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Sonja Kalbitzer. Principle Teacher - Grade 3 - 6
Prior to teaching, Sonja worked first in several of Melbourne’s 5-star hotels before becoming a personnel consultant where she looked after the staffing needs of some of the biggest Australian and international corporations. Sonja began her teaching career as a mature aged student at the University of Melbourne where she graduated with honours as well as receiving the Dean’s Honour and the Melbourne Education Award. Since then, she has held numerous senior leadership roles within schools as well as participating in significant educational research programs. She has worked in the private and catholic education systems as well as the government education system for which she is a strong advocate. ‘Striving to become the best person you can be’ is the core driver of both her professional and personal life. Offering a high-quality education is her vision for Jamieson Primary School. She sees this being done through a strong focus on the academic basics and also by supporting and nurturing the creative and human side of students for them to become the best version of themselves. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, reading, going 4WD with her partner and spending time with family and friends.
Genevieve De Santis. Health and Wellbeing - Teacher Prep to 2
With tertiary qualifications in Health Promotion and Education, and currently pursuing studies in Counseling, Genevieve brings a wealth of teaching experience to her role as the Prep/1/2 teacher at Jamieson Primary School. Having taught since 2008 in various primary school settings across Australia, the Cook Islands, and Singapore, including independent, special education, and international schools, she possesses a diverse skill set.
In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Genevieve serves as the Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader at Jamieson Primary School. Committed to fostering positive self-efficacy in students, she encourages them to excel both academically and emotionally. Genevieve is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where every child feels valued and supported on their journey of emotional and academic growth.
Beyond her professional endeavours, Genevieve enjoys gardening, cooking, reading, traveling, and cherishing quality time with her family and friends.
Anne-Marie Wetmore - Education Support
Anne-Marie has qualifications in social work and counselling. She has worked as a community developer and social worker in the child and family sector, and for the past 14 years in schools as a chaplain and counsellor. After taking a year’s break, she is excited to take on the role of education support at JPS. She believes that when students experience success and mastery in areas of learning their self-esteem is improved and they gain confidence to challenge themselves further. She is committed to assisting school staff to create a safe educational environment where students can flourish.
Outside of school, Anne-Marie enjoys reading and walking and delights in the beautiful environment of Jamieson and its surroundings. She also has a private counselling practice.
Neil Wetmore - CRT and Facility Manager
Neil has spent most of his adult life in education, initially taking up his first teaching post in 1990. He has held a number of teaching positions and held range of leadership positions in education. His experience spans two continents and two states in Australia (WA and Vic). Neil feels that learning should always be a rewarding process with fun being had along the way, and it should ultimately lead to students becoming lifelong learners.
Neil is of the opinion that 'our dreams don't work unless we do,' and aspires to create an atmosphere which is conducive to working.
He strives to support the staff and the students at the school and works to achieve a safe and attractive environment for our students in which they can flourish and feel valued. Outside of school, Neil enjoys working on his old Landrover as well as doing practical work.