Fernbrook School
Our Team
The core of Fernbrook School are our passionate team. Through careful observation of children during formal and informal learning times, we are able to plan our educational programmes based on the emerging interests of the children.
Take a look below to learn more about each of our team members.
Matthew Nye
Principal
I love our Fernbrook School community and how inclusive we are to all who come and learn with us. The wellbeing of our students is considered first above all else. Student-led learning is a major focus at our school and contributes to the students feeling happy, heard and supported. Our beliefs and learning model enhances our students' educative experience and provides holistic learning opportunities.
Finding opportunities to utilise the bush on our property for play and learning is a passion of mine and one that is very popular among the students. I am very lucky to work in this beautiful environment with such an involved community. My journey in education has provided opportunities to work in both Australia and the United Arab Emirates.
In my free time I enjoy being with my family, long-distance running, camping and going to the beach.
"Always be a little kinder than is necessary." - JM Barrie
Jasmin Williamson
Business & Office Manager
Hi there! I’m Jasmin, although most people call me Jas. I’m the Business and Office Manager here at Fernbrook, and I feel very honoured to be a part of our community. I truly love coming to work each day! The students, families and staff all make it such a beautiful place to be.
I love that each child is seen and heard for who they are, no-one is ever compared to another or lost in the crowd. Fernbrook is a place of understanding, connection and kindness. We also have a lot of fun and love to laugh!
I enjoy being outdoors, especially in the forest, and find much solace in nature. I adore animals and have been in awe of them since a young age. I love to read, so you can often find me in the evenings curled up with a good book and cup of peppermint tea. My favourite thing is spending time with my family and good friends!
“If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” -Roald Dahl.
Craig Buys
Head of Curriculum and Learning (High School)
Since 2001 I have taught Maths and Science in a range of high schools in my home country of New Zealand, the UK and, since 2013, Australia.
I am thrilled to be part of the Fernbrook School community. The values of the school, particularly around the encouragement of creativity and individuality in the students, really align with my personal educational philosophy. In my teaching I aim to co-create high quality learning experiences with the students, to guide them as they dive deeply into the areas that inspire them, and to help them move beyond what they think they are capable of.
"Study hard what interests you the most in the most undisciplined, irreverent and original manner possible" Richard P. Feynman
Melanie Thomas
Wellbeing and Inclusion Specialist (High School)
Hello! I have been working in Theatre and the Arts for over 15 years and have had the opportunities to work with some of Australia’s leading companies. At Fernbrook, I teach Performing Arts and Visual Arts across the whole school; English and Project based work for the Secondary School. I also hold my Professional certificate in Adolescent Counselling. I love working on play and artistic building skills and open communication. There is nothing more exciting than a classroom filled with collaboration and laughter.
“The theatre is so endlessly fascinating because it’s so accidental. It’s so much like life.” – Arthur Miller
Ralph Horn
High School Teacher
It’s a pleasure to teach high school humanities and project learning at Fernbrook School. Leaning in to my construction background, I help students transform their designs into reality using metalwork or funky woodwork with reclaimed materials. I love using the beautiful bush block for humanities investigations, using water tests on the creek to measure biodiversity and exploring the trails. Along with Denise, we use the bush to develop bushcraft techniques such as fire skills, shelter building, navigation and first aid.
I love the outdoors and enjoy skiing, biking and rock climbing to explore Victoria's natural bush. Navigation and bushcraft are among my favourite hobbies and I'm love using our block for these activities.
“Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric.”
― Bertrand Russell
Vikki Pickering
Senior Primary Teacher (Grades 3-6)
Hi! My name is Vikki. I graduated as a Primary School Teacher way back in 1986 and over the years have taught in little rural schools, big city schools and independent schools. I am passionate about nurturing a child’s sense of wellbeing to help maximise their full learning potential.
Family and friends are extremely important to me and spending time with them helps to sooth my soul.
I am so grateful to have found Fernbrook, the beautiful community that comes with it and most importantly, the children who are the heart of the school.
“When the flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower”.
Alexander Den Heijer
Katie Tomkins
Learning and Wellbeing Assistant
Hello! My name is Katie, and I work as an educational support worker for the magical middles at Fernbrook. I have a background in theatre and environmental science. I love working with the kids at Fernbrook to help them engage with learning and find confidence in their abilities. I enjoy working in an environment that values individuality and fosters curiosity.
"Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them." - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, "Le Petit Prince" (The Little Prince)
Jo Johannes
Junior Primary Teacher (Grades P-2)
Educated and a very passionate educator of the early years and primary education. I have a great interest in children’s development and behaviours, and creating all inclusive experiences for my students. In our class you will find us busy learning, exploring and creating through a range of structured and unstructured hands-on experiences, both within the class and out. I am extremely excited to utilise this beautiful space that the school has to offer, and very fortunate to call The Basin my home area.
In my spare time you would find me exploring our beautiful country with my 3 young children in our caravan. Taking every opportunity to get outside to hike, take photos and experience what the outdoors has to offer.
“Play is the highest form of research” Albert Einstein.
Michelle Buckley
Junior Primary Teacher (Grades P-2)
Wellbeing and Inclusion Specialist (Primary School)
My name is Michelle, but most people call me Shell or Shelly, I have been involved in education for 13 years now. I have taught predominantly in early years and special education and have also trained and have an interest in physical education.
I really love getting to know my students and building strong relationships with them and their families. I enjoy being a part of each child’s journey through school and watching them grow and learn. I find it so rewarding to support children in developing independent skills, building their confidence and finding their voice. I love having fun and learning with my students.
