Hi, I'm Patrick and I am very lucky to be working in the One Hub in 2023!
I have had such a great year of learning and connecting with the St. John’s community this year and am excited to continue this journey next year.
As an educator I place children’s wellbeing at the heart of everything I do. I am passionate about children exploring their world and interests through discovery and I believe in bringing fun, humour and love into learning.
When I'm not at school, I love to listen to music, dance and sing along. I also love playing soccer and footy with my friends.
Patrick O'Loughlin
Educator
Jessie Knott
Educator
Hello! My name is Jessie. I joined the lovely St John’s community midway through 2022. I have been an educator for a couple of years, but before completing my Masters in teaching, I worked as a botanist.
I’m looking forward to continuing to build strong relationships with all our children and their families. I’m passionate about creating a safe, kind and supportive environment for learning where all children feel that their interests and unique perspectives are valued.
When I’m not at school, you’ll find me spending time with my husband Jonny and boys Bede, Charlie and Luka. We love playing music together, completing DIY projects and doing plenty of gardening on our block of land near Daylesford.
Tanya Nikolic
Hello, my name is Tanya and I am grateful and excited to be joining the wonderful St John’s community in 2023. You will find me exploring and learning in the One Hub alongside Patrick, Jessie and Nidhi. As an educator I value creating a sense of community and belonging within the classroom. Creating an environment that is supportive and collaborative helps the students to foster meaningful learning.
Growing up in Melbourne’s West I have been privileged to see the growth and change over the years in the local communities. In my spare time, I love exploring new local cafés and restaurants! I am passionate about Performing Arts, Pilates, reading, traveling and most importantly visiting local parks with my son. I love affirmations and always try to see the positive in situations. I am very excited to be joining the St John’s community in 2023 and learning alongside the students and educators.
Educator
Pam Manser
Educator
Hi, I’m Pam.
I have had the pleasure of being part of the St John’s Learning Community for many years. During this time, I have had many different roles as needed by the school.
Currently, I am the Literacy Enhancement Educator.
I particularly enjoy reading. I love sharing my passion and knowledge of reading with my students.
I’m looking forward to working with my new students. I’m also looking forward to working with Hub Educators and Co-Educators. I believe that working together, sharing knowledge and ideas is a great way to help our students.
At home, you will find me spending time with my family … my husband Rob and my mum Marie.
I enjoy gardening, walking, going to the movies and even trying to catch a fish or two!!!
I’m looking forward to meeting with you and working with you next year.
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Nidhi Trivedi
Educator
Hello! My name is Nidhi Trivedi. I feel so privileged to work with St.John’s community since 2022. I am a counselor, mental health coach, an educator and an author. I have been working with children for more than 12 years now in Australia.
I am so excited and looking forward to working with amazing children and their families at St.John’s. I am passionate about creating a strong and supportive environment for learning where each child is filled with value, their unique perceptions and their interests are motivated to their best.
When I am not at school, you will find me with my family and children playing board games and singing some beautiful songs. You might also find me at some coffee shop with my friends and enjoying coffee with big laughs.
Looking forward to exploring and learning this year with all the beautiful children and families.
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!