Our Educators

Although born in Grafton many years ago to West Australian parents, David spent significant years living and learning in different countries. Some years later, while volunteering as a rock climbing instructor to underprivileged youth in the Canadian Rockies, he thought that teaching might in fact be a way to contribute to community. This meant returning to Newcastle, and gaining another degree, this time in Secondary Education at the University. Since then, he has taught English (and several others subjects) in Papua New Guinea, Canada, and for the past 25 years, the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle region. 

​

David is the father of five globetrotting children and is married to a Teacher/Librarian with an amazing knowledge of all things books. The house is full of books, travel memories and plans, and quite often good food and friends.

 

Recent roles in school leadership, educational consulting, and as the founder of an educational tour company, have allowed David to investigate educational innovation around Australia and the world. He is passionate about creating a local, progressive, option for young people in Newcastle - one that is truly student centred.

Born in the north of Tasmania to a dairy farming family, Brendon’s early life was characterised by loving and resilient parents who, despite their own lack of education, understood the importance of securing educational opportunities for their three sons.  While still very young, Brendon's family moved to the Yarra Valley in Victoria where the family farming enterprise diversified into beef cattle.

 

Brendon attended a private school in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne where, inspired by excellent teachers who genuinely cared, he made the decision to take up a career in teaching. After moving to Newcastle to complete his Bachelor of Education (1996), Brendon’s early teaching positions included  Auckland, New Zealand and the Western Suburbs of Melbourne where he was first asked to take a leadership position in a small but rapidly growing school.

In 2007 Brendon returned to Newcastle where he has been involved in school leadership and culture development across several independent schools.

​

With a career spanning over 27 years in secondary school education, Brendon brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for fostering nurturing student cultures and deeply engaged school communities.

 

Brendon’s commitment to education extends beyond traditional methods; his experience in school development has shaped him to become a staunch advocate for the strength of smaller, community-oriented schools that offer real-world learning experiences. His goal is to prioritise and cultivate positive cultures within secondary schools, ensuring that every student benefits from a secure and engaging educational experience.

​

When he’s not championing educational excellence, Brendon enjoys exploring the great outdoors with his children. Whether hiking, mountain biking, or savouring a well-brewed cup of coffee, he values quality time spent in nature and with loved ones.

​

Brendon’s blend of professional expertise and personal enthusiasm makes him a valuable asset to our team, dedicated to enhancing both community and culture within our educational framework.

Joshua grew up in the scenic rim of northern NSW and spent his childhood building tree houses and bike tracks along the river bank on his parents sugar cane farm. Given time and space to roam, Joshua’s childhood was a mix of creativity and enterprise with canoes made from roofing iron and billy cart races down the main street of town.

 

From an early age Joshua had a love of reading, outdoor adventure and contemplation. He attended a variety of schools, both public and private as well as a year of homeschooling while travelling around Australia. This diversity of experience has gifted Joshua with an appreciation of the ingredients that make for effective and enjoyable learning.

 

Joshua received a scholarship and moved south to the Hunter Region to study a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Teaching (2007). During this time he took advantage of opportunities to volunteer with young people in the local and international communities. After graduation, Joshua went on to teach at local public and independent schools while refining his craft as an English teacher by studying a Master of Arts (Writing & Literature) at Deakin University. 

 

Parallel to these academic pursuits, he became increasingly passionate about facilitating outdoor education experiences - organising and leading annual expeditions and multi-day hikes. Joshua completed a Cert IV in Outdoor Leadership and founded the Invictus Wellbeing Program which now runs in schools across Australia and New Zealand. This experience allowed him to spend a number of years travelling to schools in Australia and abroad in order to train staff and glean insights about education in a variety of contexts. 

 

Joshua’s most recent role has been Leader of Learning (Humanities) in a cross disciplinary faculty that fosters student learning through project orientated pedagogy. As an experienced HSC marker, 7-12 teacher and curious learner himself, Joshua is passionate about Socratic pedagogy that gives space for every voice to be heard, every intelligence to emerge and for every child to feel relationally connected as they tread the path towards adulthood.

 

Outside of term time you are likely to find Joshua with his wife and two kids, heading up a lonely dirt road in their camper trailer, looking for a remote view, a secluded waterhole or an unmarked free camp.

