Parents

Compass

The Compass parent portal provides parents with information relating to student progress, events, attendance and is a key communication tool between the school and parents. Regular news feeds are sent to parents via the Compass app and there is an events calendar for parents to view. The free Compass app is available for download on iPhone, iPad, android phones, android tablets and windows. Parents are requested to download the app to their device. Each family is provided with a login id on commencement at Seaholme Primary School.

Out of School Care (OHSC)

School Council

President: Andrea Kehoe

2023 is my fourth year on School Council and second as President. It’s a privilege to play a part in shaping and building our school community and to work with such a committed, capable and engaged Council.

Originally from Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs, I have lived in Seaholme with my husband for almost 10 years, and we have one child in grade 3.

Professionally I hold a double degree in Laws and Commerce and am employed as a Principal Lawyer in a litigation practice in a personal injury firm. Many of the skills and experience acquired in over 17 years in this role are transferrable to my role on Council and assist me in providing a valuable contribution.

On Council I am also a member of various subcommittees whose work has involved grants applications, council governance, events organisations and planning for better facilities for current and future students.

Council involvement has given me the unique opportunity to see from another angle the dedication and investment school leadership and staff have made in our children and their learning, particularly during the pandemic. I look forward continuing to build and strengthen the amazing school community we are so lucky to have.

Vice-President: Adam Bugeja

My name is Adam Bugeja and I have been a member of school council since 2017. Our family currently have one child at Seaholme Primary School, Phoebe (grade 4) with Callum grade 6 finishing in 2022 and Joel our eldest finishing grade 6 in 2020.

I love the community feel of Seaholme Primary and I am happy to get involved and help the school wherever I can. In my years on school council I have been vice president and helped in different sub committees – most recently Fun & Funds and Buildings and Grounds

In my downtime I love watching sport with the family (Go Pies!), camping and falling asleep while watching movies.

Treasurer: Anya Gielen

I’ve been on School Council, and held the role of Treasurer, since our first daughter joined the school as a preppie in 2018. I’m also involved in the Fun & Funds Committee, and take a keen interest in identifying opportunities to enhance the physical and other aspects of the school. It’s a privilege to be involved in Council and to offer my professional skills and personal interests to help the school community.

I’m originally from the UK. Since moving to Australia, I have lived and worked all over, settling in Seaholme in 2014 with my husband and daughter. A second daughter joined us in 2016, and she started school in 2022.

I stood for Council because as a full-time working mum, I often wasn’t able to be at drop off or pick up or volunteer assistance for incursions or other activities. One good thing out of the last two years is that with greater work flexibility, you may now see me at such events.

I work as a forensic accountant and fraud investigator, and have over 20 years’ experience of assisting clients to prevent, detect, investigate and remediate fraud and fraudulent behaviour. Integrity and trust are incredibly important to me.

Parent member: Rachel Barlow

This is my first year on Council. I currently sit on the Fun & Funds committee & have an active interest in Planning & Curriculum. I see Council’s paramount role being the flow of information from our family community to our teaching community & vice versa. I am proud to be part of an approachable team who welcome feedback & strive to leverage as many opportunities as possible for our school & children.

Originally from the UK, my husband Chris & I moved to Melbourne 7 years ago. We have 3 children; our daughter who attends Seaholme Primary (Grade 3) & 2 younger ones yet to commence.

I have a BA Degree in Psychology & Advanced Study of Early Years which has well supported my career. I enjoyed a Retail Management career spanning 20+ years in both the UK & here in Melbourne, most recently holding the role of Store Manager, Myer Bourke St. In 2019, I transferred into Daycare Management to better support the work/life balance of our growing family. Since then, I have worked fulltime as a local Daycare Centre Director, as well as launching & co-managing our local family business ‘Claw and Tail’ at Grazeland, Spotswood.

Parent member: Lutfia Durani

My name is Lutfia Durani and I have been a proud parent at Seaholme Primary School community since 2020. Both of my children attend the school and have thrived academically and socially while attending school.

