

Ardmona Primary School​
Meet the Staff
Jean Varty
Principal
My career has stemmed from working in the South Eastern suburbs of Melbourne and the Dandenong Ranges in the 1980’s.
My pedagogy is heavily influenced by the work of Dr Chris Sara ‘Stronger Smarter Institute’, working with Aboriginal Communities, ‘Dr John Munro’ research and interventions for Aboriginal Literacy interventions and most recently Tom Brunzel’s ‘Berry Street Education Model’.
I am most passionate about supporting students to achieve their personal best.
Nicolle Answer
Classroom Teacher
I completed my Diploma of Teaching at Monash University and then went on to complete a Graduate Diploma in Science Education at Deakin University. I have taught in London and Katherine before picking up a permanent position in 1997 at St Andrews in Werribee.
In 2000 I moved to Mooroopna after getting married and was teaching at St Mary’s in Rushworth until I started a family in 2002. I continued to do CRT while on family leave looking after my 3 boys until I went back to fulltime teaching in 2018 at Harston Primary School. 2022 was time for a change, and I arrived here at Ardmona Primary School.
I have done a lot of professional learning around autism, other learning disabilities and trauma. I am passionate about using inclusive practices and have a lot of knowledge about student intervention programs to support learning especially those on the autism spectrum. Given a positive learning environment and belief in themselves all students can succeed!
Talia Cosgriff
Teacher - Tutor Learning Initiative
I grew up in the Greater Shepparton Region and have a passion for working in rural schools. My teaching career has been vast. In addition to my teaching experience in Australia, I have taught in the United Kingdom and volunteered in Bail teaching English as an Additional Language. These were invaluable opportunities for me to further develop my teaching skills and my own pedagogy in the classroom.
In my spare time you will usually find me spending time with my two young daughters or researching my next holiday destination.
I love working alongside of children to achieve their goals and celebrate their milestones regardless of their size.
Nathan Turner
Education Support Officer
I have been work at Ardmona Primary School since July 2015 as Education Support, Student Wellbeing and Koorie Education Support.
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I grew up within the Goulburn Valley area having done my schooling at St Georges Rd Primary School and Shepparton High.
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Upon completing Year 12 I then attended the Academy of Sport Health and Education(ASHE) and completed my Certificate 4 in Community Recreation whilst also work at St Georges Rd as a Teachers Aide.
Before commencing at Ardmona Primary School I worked as an indigenous trainee for 3 years for AFL Victoria in which I also completed my Certificate 4 in Sport and Recreation as well as a Diploma in Sports Management.
Rui
School Wellbeing Dog
Rui the Groodle is by far the most popular staff member here at Ardmona Primary School. She is a gentle soul with a kind heart and loves to check in with our students throughout the day. Outside of school hours she enjoys long walks and basking in the sun. Rui is an integral part of the Ardmona Primary School family.