Our principal and staff
At Clarke Road School we have an exceptional team of highly skilled professional and successful special education teachers who provide your child with a purposeful, challenging teaching and learning program which responds to their individual interests and talents; teachers who are ready to give your child the caring and individual focus they need and deserve.
Every member of your child’s teaching team at Clarke Road is at the forefront of innovative teaching practice and is up to date in relevant and current research and theory in Special Education through participating in a rigorous and demanding professional learning program. Your child’s teaching team will include specialised teachers, School Learning Support Officers (SLSO) and the school counsellor.
Learning and support teams within the school ensure that a multi disciplinary approach to each individual student’s needs is provided. The teaching team will consult with allied professionals such as speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, case workers, case managers and other advocates to maximise the professional input to your child’s Personalised Learning Plan (PLP).
With a teaching team that is committed, caring and always willing to go that extra mile, your child will not only be cared for and nurtured but will be immersed daily in an outstanding learning environment.
Principal's message
“Every child deserves a champion, an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connections and insists that they become the best they can possibly be” Rita Pearson
At Clarke Road School, we have a team of outstanding educators who are committed to ensuring that each child is given opportunities to connect, succeed and thrive. Our school culture is committed to excellence in designing teaching and learning programs that are evidence-based, innovative and deeply personalised, so that all students can learn and reach their potential. At Clarke Road School, we recognise that every moment is a teachable one and we are focussed on a vision of teaching and learning for all in the school community.
Teachers at Clarke Road School are tertiary trained, with many holding post graduate degrees in Special Education. They meet the Australian Teaching Standards and are well supported by executive staff who empower them to achieve the school’s vision for learning. All staff regularly engage in professional learning and collegial discussions through opportunities such as Learning and Support team meetings, which are focussed on professional conversations about how to improve teaching and learning practices for the benefit of all our students.
Effective teamwork with Student Learning and Support Officers (SLSO’s) is recognised as a key to the effective delivery of a high-quality education to our students and at Clarke Road School we recognise the importance of each person’s role in ensuring that teaching and learning programs are vibrant, relevant, personalised and achievable. Staff, our school counsellor and NDIS providers, all play an essential part in contributing to a multi-disciplinary team that supports students’ wellbeing.
First impressions are important when communicating with school. At Clarke Road, you will be greeted by our welcoming and friendly administrative staff who understand the importance of effective communication with parents. They will support you in your queries and are the best place to begin when you are seeking information. Together with our General Assistant, the administrative staff play a vital role in the safe and efficient management of the school.
As we strive for excellence in all that we do, regular feedback from both parents and staff is sought to improve practice. We are committed to working together to ensure our school provides the highest quality educational programs that support students who learn differently.
We look forward to partnering with you in Opening New Worlds for each child.
Rebecca Saunders, Principal of Clarke Road School
Our school leaders
Our school leaders, including our principal, guide teachers and students. They help create a school culture where every child is supported to grow and thrive.
Our teaching staff
Your child’s school experience is shaped by the people around them. Our teachers bring experience, care and a passion for learning to every lesson. With a focus on success, they help every child reach their full potential.
Garraway
Liz Waldron, Lisa Stewart & Crestina Drew
Bembul
Amy Owen & Sachi Rodden
Yarra
Shanaya Dubash, Grace Paddon & Annie Dempsey
Bunya
Tanya Townsend & Tanya Zordan
Buru
Kylie Ann Scott, Kathy Dixon & Bee Binnie
Magura
Cheryl Jacobs & Noriko Aoki
Warrigal
Karishma Kenyon & Aggie Best
Kurrajong
Betty Ho & Heather Steele
Gibba
Madeleine Wood, Scott Noble, Anita Gopalani & Crestina Drew
Colo
Rachel Jarvis, Scott Noble & Tony Little
Relief from Face to Face (RFF) Teachers
Ranna Taheri, Grace Paddon & Jen Whalan
Additional SLSOs
Tila Gera, Manoj Gera, Ari Aylett & Ty Ditchburn-Caulfield
Our staff make the difference
Committed to your child’s success
Our staff ensure every student can thrive. They use proven ways to teach and tailor learning support for their students
Teacher–family partnerships
Our staff build trust through clear communication. Our families know that their child has support and is ready to learn.
Wellbeing and support staff
Our wellbeing and support staff guide student wellbeing, learning needs and inclusion. They work with teachers to make personalised adjustments. This means each child can take part fully in school life. We make our school welcoming and accessible to every child.
Our wellbeing and support staff
- Miroslav Zivanovic, Counsellor
Administrative and operations staff
Our administrative and operations staff keep our school running smoothly. They support students, teachers and families every day. You can find them in our front office or on the school grounds.
Our administrative and operations staff
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Leanne Dries, School Administration Manager
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Mary Day, School Administration Officer
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
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Cindy Hartman, School Administration Officer
- Wednesday
Have a question for our principal, teachers or support staff?
Our friendly office team can help you get in touch.