Meet Our Staff
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
At Menzies Creek Primary School, we are proud to have dedicated and passionate staff. Our staff play a vital role in creating a strong, connected community where every child is known, valued and supported. They support and inspire students to reach their full potential, empowering them to believe in what they can achieve. They foster a genuine love of learning, celebrate every milestone, and provide individualised learning and wellbeing support. Above all, our staff build strong, caring and respectful relationships, creating a place where students feel confident to thrive, be curious and grow.

Dale McInerney
Principal
Dale is currently on secondment at another primary school.

Brooke Kogelman
Acting Principal
Brooke Kogelman is the Acting Principal of Menzies Creek Primary School and is passionate about creating a learning environment where every child feels known, valued and supported to achieve their best.
With 20 years’ experience in the Victorian education system, Brooke has worked across a range of leadership roles focused on improving outcomes for students, strengthening community partnerships and creating inclusive learning environments. She is committed to ensuring students have access to rich learning experiences that develop curiosity, confidence and a lifelong love of learning. In 2023, Brooke was the recipient of the Secretary’s Marrung Award for Community Engagement, recognising her leadership and innovative work across Victoria in the First Nations education and inclusion space.
Brooke values the strong sense of community at Menzies Creek Primary School and is proud to work alongside staff, students and families to support every child to thrive.

Sonya McLeod
Leading Teacher and Classroom Teacher
Sonya is part of our Senior Teaching Team and is passionate about supporting students to grow, develop confidence and achieve their personal best. She believes in creating a positive and inclusive classroom where every student feels valued, supported and encouraged to reach their individual goals.
In her role as Leading Teacher, Sonya works across the school to support high-quality teaching and learning, collaborating with staff to strengthen curriculum implementation and support effective classroom practice.
Sonya enjoys seeing students flourish throughout their learning journey as they are challenged, supported and provided with opportunities to develop their skills, independence and confidence.

Alison Scott
Classroom Teacher & Mental Health & Wellbeing Leader
Alison is a long standing staff member at Menzies Creek Primary School and in 2026 is part of the Junior Teaching Team. She also plays an important role in supporting student learning through the school’s one-on-one tutoring program.
In her role as Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader, Alison focuses on strengthening whole-school wellbeing practices while also providing targeted support for individual students. She leads the implementation of the Berry Street Model and Friendology Program, supporting students to develop positive friendships, social skills, and emotional regulation skills, She is passionate about creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where every child feels connected and able to thrive.
Alison is committed to supporting both the academic and wellbeing needs of students, helping them to build confidence, resilience and a strong sense of belonging within the school community.

Ryan Fairchild
Classroom Teacher
Ryan is part of our Junior Teaching Team. He is passionate about student wellbeing and ensuring students have a strong sense of belonging so they are able to thrive in their learning. Prior to commencing at Menzies Creek Primary School, Ryan worked as an Education Support staff member across multiple year levels and has been involved in school camps, excursions, and a range of extra-curricular activities. He also worked extensively with primary-aged children through swim teaching, coaching, and support roles, but he says, "Nothing compares to being in a school environment, surrounded by great people!"
Outside of the classroom, Ryan is also heavily involved in local basketball as a junior coach and representative.

Kylie Maes
Classroom Teacher
Kylie is part of our Senior Teaching Team. After beginning her career in corporate finance and marketing, Kylie followed her passion for education and became a classroom teacher. She brings a diverse range of experiences to her role, including a strong background in Visual and Performing Arts, which she enjoys incorporating into engaging and creative learning experiences.
Outside of school, Kylie enjoys spending time with her family and their much-loved collection of pets, including dogs, birds, a lizard, fish, chickens, alpacas, sheep and a goat. She enjoys reading, crafting and painting, and is actively involved in her local community through volunteering with basketball and football clubs.

Paige Ruane
PE, Performing Arts, & Mental Health and Wellbeing
Paige joined Menzies Creek Primary School in 2026 as the Physical Education, Performing Arts Teacher as well as having a wellbeing support role. With 10 years of teaching experience, Paige is passionate about creating learning experiences that support student wellbeing, creativity, confidence and a love of movement.
Movement and the arts are central to Paige’s teaching practice. With over 20 years of dance experience, including teaching dance in a range of settings, she brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity to her role. Paige believes in providing opportunities for every student to explore their strengths, express themselves and develop confidence through participation.
Paige is committed to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment where every child feels valued, supported and encouraged to be their authentic self.

Ashlea Thompson
Visual Arts & Jnr Kitchen Garden
Ashlea is the Visual Arts and Kitchen Garden teacher at Menzies Creek Primary School and also supports learning within the Senior Classroom. Ashlea is passionate about providing students with creative and engaging learning experiences that encourage curiosity, self-expression and exploration.
Through Visual Arts, she supports students to develop their creativity and confidence, while her Kitchen Garden program provides opportunities for hands-on learning connected to sustainability, food and the natural environment.
Ashlea enjoys creating meaningful learning experiences that allow students to explore their interests, develop new skills and connect their learning to the world around them.

