Amy Littley
Educator
Hi, I’m Amy and I will be part of the 5/6 Hub and Learning and Teaching Team for 2023.
I had the privilege of becoming part of the very welcoming St John’s community in 2022. I love the way the children are at the centre of everything we do at St John’s and we support them as they grow and flourish each day. I look forward to working alongside our amazing educators to design engaging learning experiences that allow children to discover the world around them and explore their own curiosities.
In my spare time, I like to spend time with my friends and family. I love to travel around the world exploring different cultures and admiring nature, my photo is from a Safari in Tanzania where we were lucky enough to pass 80 giraffes migrating across the Serengeti National Park. I also enjoy walking with my dog, Sandy, visiting local markets and baking!
Amanda Prattico
Educator
Hi my name is Amanda and I’m excited to begin my second year at St John’s back in the Five/Six Hub alongside Shania and Amy.
I believe that children learn best through play as it has the power to engage and make the learning more meaningful. I seek to create a learning space where children can take risks in a safe environment as I feel this helps build confidence and positive self-esteem.
When I’m not at school I love to spend time with my family on Phillip Island, go to the theatre, explore markets, read and catch up with friends. We have a cat named Boo! and a dog named Winston who are the best of friends and love coming on holidays too.
I look forward to continuing my own learning journey alongside the wonderful children in the Five/Six Hub in 2023.
Shania Anderson
Educator
Hi, my name is Shania and I am beyond excited to be joining the St John’s community in 2023!
I feel extremely lucky to be continuing my teaching journey at St John’s and being a part of the 5/6 Hub, alongside Amy and Amanda.
As an educator, children’s interests and their wellbeing are the centre of what I achieve to do. My aim is to create learning environments in which children feel safe to explore their passions, take risks in their learning and make discoveries for themselves, all while having fun and laughing along the way!
I grew up in the gorgeous, regional town of Nagambie and enjoy getting back home and spending time with my family whenever I get the chance! When I’m not at school, you’ll catch me going for bike rides, seeking out the best oat lattes in Melbourne or listening to music and having a dance!
It has been a dream of mine to be a part of the St John’s community for quite some time and I cannot wait to meet and connect with you all in 2023!
Toula Kalantzis
Co-Educator
My name is Toula and I am a co-educator assisting the students and teachers in the Grade 1 and Grade 5/6 Hubs.
I enjoy the collaborative way that students learn at St. Johns, it enables them to expand their curiosity and knowledge as they share and exchange individual ideas with their peers.
I have experienced many wonderful moments with children at St. Johns when their critical thinking has taken effect and they have problem solved an idea that they once thought was tricky.
When I am not working at St. Johns, I am studying for my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and being a busy mum to my 3 boys aged, 12, 9 and 5. I also own and run a small online business where I hand make personalised paper décor for children and homes.
I love to unwind with ocean swimming, long bike rides and walks, particularly along Victoria’s beautiful surf coast.
Trisha Wheeler
Educator (Intervention)
Hello! My name is Trisha and I am so excited to be a member of the St. John’s community, not only as a parent, but now as an educator! I have been teaching for ten years now and completed my Masters of Teaching (Primary) at Melbourne University.
I feel incredibly privileged to be working at a school that puts children at the heart of everything we do! I truly believe that students learn best through rich, authentic play and discovery based experiences and that student wellbeing is of the utmost importance. My aim is to empower children to take risks, think creatively, problem solve and, of course, have a LOT of fun!
I will be working in Learning Intervention, providing small group support for students and working closely with teachers to help children achieve their learning goals.
When I am not at St. John’s, you might find me at the dog park with my crazy Kelpie, Lucy, or at the local playgrounds with my daughters, Frankie and Nina. I love the beach and spending time on my boogie board up in Ocean Grove and I am hoping to give surfing a red hot go this Summer!
I can’t wait to get to know all of our St. John’s families even better this year!