Messages from Staff

Hi, I'm Remus our school's therapy dog. 

You can find me mostly hanging out in the Office or out on yard duty with Mrs. Hunter.

I love getting pats from all the kids and eating carrots and any crumbs from the kids snacks!

My favourite thing to do at school is help kids who want to read me a story, perhaps are feeling sad and want a cuddle or take me for a walk or just want to play, throwing me a ball or stick outside.

I love meeting new people too, so I look forward to seeing you sometime soon at Tyers Primary School.

My name is Gwen Hunter, the Principal of our fabulous Tyers Primary School.

I have lived for the past 32 years in the Latrobe Valley and previous to that lived in the United Kingdom.

I completed my teacher training here in Gippsland and have worked in many schools in the area across different sectors.

Teaching has always been my passion and I feel so privilegded that I am able to make such a difference to so many children's and families lives.

When I am not working hard, I really enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, singing, crafting and shopping!

Come and meet the team here at Tyers, we would love to show you around.

Hello there, I'm Rob Sweeney.

I am the current Grade 5/6 Teacher and have been working at Tyers Primary School for the past 3 years. I thoroughly enjoy the warm, welcoming and friendly atmosphere that is created by the teachers, students and the wider Tyers school community.

I have a passion for promoting student voice and leadership and enjoy challenging students' perception of the world around them through global education. I am an advocate for students who learn differently and as a lifelong learner I believe it is our responsibility to adapt and encourage each student's love of learning to help them to become the best person they can be.

Welcome to Tyers Primary School, my name is Daniel VanderWerff.

While this year I am teaching our 1/2 class, I have been a primary school teacher since 2001 and have had the pleasure to call Tyers Primary School home for the last eight years. I appreciate the welcoming sense of belonging that students, staff and families have for our school and the children’s enthusiasm for learning.

I am an advocate for global education and seek to give our students the opportunity to interact and learn with and about students from around the world.

I enjoy writing when I find the time, and get excited teaching maths and seeing that excitement spread into the classroom. I also enjoy drawing and playing music and believe it is important for our students to have other outlets to display their strengths.

Meredith Matthews - Prep teacher

Welcome to Tyers Primary!

My name is Sam Wright and this is my 5th year teaching, where all teaching positions have been at small rural schools. My first year was at Toongabbie and I have been here at Tyers for the last three.

I have a beautiful puppy called Luna and I like to spend time with her, I also like spending time with my family, reading books and watching TV. I also like to watch tennis and netball when they are on TV as they are my favourite sports.

I love being able to teach as I get to watch the students grow and learn as much as they can while they are at school and I also love the excitement they have when they learn a new skill or new information that they didn’t know before.

I look forward to meeting you at our fabulous school one day soon.

Hi, I'm Katie Vickery-Howe.

I began at Tyers Primary School as part of the Education Support Staff team in 2013. I have worked across all levels of the school from Prep-6. In July 2021, I transitioned from my ES role to assist with starting up our new Outside School Hours Care service (OSHC) as Co-Ordinator/Educational Leader. I am currently the sole educator for the Tyers OSHC program.

I absolutely love the new challenge of working in OSHC. It’s wonderful being able to plan fun learning experiences for my “OSHLINGS” and provide them with life skills. Watching my students step out of their comfort zone, try new things is awesome.  

In my spare time, I love spending time with my partner Tyler and my 2 sons Dallas and Harmon. I have a keen interest in cooking and began cake decorating for family and friends. I love going to the football with my family and watching the "Tigers" play. 

My name is Mel Hayman and I started working at Tyers Primary School in March of 2019, but have lived in the community of Tyers for the whole of my life.

I have a Certificate 3 in Education Support, trained in INPP (Neuromotor) and Sounds Write Literacy. I facilitate both the Neuromotor Intensive Intervention program and also co-ordinate the classrooms in their approach to Neuromotor as a tool for self regulation.

I love working at Tyers Primary School and seeing the difference I can make with helping students to participate and learn through all things education.

Welcome! My name is Rhonda Hurley, I am an Education Support Officer here at Tyers Primary School. I fell into this role after helping in the classroom with my own children when all three of them attended this fabulous school.
I am currently in my 13th year in this role and thoroughly enjoy with the students. I have many roles within the school but best by far is working in the classrooms with the students. When I am not at school you will find me in my garden or attending to my beautiful sheep, chooks, dogs and my crazy cat!
Hello there, my name is Blake Dyson.
I have been working in education for four years now. I have a Certificate 3 in Education Support as well as a Certificate 3 in Sports and Recreation. At Tyers Primary School I love my daily interactions with the kids and making a difference in their lives. One of my roles is to be responsible for organising, in conjunction with the students, some structured games at recess and lunchtimes for the kids to join in with.
On my weekends I play football for Yallourn/Yallourn North Football Club, where I also help out with coaching of the Under 18’s.

Hello! My name is Michelle Charalambous and in my role as the Administration Officer, I will be your first point of call welcoming you to Tyers Primary School.

After working in administration roles for the last 34 years at Rural Ambulance Victoria and the Real Estate Industry, I'm excited to be part of this wonderful team.

After living in the Latrobe Valley all my life, my husband and I moved to Tyers in 2002. I have been actively contributing to the Tyers Community since 2013 as President of Tyers Preschool and Tyers Primary School for both my children through their education journey.

Being part of the many facets of our rural school community is helping me embrace my role as Administration Officer.

When I'm not at school I enjoy being with my family and friends. Enjoying good food, watching TV and attending live theatre.