
About Us

Principal's Welcome
The St Finbar's Difference
Welcome to St Finbar’s Primary School, a vibrant Catholic school that has proudly been part of the Brighton East community since 1848.
It is an absolute privilege to be the Principal of this very special school. What makes St Finbar’s unique is our people. From the moment you walk through our gates, you'll notice the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the genuine sense of belonging that exists here.
I believe the best schools are those where every child is known, every child is challenged, and every child feels they belong. At St Finbar’s, we recognise that every child has different strengths, interests and ways of learning. Our role is to help each student discover their talents, build confidence and achieve their personal best through opportunities in the classroom, sport, the performing arts, leadership and public speaking.
High-quality teaching is at the heart of everything we do. Our classrooms combine evidence-based explicit instruction with opportunities for inquiry and investigation, ensuring students develop strong foundations while also becoming curious, creative and independent learners. We have high expectations for every student and believe all children deserve to be challenged at their point of need.
Above all, St Finbar’s is a school where children feel safe, supported and connected. Working in partnership with our families, we nurture each child's academic, social, emotional and spiritual growth within a caring Catholic community.
I invite you to visit St Finbar’s, meet our students and staff, and experience our community for yourself. I look forward to welcoming you.
Michelle Hill
Principal

Our Staff
Ms Michelle Hill
Principal
Mrs Jo Fraser
Mathematics Leader
Miss Sigrid Happell
Graduate Mentor Leader & Classroom Teacher
Miss Bianca Antonio
Classroom Teacher
Miss Carlie Cochrane
Classroom Teacher
Miss Caroline Farrelly
Classroom Teacher
Miss Meg Mackinnon
Classroom Teacher
Mr Peter Tyndall
Classroom Teacher
Mrs Di Ward
Literacy Intervention
Miss Andrea La Fontaine
OT and Diversity
Ann Barber
Learning Support Officer
Cecilia Hedley
Learning Support Officer
Sally Hill
Learning Support Officer
Ms Laura Zeeng
Deputy Principal, Religious Education & Wellbeing Leader
Mrs Amanda Norton
eLearning Leader & Classroom Teacher
Libby Thomas
Office Manager
Miss Shannon Bourke
Classroom Teacher
Miss Sarah Daly
Classroom Teacher
Miss Annalisa Gourley
Classroom Teacher
Mrs Louise Pickering
Classroom Teacher
Mrs Lena Sirianni
Italian Teacher
Mrs Jo Fraser
Maths Leader/Intervention
Miss Michaela Hughes
Psychologist
Anthea Conroy
Learning Support Officer
Liesl Willcocks
Learning Support Officer
Sonia Blakey
Learning Support Officer
Miss Nonie Kay
Literacy Leader & Performing Arts Teacher
Ms Lisa Douglas
Community, Sustainability & Indigenous Perspectives Leader and Art Teacher
Cath Davies-Gray
Office Manager and Learning Support Officer
Mrs Fiona Byrne
Classroom Teacher
Mr Shane Daly
Classroom Teacher
Miss Niamh Lennon
Classroom Teacher
Mrs Tania Thompson
Classroom Teacher and 5-6 Physical Education Teacher
Mrs Jenny Allen
P-4 Physical Education Teacher
Mrs Narelle Connell
Library Technician
Alessia Colletti
Learning Support Officer
Baden Turner
Learning Support Officer
Kim Berends
Learning Support Officer
Sue Humble
Learning Support Officer
Democratic Principles
St Finbar’s Primary School adheres to and promotes the Democratic Principles of Australian Democracy.
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We acknowledge the right of our elected Governments, their departments and officers to require certain conditions relating to the programs and teaching practices in our school.
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We acknowledge that all persons are entitled to be treated equally before the law and, as far as it is within our capacity to do so, we endeavor to treat all members of our community with equity and fairness.
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We believe not only in the freedom of religion, but also the need to practice tolerance and understanding of others’ beliefs.
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We believe in the values of openness and tolerance, and value and respect all members of the school community regardless of background.
At St Finbar’s we strive to ensure that our students develop:
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An understanding of, and commitment to, Australia’s democratic system of government, law and civic life
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The knowledge, skills and values to act as informed and responsible citizens
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An appreciation of the experiences and heritage of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples and their influence on Australian civic identity and society.
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An appreciation of Australia as a multicultural society and a commitment to supporting intercultural understandings.
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An understanding of the ways in which governance structures from other countries are similar to, or differ from, democracy in Australia.