I am an organised and detailed-oriented health professional with over 18 years of experience in the health industry as a chiropractor, a registered nurse and supervising student chiropractors. Fluently speaking three different languages has helped me in building a rapport with people of different backgrounds. These are all skills that are vital as part of working within a team for a common goal.

Being a parent, I have experienced first-hand the amazing work of our teachers and their dedication to the academic achievements as well as the social and emotional needs of students especially in the past two years.

In joining our school council, I hope to support our school to continue to unite the whole school community and further enhance the quality of relationships within our school between teachers, parents and the children.

It has been an honour to be working with our school leadership and school council for the past two years to make a difference within our school community.

Parent member: Pat Marasea

I’m Pat Marasea a proud father of two children, and a local long-term resident of Altona.

I have a background of 20 years in Information Technology Security and hold a Bachelor of Computing; Computer Science honours degree at Deakin University.

I am a Managing Director and Founder of an IT Company Called Becs IT which consists of a dedicated team of 5, specialising in Server Management, Bespoke Network Solutions, Disaster Recovery Planning, and Project Management.

I have experience working in an inclusive and a diverse team, being a previous president of a business networking group located in Point Cook. My role encompassed daily interactions with local business leaders and helping the local community.

Being born in the 80s, I’m also a Paid up and Passionate Hawthorn Football Club Member, the best AFL team of the last 50 years.

Principal: James Barger

My name is James Barger, and I am a passionate educator who values building strong relationships with all students so they can achieve their potential. I joined Seaholme in 2017 as a Leading Teacher and Head of Teaching and Learning. In 2021, I was honoured to be appointed as the Assistant Principal of Seaholme Primary School and venerated to be appointed Principal of Seaholme Primary School the following year in 2022. I enjoy working with all students, staff, and the community to continuously improve teaching and learning and student wellbeing and engagement. I also work closely with the Department of Education and Training as the PLC Link School Leader.

Before working in education, I worked as an accountant and completed my CPA. The knowledge from my previous career is beneficial for my role on the school council finance subcommittee, where I enjoy ensuring all financial resources are maximised to support our students.

Personally, I have lived in Altona my entire life and love being a part of a close community. I am married and have six old triplets who are in their first year of school at Seaholme. I enjoy taking care of multiple aquariums at school and at home in my free time.

DET Employee Member: Assistant Principal, Leah McClelland

Hi! I’m Leah McClelland, currently Assistant Principal at Seaholme P.S. (my photo is from Book Week this year when staff shared their favourite stories)

I’ve been teaching for coming up to 13 years and have been working at Seaholme P.S. for over 18 months now. I have two children who attend Seaholme P.S. and a kindergartener who will join them soon.

As an educator who has come to specialise in Wellbeing, I’m passionate about upskilling students socially and emotionally. We all know that we learn best when we are calm, connected and safe. 

It’s a privilege to be a part of School Council, working with staff and parents supporting our school to continue to serve and advocate for the most important members of our community – our students! They are our future and all that we do is in line with creating environments in which they can grow and thrive.

I’m so excited about Seaholme’s future. It’s amazing place to work, a special community to be a part of, and the best start in life for my own kids.

DET Employee Member: Learning Specialist, Kate Day

Hello! 

My name is Kate Day and I am currently Head of Curriculum. This is my 12^th year of teaching and I have been working in the role of a Learning Specialist for 5 years. I have been in love with the career from then to now.

I joined Seaholme in 2021, after having taught at Wembley Primary School, Ocean Grove Primary School and Manor Lakes College.  In April of 2022 I took maternity leave to welcome my first child Bailey. I now work 3 days a week and am thrilled to have the balance between my passion for teaching and learning and being with my gorgeous boy! 

While I have taught across the grade levels, I have a particular passion for the early years. As a Foundation teacher for 5 years, it was always such a privilege to welcome our new students and families and create a positive beginning to their school life. I am looking forward to working with school council this year to support our whole school community.