compassionate and caring person. I have a beautiful 5 year old daughter who keeps me very busy at home. Outside of the classroom, i enjoy watching NRL and AFL, reading a good book, playing games with my daughter and cooking delicious melas in the kitchen.

Marissa Tomlinson - Grade 1

My name is Marissa Tomlinson and I currently teach grade 1 . I am caring, dedicated and hard working. I live in Wesburn with my husband and three sons. When I am not at school, you will find me outside with my dogs and horses. My three boys have recently all begun learning to horse ride and now my husband wants to learn too so we can all ride together. I love working at Launching Place Primary School because our talented staff members are supportive, devoted and show a genuine care for their students. Aside from homelife, teaching is my biggest passion. I love the bond you build with your students over the year and feel privileged to share in their joy when they achieve their goals.

Jenna Dunford - Grade 1

My Name is Jenna Dunford and i am currently a grade 1 teacher at Launching Place Primary School. This year i am working alongside Marissa Tomlinson in a fantastic grade share.  I feel lucky to be apart of the amazing culture at our school, whilst developing strong relationships and delivering passionate teaching. When i'm not at school you might find me travelling, at the beach, reading or spending time with family and friends.

Meg Doyle-Cox -Grade 1/2

MY name is Meg Stewart and i am currently a grade 1/2 teacher. When i'm not at school you'll find me at the beach, walking my dog, reading a book or painting! I love working at Launching Place Primary School and feel so lucky to be part of such a wonderful community. I am very passionate about teaching and take pride in the strong relationships i build with all my syudents. I love my everything about being a teacher, but especially enjoy spending my days learning and having fun with my students.

Brydie Tatterson - Grade 3/4

My name is Brydie Tatterson and I am currently a grade 3/4 classroom teacher. I am lucky enough to work alongside Jacinta Kemp, in a grade share role. I would describe myself as loyal, organised and social. I also have two beautiful daughters that keep me busy at home. When I have spare time, I love to head out for walks and explore the outdoors with my family. I also love baking, anything sweet and most recently, I have learnt how to bake sourdough bread. I love being a part of the Launching Place PS community, I think teaching is a very rewarding job and it is always great to help students achieve their goals. It is just fun being around the kids! 

Lara Mackie - Grade 3/4

HI! I'm Lara Mackie. I have been teaching at Launching Place Primary School since 2010 and i love being paort of our school community. I have the priviledge of teaching Grade 3/4 alonside another wonderful teacher, Brydie Tatterson. I'm Passionate, organised and thoughtful and i love creating a positive classroom environment where all students can thrive and acheive their goals. When i'm not at school, i love spending time with my daughter- whether we're playing, reading books, or enjoying quality time together. I also have a love for baking sweet treats to share with my family and friends.

Chandra Exon -Grade 3/4

My Name Is Chandra Exon and i am currently a Grade 3/4 Teacher. I Love working at Launching Place Primary School and feel very lucky to be part of this amazing community. I think teaching is the best job in the world and take pride in the strong relationships i build with all my students. I would describe myself as caring, organised and loyal. When i am not at school you might find me walking my dog, reading a book or trying out new hobbies! I love reading, DIY, spending time with my friends and familyand watching soccer, particulary Arsenal, Melbourne City and the Matildas.

                                                         Katherine Bolton- Learning Specialist-5/6

  My name is Katherine Bolton and I feel privileged to be a part of a wonderful school community. I have taught all year levels from Prep - 6 and honestly love them all! Teaching really is the best job in the world and te kids give me so many reasons to smile. I am passionate about supporting all students to learn, grow and thrive at school. When I'm not at school, I love travelling to new and exciting places with my husband, cuddling my cats and reading.                                                       

Jess Freeman - Grade 5/6

Hi! I have been teaching at Launch since 2015 and love being part of our special school comminity. My favourite part of my job is the connections that you make with students as they develop and grow throughout their primary school years. I love seeing them come in as enthusiastic little preps, eager to learn, and then head off as mature, knowledgeable young people ready for high school. It is such an honour to be involved in the learning journeys of our wonderful students. Outside of school, I am a mother of two delightful children. I love the 80's, music, spending time with my family and friends, heading down to Phillip Island, rainy days and watching the Mighty Blues in the AFL and the Utah Jazz in the NBA.

Bonnie Ratten - Grade 5/6

I'm Bonnie,and i love spending time outdoors, whether it's tending to my veggie garden, looking after my animals, or heading off on adventures with my family. I grow tomatoes, broccoli, zucchini, and peas, and there's nothing better than enjoying fresh produce from my own garden. Camping and family trips, especially to the beach, are some of my favorite ways to unwind and make great memories. I also love fishing and bike riding, always looking for new ways to enjoy the outdoors.

Lyndall Lawrie - Grade 5/6

Coming soon

                                              Tanya Dale - Science ( Specialist Subject)

Hi, my name is Tanya Dale and i am teaching Science across all year levels. I have lived in the Yarra Valley for almost thirty years now and taught in awide range of roles. I am excited to be teaching science as i love engaging the students in fun, interactive sessions where we may be making, building, exploring, creating and investigating together. We look at a differnt aspect each term exploring Biology, Chenistry, Physics and Earth and Space.

When i'm Not teaching i love spending time with my family on our berry farm, enjoying a walk in the bush or reading a great book. Our teenage daughters who attend Upper Yarra also keep us busy.

                                              Kylie Maes- Music & arts ( Specialist Subject)

Hi! My name is Kylie Maes, and i am thrilled to be joing ing Launching Place Primary School as the preforming and Visual Arts Specialist Teacher this year! i have apssion for creativity, whether it's making art, singing, or bringing the joy of performance to students.

In our weekly sessions, we explore, create and respond to visual art, music,drama, media arts,and dance, fostering a love for the arts in a fun and engaging environment. As a parent of two children(12 and 14 years old), i stay connected with students' interests snd love findingways to make learning creative and relevant. I'm also excited to be involved in our whole school production and can't wait to see our students shine on stage!

Sonia Dunn

My name is Sonia and I am an ESO. I like to think I’m friendly, caring and helpful. I love listening to music, gardening and crocheting. I have been at LPPS since 2004 and I am fortunate to say I love coming to work! It is the school community – students, families and staff that make work an absolute pleasure for me.

Fiona Boek

Naomi Read

Hi, my name is Naomi and I am an ESO here at LPPS. I feel privileged to be able to be a part of our wonderful school community and fortunate to be a part of our amazing children's school life. I would describe myself as caring, honest and passionate about the work I do. The best part of my job is being able to work with our wonderful students and brilliant staff. I feel blessed to share my love of learning, as well as learn from our children - they teach me something new every single day!

Indyah Hurley

Hi, My name is Indy and i am an ESO at LPPS. I am very fortunate to be part of such an amazing community. I love my job here watching the children grow and develop. I am very caring and friendly. I love reading and anything outdoors, especially the beach!

Ashlynn Elliott

Hi, my name is Ashlyn, and iwork as an Educational Support Officer(ESO) at LPPS. Being part of the school community is something i truly love, especially witnessing the growth and development of each student throughour their time here. It's incredibly rewarding to be part  of their journey. Outside of school, i enjoy spending time with my family, going on adventures and walking my dog. I'm known to be kind, considerate and always ready to help in any way i can. I look forward to seeing you around our school!

                                                                   Candice Nyman 

                                                                  Sonia Dunn

Sam Paranavitana

Coming soon