Sue spent her formative years learning from her Nan and Pop on their self-sustaining farm in the hinterland of the Hawkesbury River. Experiences like driving a tractor, horse riding, and drenching cattle, allowed her to push the boundaries of what she could do. It was here that she learnt the importance of community connection when, at the end of these hard, hot weekends, her Pop would invite his community to share what little they had. Her Nan taught her the importance of care for country and how a shared meal could build and nurture this community. 

​

Growing up on the Central Coast she found a sense of empathy and fairness through the various sports she did with her brothers. When she began coaching, she realized her gifts lay in building strong relationships that valued the contributions of others, and developed each person’s individual abilities.

​

She went from building bike tracks on her family farm to building her own home at an early age with her partner. Her enjoyment of a challenge and learning new things was instrumental in the success of the many projects she undertook, teaching her the value of perspective taking, problem solving and collaboration. 

Inspired by her relationship with her own HSC English teacher, Sue realized the power of literature to transcend time, allowing us to meet ourselves in other peoples’ stories. But it was as she bushwalked, listening with awe and wonder to her nan’s stories, that she realised her passion for teaching.

​

Graduating from Newcastle University with a Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Teaching (English), Sue has gone on to work in education for the past 20 years. Her experience as a Leader of Learning, Leader of Wellbeing, Gifted Education Project Officer, University Lecturer and classroom teacher continue to revitalize her passion for an education that is relevant to young people and grounded in a curiosity about themselves and their world.

Sue is currently continuing her quest for knowledge as she travels Australia with her husband and two children, spending time in remote communities and spectacular landscapes. She still enjoys playing sports with her friends and reading extensively but her great love is still drifting about on her boat, fishing.

Sarah is an accomplished educator with a rich and diverse background, shaped by a unique

blend of academic achievements and life experiences. 

 

Growing up in a rural community in Northern New South Wales, Sarah was homeschooled up to Year 6 before moving to the Lake Macquarie region. This early experience instilled in her an appreciation for hands-on learning, creativity and adaptability, values that continue to inform her teaching today.

 

After earning her undergraduate degree at Avondale College with Distinction (BSc in Chemistry and Physics followed by BTeach while completing Honours in Environmental Chemistry at University of Newcastle), she completed her PhD in Analytical Chemistry from University of Newcastle in 2008. She went on to complete postdoctoral research in Geneva, where she developed her scientific expertise alongside mastering the French language and exploring the beautiful Swiss Alps.

 

Her passion for global learning and discovery led her to travel around the world for a year before eventually settling back in Lake Macquarie, where she started a family. She now has two young boys aged six and nine.

 

As the co-Director of Jplus Consulting, Sarah also leads an innovative software company focused on the numerical analysis of chemical processes, providing cutting-edge solutions in her field. With a strong foundation in academia, she has been a Chemistry and Education university lecturer for eight years as well as being a high school science teacher during the past decade. Sarah brings her passion for lifelong learning and an innovative approach to science & languages education at Novoschool. 

 

Outside of her professional achievements, Sarah enjoys an active lifestyle with her partner Leanne and their sons, staying fit through basketball, soccer, trail running, CrossFit, and Taekwondo. In her downtime, she enjoys playing guitar, piano, drawing, and painting, and loves that her boys are always eager to join in, no matter the activity.

Rochelle grew up in the heart of Sydney, where her family's deep love for literature was matched only by their fondness for lively Maths quizzes at family dinner. Raised by a mother who was a teacher, Rochelle spent countless afternoons immersed in the classroom, cultivating her own passion for education.

 

Receiving a scholarship to pursue teaching, she began her formal journey to become an educator at the University of Wollongong in 2008 where she graduated with Distinction. During her studies, Rochelle worked in schools as a Learning Support Officer, which sparked her enthusiasm for supporting diverse learners.

 

Her career took shape as she worked across various schools in Sydney, where she furthered her expertise with additional training as a reading specialist and headed up Learning Support teams. This role intensified her dedication towards meeting students at their individual levels and helping them reach their full potential.

 

Relocating to the Hunter region in 2018, Rochelle was appointed as Coordinator of Teaching and Learning at a K-12 school. There, she focused on exploring diverse pedagogical approaches, coaching beginning teachers and facilitating programs for High-Potential Learners, whilst continually refining her own classroom approach to education.

 

Beyond her professional life, Rochelle is a passionate environmentalist and dedicated volunteer with a local animal rescue group, where she specialises in fostering neonatal kittens. Her home is often a temporary haven for over ten felines, a situation she and her partner embrace with joy and commitment.