Kirsten Varga
AUSLAN & SNR Kitchen Garden Teacher
Kirsten is the Auslan and Kitchen Garden teacher at Menzies Creek Primary School, with a strong passion for language and inclusive communication.
After retraining to become an Auslan teacher, Kirsten is deeply committed to teaching young children the language. She creates engaging and supportive learning environments where students build confidence in communicating through Auslan. She brings creativity and enthusiasm to her teaching, designing learning experiences that are practical, interactive and meaningful.
Alongside her language program, Kirsten also leads Kitchen Garden sessions, providing opportunities for hands-on, experiential learning that connects students to food, sustainability and life skills.

Hollie Boniface
Chaplain
Hollie is the Chaplain at Menzies Creek Primary School and is proud to be part of a school community that places student wellbeing at the heart of everything it does.
Using a strengths-based approach, Hollie supports students through individual, small group and classroom-based experiences, working alongside teachers and Education Support staff to help every child feel valued, supported and able to succeed.
Hollie is passionate about building positive relationships with students and contributing to a safe, inclusive and caring environment where students can thrive.

Kate Keys
Business Manager
Kate is the Business Manager at Menzies Creek Primary School and has been a valued member of the school community for many years.
She oversees the school’s administration, finance and operational functions, ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the school. Kate’s extensive experience and deep knowledge of the school make her an integral part of supporting studnets, staff and families.
As the welcoming face at Reception, Kate is often the first point of contact for families and visitors, and is committed to providing a friendly and supportive experience for the school community.

Rosie Luyken
Librarian
Rosie is a valued member of the Education Support team at Menzies Creek Primary School and has been an important part of the school community for many years.
After previously leading the Kitchen Garden program, Rosie has embraced a new direction and is currently studying to become a Librarian. She now leads the Library Program, fostering a love of reading and supporting students to develop their literacy skills through engaging experiences with books and resources.
Rosie also works across classrooms to support student learning and engagement, providing valuable assistance to students and teachers. She is passionate about creating positive learning experiences and helping students feel supported, confident and connected within the school community.

Sarah Homans
Education support
Sarah is passionate about creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels safe, connected and able to participate in their learning.
Sarah works with a diverse range of students, providing academic, social and emotional support to help them engage confidently in their learning and school experiences. She is committed to creating a positive and inclusive environment where every student feels valued, supported and encouraged to achieve their best.
Through her role, Sarah enjoys building strong relationships with students and contributing to a caring and supportive school community.

Sue Howard
Education support
Sue has been part of the Menzies Creek Primary School community for many years and enjoys supporting students as they grow, learn and achieve their goals.
Sue enjoys supporting students throughout their learning journey, encouraging them to recognise their strengths, explore their interests and work towards achieving their goals. She is passionate about creating positive experiences for students and celebrating their successes, both big and small.
Through her work across the school, Sue contributes to a supportive learning environment where students feel valued, encouraged and empowered to reach their potential.

Dan Short
Education support
Dan supports students across Menzies Creek Primary School, providing encouragement and assistance to help them engage in their learning and feel connected within the school community.
Alongside his role at Menzies Creek Primary School, Dan is studying to become a Chaplain, further developing his skills and knowledge in supporting the social and emotional wellbeing of young people.
Dan works alongside students and staff to provide support across the school, helping students feel valued, encouraged and connected as they navigate their learning journey.

Jacinta Corbett
Education support
With a background in Early Childhood education, Jacinta brings a strong understanding of how children learn, develop and engage through meaningful experiences.
Jacinta supports students in the classroom to engage in their learning and participate in a wide range of programs across the school. She is passionate about creating engaging and inclusive experiences that cater to the diverse needs of students.
Jacinta also leads our Menzies Creek Primary School Messy Play playgroup, where she enjoys fostering creativity, exploration and hands-on learning experiences for young children and their families. She loves bringing creativity into the classroom and supporting students to learn through play, curiosity and discovery.

Philip Whitehouse
Crossing Supervisor
Philip is the School Crossing Supervisor at Menzies Creek Primary School and has been an important part of the school community for almost 12 years.
He plays an important role in ensuring the safety of students and families each day, providing a friendly and reassuring presence at the school crossing. Philip enjoys building positive connections with students and families and is well known for his warm conversations and welcoming nature.
Philip is proud to be part of the Menzies Creek Primary School community and is committed to helping everyone arrive at and leave school safely.
At Menzies Creek Primary School, we are passionate about delivering high-quality education and supporting every student’s wellbeing and inclusion. We also believe a great school is one where people feel happy, connected and able to enjoy what they do - something we foster through a fun and positive school environment.

