2022 New Staff
Hi! My name is Emily Bissell-Barahona and I am thrilled to be joining Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School as a grade six teacher in 2022. I have been teaching for the past seven years in schools in Canada, Costa Rica, the UK and most recently Australia. I have enjoyed the opportunity to become part of various school communities and build lasting relationships, something I greatly look forward to doing at Our Lady Star of the Sea.
I was born and raised in Toronto, Canada where I grew up in a big family with three younger brothers and more aunts, uncles and cousins than I can count! In 2014 I moved to London, England where I spent two wonderful years living, travelling and teaching. I moved to Australia five years ago and feel very lucky to call the surf coast home.
In my spare time I enjoy hiking with my dog Roy, camping, and spending time with my family and friends. I am so looking forward to joining the Our Lady Star of the Sea school community and can’t wait to meet you all!
Tess Mellingham
I have been fortunate enough to be a part of the school community the past 2 years as an LSO, while completing my Teaching degree at university. I am extremely excited to join the team as a classroom teacher in 2022. I developed a love for teaching through a range of overseas experiences including teaching English in Tanzania and Cambodia as well as other community based projects in India, Turkey and Fiji. I grew up in Echuca and love getting back to the Murray river during holidays. I love camping and spending time with my partner and our dog, Billie. We are always off exploring along the coast and going on little adventures with our friends. I am an extremely passionate teacher and am looking forward to providing highly positive, supportive and engaging learning next year. I can't wait for 2022!
Miss Tess
Patrick Kennedy
My name is Patrick Kennedy and I am really excited to join the Our Lady Star of the Sea community in 2022. I have been teaching for the past six years at St Thomas Primary School in Drysdale where I have enjoyed teaching many different age groups and building positive relationships with the school community. I am really looking forward to bringing my experience, knowledge and passion for teaching to Our Lady Star of the Sea.
Growing up on the Bellarine Peninsula and living in Ocean Grove, most of my interests are all based around the ocean. I love to surf, fish and spend hot Summer days at the local beaches with my family and friends. I also love football, basketball, golf and traveling with my wife, Sarah.
I cannot wait to begin my time at Our Lady Star of the Sea and am looking forward to meeting the greater school community. Please make sure you say hello if you see me around the school.
Chloe Grist
My name is Chloe Grist, I am extremely excited to be joining the ‘Star of the Sea’ school community in 2022. I feel privileged to be given the opportunity to work in a positive, supportive, and inclusive school environment.
I currently work at St. Mary’s Primary School in Geelong as a graduate teacher, teaching years 3/4. Over the course of this year, I have learnt many valuable skills to ensure students are provided with effective learning experiences. I have encouraged my students to become critical thinkers and to explore authentic and intriguing possibilities to allow them to learn new content and engage in valuable experiences across various curriculum areas.
I grew up in Coragulac, where I completed my primary education at St. Brendan’s Primary School and my secondary education at Trinity College Colac. I am the eldest of three children and enjoyed growing up in a small country town, surrounded by my immediate and extended family. I love spending time with my family, particularly my two younger siblings who I am very close to. My interests include playing tennis, cooking, reading and socialising with friends.
After completing my secondary education, I moved to Ballarat to study a Bachelor of Primary Education at Australian Catholic University, with the accreditation to teach Religious Education. I completed my teaching degree in November 2020 and graduated from ACU in April this year. I appreciated going to Australian Catholic University in Ballarat as the small facility ensured everyone was well catered for in a nurturing environment.
I enjoy creating opportunities for students to develop their creativity and identity whilst fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment for all. I have a strong focus on developing relationships by building rapport with the school community including students, staff and parents.
I am very grateful to be a part of the ‘Star of the Sea’ school community and look forward to meeting you all in 2022!
I have lived in Geelong my whole life with my family and travelled to Ballarat to complete my degree. I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends. In particular, I treasure spending time with my extended Italian family, sharing a home cooked meal. My favourite meal is my grandmother’s pasta and Bolognese sauce. I thoroughly enjoy going for long walks along the beach, discovering waterfalls and watching the sunset. I enjoy playing sports and have played soccer over the years. Some of my other hobbies include travelling, going fishing, painting, listening to music, dancing and singing. I have a background in performing arts and musical theatre where I have performed in shows locally during my schooling years.
I have a great passion for working with children and making a difference in their lives. I look forward to meeting and getting to know all the students, families and wider community at Our Lady Star of the Sea.