 

Rochelle’s extensive background in supporting students as individuals aligns seamlessly with the Novoschool approach. She is devoted to nurturing students’ curiosity and love of learning, allowing them to become proactive, global citizens.

Growing up in Newcastle in a musical family, Andrew can’t remember a time when music wasn’t a part of his life. Church played a formative role in his development as a musician, but later years saw him detour into rock and jazz, contributing to his diverse experiences and expertise as a songwriter and performer.

 

He attended Warners Bay High School where an important teacher and mentor inspired him to pursue education as a career. Opportunities such as performances at the Opera House, school musicals and performances around NSW further instilled a passion for performing arts. After finishing Year 12, Andrew attended the University of Newcastle where he graduated with a Bachelor of Education in Music, a Master of Educational Studies and a Master of Leadership and Management. 

 

Andrew has taught in both state and independent schools around NSW and for the last 24 years, led Creative and Performing Arts departments. Recent years have seen Andrew writing musicals and facilitating various student performances in industry based venues around Newcastle. Frequenting places like the Civic Playhouse, Lizotte’s and 48 Watt Street, Andrew strives to create meaningful, authentic experiences for young people, creating not just memories, but opportunities to see what is possible when you pursue your passion.

 

Most recently, Andrew has begun working with students in cinematography and film creation, facilitating the creation of feature length films that were screened in cinema. Andrew has also developed practical industry skills by visiting several professional recording studios in Australia and abroad alongside completing a course through Berklee College of Music. This has allowed him to transform traditional learning spaces into studios and has worked with students to record a number of original compositions and establish a record label whereby they release their music directly onto streaming platforms. He has developed active relationships with recording studios in Sydney and Melbourne.

 

For Andrew, the Arts provides students with meaningful opportunities to create and collaborate, build confidence, and develop aspects of themselves they may not have previously explored. It also plays a vital role in broadening students' understanding of the diverse career pathways available beyond school, particularly within the Creative Industries.  Out of school hours, you’ll find him playing an instrument or watching/analysing a movie to work out how he can incorporate it into a lesson at school.

Kimberly grew up exploring the mountains  and freshwater lakes of British Columbia, Canada.  Living in an agricultural valley meant lots of space, freedom, practical hard work and a small school. This came with rare learning opportunities; like the design and construction of outdoor ice rinks and a rock climbing wall, regular outdoor education and the autonomy to organise and run festivals and tournaments. Thanks to the teachers who were willing to move to Nowheresville, Canada, Kimberly actually remembers school and understands firsthand how valuable the right learning environment can be.

 

She has always been a project-oriented, interest-driven learner with a voracious appetite for novelty, which is to say, she was and is constantly making things, taking up new hobbies or travelling. 

 

At University, Kimberly explored degree subjects as diverse as Engineering, Pre-Medical sciences, Business Communications and Advanced Ceramics (what David Epstein calls “range” her parents called “expensive”). But a few weeks of volunteering with young people in South America convinced her that education was the right path. 

 

She moved to Australia and obtained a BA/BTch (with distinction, 2009) and qualifications to teach English Literature, Visual Arts, Science and Mathematics. She went on to teach Years 7-12 at schools in the Hunter and Central Coast regions where she uncovered a passion for helping inspire and motivate students who struggled to thrive in more conventional classes.

 

For the past few years, while taking time to raise their two kids, Kimberly has had the opportunity to pursue art as a career path; creating art for exhibitions, festivals, murals and is now author-illustrator of a picture book being published in 2025 (Affirm Press). 

 

Other than that, Kimberly will be out there looking for quiet and wild places up trails and down rivers, where everything is free to be completely itself and in so doing, fit perfectly into place.

Nicole grew up in Lake Macquarie, where a childhood spent swimming, snorkelling and fishing fostered a deep respect for the natural world, curiosity and resilience. Her passion for education was shaped by several influential role models. Her grandfather, a primary school teacher who worked across rural NSW, demonstrated the profound impact a caring and committed educator can have on a community. Her sister, a strong and independent primary school teacher, continues to inspire Nicole through her dedication, advocacy and unwavering belief in the power of learning. These family influences, combined with the encouragement of strong women in STEM throughout high school, played a pivotal role in shaping Nicole’s values and aspirations.

