Meet our primary teachers

Sal Wright

Group 4 Teacher

Sal first came to Kinma in 2018 as a teacher’s aide in Group 1 and later taught as a casual teacher. She is endlessly inspired by the creativity that flows through the Kinma community. Sal has a passion for the handmade and enjoys dabbling in the craft arts. She is mum to a 5 year old boy.

Qualifications: 2005 Bachelor of Education (Primary) (Edith Cowan University)

Tom Brien

Group 4 Teacher

Tom completed his practicum at Kinma and co-teachers our youngest Primary students with Sal Wright

Tom is happy to have found a home at Kinma joining kindred spirits both big and small.

A lover of the ocean and father to two little humans, Tom is excited to play, learn and create with our new Group 4 friends

Michelle Walker

Education Leader

Michelle is Kinma's Education Leader. Michelle has been teaching Kinma primary students of all ages since 2006, most recently in Group 1. She brings a diverse range of skills to the School. Michelle has understanding, tolerance and non-judgment in her daily work.

Along with her obvious love and enthusiasm to the Kinma students is her great passion and delight in watching her two young daughters flourish.

Qualifications: 2005 Bachelor of Education (Primary) (Edith Cowan University)

Katie Court

Group 3 Teacher

Katie job shares with Deepika in Group 3. Katie came to Kinma after completing her internship in her last year of studying her Masters of Teaching at UNE in 2016. Katie is also the mother of three children, and has a passion for creativity and design.

Qualifications: Masters of Teaching (Primary) - University of New England (2016); Bachelor of Fine Arts - University of NSW (2000) 

Katy Bennett

Group 3 Teacher

Katy is excited to join the Kinma team this year! She began her teaching career in England before travelling and teaching in Tanzania, Peru and Nepal. She’s now settled in Australia and, when not teaching, enjoys having fun with her young daughter. Katy is also a yoga teacher and is keen to share her love of yoga and learning with the children at Kinma.

Deepika Mistry

Group 3 Teacher

Deepika joined the Kinma family in 2017. Deepika teaches with Katie in Group 3, and is so excited to be teaching and learning at Kinma where she feels she has found her other home.

Deepika loves making things, all things art and is constantly intrigued by the beauty of the world around her.

Kate Chockman

Group 2 Teacher

Kate completed her internship with us in 2013. After a couple years teaching rurally and exploring the globe, Kate now teaches Group 2 with enthusiasm and excitement.

If you were ever searching for Kate at Kinma, you’d find her running around on the bottom field playing a game of soccer or observing and admiring the native wildlife. Kate has a strong passion for the environment, creative arts, and science which she utilises to spark children’s creativity and interest. Kate loves to create learning experiences which allow children to naturally engage and explore.

Kimberley Read

Group 2 Teacher

Kimberley first joined the Kinma community as a playgroup parent and quickly realised she had found her home. She began teaching in 2016 after completing her practicum at Kinma, and is currently playing and learning in Group 2.

Kimberley loves the freedom to follow children's interests, play-based learning and getting to know her students.

Andy Lamond

Group 1 Teacher

Andy teaches our Group 1 (years 1 and 2) primary students in Group 1 with Lisa. Andy joined Kinma in 2011, after completing his 4th year practicum with the school in 2010. Andy is easy to find - guitar playing, a singing pied piper of Kinma - sitting somewhere in the sunshine. Andy is a master at woodwork and fixing stuff along with surfing and spending enormous amounts of time for his young students.

Qualifications: Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) - Macquarie University (2010) 

Lisa Brine

Group 1 Teacher

Lisa has just joined the Kinma family this year and teachers Group 1 with Andy. She has a passion for Literacy, especially storytelling and Drama. Lisa loves to be outside and is excited to be out exploring and enjoying all of the spaces Kinma has to offer.

Jerome

Basketball teacher

Morag

French teacher

Grace Paddon

Learning Support Teacher

Grace joined the team of Kinma in 2014 from across the ocean, all the way from the UK. We have decided we will not be giving her back! Gentle, with a big heart, she's able to see beyond the facade. Grace has a passion for all things literacy based and brings the learning alive with ease and joy.

Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) Primary Education - Nottingham Trent University (2004)