STAFF MEMBERS

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!  

ADMINISTRATION:

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. This is my eighteenth year at LPPS 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.

Jacqui Eycken - Business Manager

I'm Jacqui and I am the Business Manager at Launching Place Primary School. I would desribe myself as dedicated, friendly and supportive. I love reading, long driving holidays and going to the footy! I love working at LPPS because of the staff and students, they are a great bunch and some of my favourite humans!

Lara Mackie - Foundation/Grade 1

Hi! I am Lara Mackie and I would describe myself as thoughtful, honest and passionate. I have worked across all levels but have been teaching Prep for 5 years now. Although each year is different and special in its own way, teaching Prep is the most rewarding level. We really are a little family in our classroom and I love being part of the start of their journey at school. My favourite moments in the classroom are spending time with children that make me laugh and make work fun! I also love that feeling I get when a child has that “click” moment and they get it and knowing I played a part in it. When I am not working, I am out walking, reading a book on the couch, spending time with family and friends or baking something sweet in the kitchen. 

Marissa Tomlinson - Foundation/Grade 1

My name is Marissa Tomlinson and I currently teach foundation and 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.

Haley Rusch - Grade 2/3

Hello! My name is Haley Rusch and I am a 2/3 teacher and our school’s Learning Specialist. I have been a teacher at LPPS for the last 4 years, in both 5/6 & 1/2. Before that I taught many different year levels and also Library at Bimbadeen Heights P.S. I would have to say that the thing I love the most about my job is the kids! That look on their face when they have overcome a challenge or achieved a goal is my favourite moment. Three words to describe myself would be optimistic, enthusiastic and fun. I have two kids, one has just started high school and the other is a student at LPPS so they keep me busy when I am not teaching. If I have some spare time, I enjoy gardening, colouring, bike riding and chopping firewood!

Kasey Bishop - Grade 2/3

My name is Kasey and I currently teach part time in a 2/3 class. I have been at Launch for 11 years and have previously worked in Grade 1/2 and 3/4 grades. I consider myself to be organised, hardworking and caring. I love coming to work and watching students’ learn and achieve their learning goals. When I am not at school, I am busy being ‘mum’. I have two children- a 6yo son and 18 month old daughter. I like to do the school drop off and pick up for my son, take them to swimming lessons and spend time as a family. I love reading a good book, having getaways in our camper, catching up with friends and snuggling my Jack Russell, Millie.

Brydie Tatterson - Grade 4/5

My name is Brydie Tatterson and I am currently a grade 4/5 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! 

Jacinta Kemp - Grade 4/5

My name is Jacinta Kemp and I teach Grade 4/5 with Brydie Tatterson. I am enthusiastic, approachable and passionate about education. It's a busy job being a teacher but it's so rewarding to see the progress our students make in their learing. I also love the friendly classroom atmosphere we create, where kids are happy, care for each other and celebrate the achievements of others. When i'm not teaching, i love spending time with family and getting to the beach as much as possible. 

Ala Lorenc - Grade 4/5

I am Ala Lorenc and I am currently a grade 4/5 classroom teacher. I would describe myself as strong, organised, and caring. The best thing about being a teacher is getting to know the students and sharing in their learning.

Jess Freeman - Grade 6

Hi! I have been teaching at Launch for nine years now, 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.

Candice Nyman - The Arts (Specialist Subject)

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 a Monday my role is part of the Disability Inclusion, and on a Friday I teach a grade 6 class. 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.

Toko Osadczuk - Japanese (Specialist Subject)

Konnichiwa! My name is Toko Osadczuk and I teach Japanese at LPPS from Prep to Grade 3. I would describe myself as honest, friendly and patient. The best thing about being a language teacher is to see children opening up their minds to the Japanese language and culture and enjoying learning them. When I’m not teaching, I love running, making Japanese sweets, going to the beach and spending time with my family and friends.

Sarah Hartshorn - P.E. and Cultural Studies (Specialist Subject)

Hello! my Name is Sarah, I have been teaching at LPPS since 2019. I love my job and the cohort of staff that i am privileged to work with. I would describe myself as kind, caring, bubbly and passionate about my kids. I love to have an exciting classroom and make the learning fun for everyone. I started working in education as a learner support officer and loved it so much that I was inspired to become a teacher while raising my three sons. What a crazy ride it was. When I am not teaching I love reading in my comfy reading chair at home and finding great books for the kids to read. I also spend time with my son building some amazing Lego creations, it's a new passion for me and gives us some great quality time together. I also love walking the trails of the Dandenong Ranges where I live.

Andrew Devisser - School Sports Victoria

Hi, my name is Andrew Devisser and I coorindate the School Sports Victoria and organise our Sports programs. I would say I work pretty hard at my job, I’m very organised and caring of others. I’ve been at Launch for a long time and have taught many of our parents in the many years I was in the classroom. When I’m not at school I do a lot of handyman stuff around the house which I really enjoy, as well as camping, bushwalking and spending time with my family, in particular my grandchildren. My best teaching moments are when I see children taking on challenges they are not always comfortable with and then seeing them take off from there.

Heather Taylor

My name is Heather and if I had to describe myself in 3 words it might be happy, kind & reliable. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy going to the beach, boating days, reading a good book, knitting/crotchet, and spending time with my husband, 4 daughters and grandson. The best part about teaching is the satisfaction of helping children to learn new things and succeed in achieving their learning goals. 

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 for 17 years 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!

Paul Traynor

My name is Paul and I am an ESO at LPPS. I like a good joke, playing and coaching basketball, football and writing. I really enjoy working with kids, helping them be kids and showing them that 'fun' is part of school life. I also help run the Environmental team with kids that like working outside, doing hands-on stuff. 

Sharyn Barrile

Chezelle Conroy

My name is Chezelle Conroy and I’ve been the Chaplain here for 9 years. I am silly, old fashioned and friendly. Honestly, I can’t help being friendly when I’m at Launch Primary because I’m so thrilled to do this work in such a wonderful community, most of the time I can’t help but smile! I love building connections with students and their families, and watching our children grow and change over the course of their school years. I love to garden, run, and play outdoors with my beautiful twin boys. 

Sam