​

Drawn to the clarity, creativity and problem-solving nature of mathematics, Nicole completed a Bachelor of Secondary Education (Mathematics) at University of Newcastle. She brings to Novoschool a strengths-based, student-centred approach that aims to make mathematics accessible, engaging and grounded in meaningful, real-world contexts.

​

Nicole is passionate about fostering student voice, building strong relationships and creating inclusive, active learning environments. Outside the classroom, she enjoys fishing, exploring coastlines, and staying active through Oztag, netball and AFL. These interests continue to energise her practice and reinforce her commitment to helping young people flourish academically, socially and personally.

Nikki grew up in Newcastle, surrounded by a family of educators. Both her nans worked in schools, one a school principal, her grandad a university lecturer and author of high school textbooks. Her other grandad was a fitter and turner, her aunties TAS teachers, and mum was a kindy teacher. Creativity, leadership and learning were part of the fabric of her upbringing. 

 

From a young age, Nikki gravitated toward design, innovation and problem-solving. She taught herself desktop publishing programs in primary school long before they were part of classroom life. In high school, she explored fashion and product design, sketching and constructing her own clothes, while also experimenting with photography, storytelling and visual communication. Her childhood projects often resembled early design challenges: building games with rule systems, developing concepts, prototyping ideas and refining them. These experiences nurtured the curiosity, creativity and systems thinking that now shape her work as an educator in design, technology and enterprise.

​

This love for ideas and invention led her to study a Bachelor of Visual Communication at University of Newcastle, and eventually to leading her own brand and strategy consultancy. Over the next 15 years, she led creative and strategic projects across Australia, working closely with schools and organisations to shape their identity, purpose and culture.

​

Curious about human potential, Nikki later completed a Diploma in Positive Psychology and Wellbeing. She began working with schools to explore the connection between school identity, growth and flourishing, and it was through this work that she was drawn into the classroom. She completed her Master of Teaching with Distinction at University of Newcastle and now leads our TAS subjects at Novoschool, where students explore design thinking, systems, enterprise and human-centred problem solving.

 

Nikki is passionate about helping young people build self-belief and agency. She brings real-world relevance and high expectations to her teaching, grounded in the belief that all students can thrive when they understand their strengths and learn how to think with creativity, ingenuity and purpose.

Beyond school, Nikki lives with her husband, their two teenage kids and their bulldog, Poppy. She’s a competitive spirit who loves sport, good coffee, great food, and time with her family, whether travelling overseas or sitting around the backyard firepit. Her fondest memory is sitting in an igloo in Alaska under the Aurora Borealis with her family. 

Rachel grew up in the South Pacific and reflects on her childhood as truly idyllic, days shaped by the outdoors as her playground and the rising and setting sun as her natural clock.

​

She completed her Bachelor of Education in 1998 and has spent the past 26 years working in education. Across her career, Rachel has taught a wide range of year levels and has also held support teaching and stage coordinator roles. This breadth of experience has equipped her with a deep understanding of how young people learn, grow, and develop over time.

 

Rachel is passionate about helping students become independent, curious and confident learners and building a library space that is welcoming, inspiring and intellectually vibrant - supporting students to explore ideas, build research skills, and develop a love of reading and inquiry. Rachel also guides students as they pursue self-directed, personal interest projects (PIPs), supporting them to set goals, follow their interests, and develop the habits of motivated, reflective learners.

​

Outside of school, Rachel is a mum to three children and loves spending time outdoors in just about any form, especially with her sneakers on, walking with her husband and their dogs through the beautiful area they call home.

Taylah was born in Port Macquarie and grew up on the Central Coast with her mum, dad and two younger brothers, proudly considering herself a Coastie. Throughout her childhood she could often be found reading, dancing, playing outside or spending time at the beach.

​

From a young age, Taylah knew she wanted to become an educator. Her love of helping others, her passion for learning and her early experiences teaching dance shaped this path. Two teachers in high school, her English and PDHPE teachers, inspired her further, encouraging her and helping her see teaching as a meaningful and achievable future.

​

After finishing school, Taylah completed a Diploma of Counselling at the Australian College of Applied Psychology before beginning a Bachelor of Secondary Health and Physical Education at the University of Newcastle. Drawn to PDHPE through her interest in wellbeing, learning and her upbringing in a sport-loving family, she found the subject area a natural fit.

Taylah has also worked as a TOTS (Thinking Outside the Square) teacher, an environment that strengthened her ability to design engaging learning experiences, support diverse learners and foster creativity, confidence and curiosity in young people. She brings passion, energy, empathy and fresh ideas to teaching. She is particularly committed to supporting students in becoming self-motivated, capable and reflective learners who feel empowered in their education. Taylah aims to inspire students by modelling curiosity, resilience and a love of learning.

​

Outside of school, she enjoys long-distance running, dancing, reading, journaling and spending time with her son.

Shelly grew up on the Central Coast and Fiji, surrounded by a blended family, vibrant culture and her large and lively Australian extended family where curiosity, conversation and different ways of seeing the world were encouraged. Those early experiences sparked Shelly’s interest in the different ways people learn and the access they have to a meaningful education, and helped shape her belief that education works best when young people feel seen, encouraged and have a voice. This curiosity has taken her beyond the classroom, with time spent in Nepal learning from local communities, and refugee communities in Newcastle and Sydney. These experiences strengthen Shelly’s commitment to cultural competence and importance of the Sustainable Development Goals within her teaching.

 

Shelly’s pathway into education has woven together a teaching degree with honours, specialising in global education and sustainability, and work across a range of school settings including collaborative learning in the equity project AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) through The University of Newcastle. 

 

At Novoschool, Shelly brings her passion for collaborative learning, and building classroom environments where students feel safe to problem solve, experiment and ask questions, ensuring student learning is connected to the real world. She is driven by the belief that education should empower students to think deeply, express themselves with confidence and discover their own passions.

 

Outside the classroom you’ll usually find her exploring the local community and beyond to find new and interesting ways to connect with and contribute to our environment, or on a kayak, a bicycle, reading widely and spending time outdoors (hopefully growing luscious vegetables) with the people she loves.

Quinn was born in Rotorua, New Zealand, and her Māori heritage remains a significant influence on her identity and worldview. Growing up immersed in Māori culture shaped her understanding of learning, relationships and community, and continues to inform the way she approaches her work as an educator.

​

Quinn moved to Australia at the age of thirteen, and later completed her teaching degree before beginning her career in education, specialising in Digital Technology and STEM. She brings a strong passion for learning, creating and problem-solving, particularly in areas where thinking is iterative and learning emerges through exploration and challenge.

​

At the core of Quinn’s teaching philosophy is a commitment to developing confident, capable problem-solvers. She is particularly interested in reshaping how students understand failure, viewing it not as a setback but as a vital part of deep learning, growth and innovation. By creating environments where students feel safe to take risks, reflect on mistakes and persist through complexity, Quinn supports learners to build resilience, curiosity and confidence in their own abilities.

​

Outside of school, Quinn is a proud mum to three children. She and her husband also share a love of music and perform together in a band, playing at weddings and events across the Hunter and Sydney. Music is an important creative outlet and a source of balance and joy in her life.

Leigh grew up in Lake Macquarie in a family that viewed education as so much more than what happened in a classroom. She was encouraged to notice the world around her and learn from experience, from people, from nature and through travel. This shaped her thinking and still remains vital to her own belief in how people gain wisdom and knowledge. 

 

Leigh is a lover of stories. While she didn't develop of love of reading until late in primary school, she quickly became a person known for her love of literature and writer of words. Combining this passion with her thirst for exploring the world, she studied an undergrad in teaching English and Geography, and later a post grad in writing and literature. Leigh worked in multiple schools teaching English across all year levels, as well as Faculty leadership, before taking time off to grow her family. 

 

While raising small children she was lucky enough to spend great chunks of time working in a school library with an amazing team of teacher librarians. During this time Leigh experienced the unique way that TLs get to interact with students and the power of not only putting the right book into their hands at the right moment, but creating a space that is adaptive, comfortable and a safe place for many students. This inspired Leigh to retrain as a TL through a Masters of Education, and she has spent her most recent teaching years as a Teacher Librarian in a K-12 school. 

 

At Novoschool Leigh works with students on their personal interest projects. She is passionate about connecting with students as individuals and creating a space where students can be confident to be themselves. She also believes that TLs are the ultimate collaborators so you may find her in all sorts of areas around school, working alongside other teachers to curate and create meaningful learning experiences. 

 

Outside of school Leigh can usually be found cooking new things in her kitchen, reading a book or collecting new stamps in her passport.