I feel so very grateful to be a part of this beautiful community here at Fernbrook and I especially love all the special things we offer to make school so great for everyone!
In my free time I enjoy being active, hiking, bootcamp, pilates, going on camping trips with my family and spending quality time with family and friends.
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
- Benjamin Franklin
Emma Veale
Learning Support
Hi there, my name is Emma, or you can call me Em. I’m an education support worker for our wonderful junior primary class at Fernbrook. I feel honoured to help our students feel engaged, connected with community, and valued as individuals.
Years after my own education, I realised something had been missing for me in the conventional school system. It’s taken time to find where I belong in adulthood. I love that Fernbrook values each student for who they are, and encourages discovery of their true passions.
My values are grounded in providing genuine care and connection to people and our environment. I’m deeply passionate about sustainable living, which I make conscious choices to practise in my everyday life. I’m so excited to be part of the beautiful Fernbrook community.
Outside of school you’ll find me cooking nutritious meals, walking in nature, curled up with a book and cup of tea, tending to my veggie garden, or spending time with loved ones — including my fiancé and our labradoodle, Alfie).
Denise Dempsey
Science and Sustainability Specialist
I studied Environmental Science back in the 70’s - hoping to change the world! But I found that it was discovering the macro and micro wonders of the world with students, that was even more exciting for me as a teacher. And so I hoped that my enthusiasm would be infectious and like a chain reaction there would be more and more people concerned about our planet and everything on it.
I love teaching, helping students and learning with them and that is what I have found at Fernbrook. I have taught secondary and primary sciences, maths, TGAL, bike education, STEAM and other odds and sods.
My other interests are yoga, bike riding, hiking, woodwork, art, sculpting, gardening and being a mother and grandmother.
“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known”. Attributed to Carl Sagan but now thought to have been penned by the science writer, Sharon Begley.
Rochelle Benning
Nutrition and Environmental Specialist
Although I was fortunate enough to attend a small country primary school, being a sensitive child impacted my educational journey greatly. This experience has allowed me to understand the many struggles that children are dealing with within their own journey and I feel extremely grateful and privileged to be in a position to help support and allow them to thrive here at Fernbrook.
I'm blessed to have lived a very full and creative life, spending many years on the road. I truly am a gypsy at heart! My love for travelling, connecting and sharing with people, differing cultures and their food has really shaped me and my values. I try to live an authentic life, respecting the rhythms of nature and our beautiful earth. Gardening, and growing my own food, being self sufficient and free spirited is key for me. And those that know me certainly know my love for astrology! I love to dance, read, and am constantly learning, spending time in nature (especially water) and of course eating good nutritious food!
"You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you. None can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul" - Swami Vivekanandra
Hayley Gledhill
Nutrition and Environmental Specialist
Hello! I have a background in teaching mindfulness and yoga to children, and working one to one with neurodiverse students.
My passion is supporting children in social and emotional aspects of learning. I have experience facilitating circle work to support our growing children to become more self aware of themselves, their relationship to others and their environment.
I value low-tox natural solutions to health and well-being beginning with the foods we eat. Therefore I’m honoured to be a part of the school’s garden kitchen program. It is my hope to create a welcoming learning space where we can grow and appreciate food from the veggie patch to our plates.
In my spare time you will find me gardening, reading, camping, walking in the forest, hanging out with the chickens, cooking wholesome meals that heal, and trying to keep up with my energetic four year old.
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” - Dalai Lama
Our Team
The core of Fernbrook School are our passionate team. Through careful observation of children during formal and informal learning times, we are able to plan our educational programmes based on the emerging interests of the children.
Take a look below to learn more about each of our team members.
Matthew Nye
Principal
I love our Fernbrook School community and how inclusive we are to all who come and learn with us. The wellbeing of our students is considered first above all else. Student-led learning is a major focus at our school and contributes to the students feeling happy, heard and supported. Our beliefs and learning model enhances our students' educative experience and provides holistic learning opportunities.
Finding opportunities to utilise the bush on our property for play and learning is a passion of mine and one that is very popular among the students. I am very lucky to work in this beautiful environment with such an involved community. My journey in education has provided opportunities to work in both Australia and the United Arab Emirates.
In my free time I enjoy being with my family, long-distance running, camping and going to the beach.
"Always be a little kinder than is necessary." - JM Barrie
Jasmin Williamson
Business & Office Manager
Hi there! I’m Jasmin, although most people call me Jas. I’m the Business and Office Manager here at Fernbrook, and I feel very honoured to be a part of our community. I truly love coming to work each day! The students, families and staff all make it such a beautiful place to be.
I love that each child is seen and heard for who they are, no-one is ever compared to another or lost in the crowd. Fernbrook is a place of understanding, connection and kindness. We also have a lot of fun and love to laugh!
I enjoy being outdoors, especially in the forest, and find much solace in nature. I adore animals and have been in awe of them since a young age. I love to read, so you can often find me in the evenings curled up with a good book and cup of peppermint tea. My favourite thing is spending time with my family and good friends!
“If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” -Roald Dahl.
Craig Buys
Head of Curriculum and Learning (High School)
Since 2001 I have taught Maths and Science in a range of high schools in my home country of New Zealand, the UK and, since 2013, Australia.
I am thrilled to be part of the Fernbrook School community. The values of the school, particularly around the encouragement of creativity and individuality in the students, really align with my personal educational philosophy. In my teaching I aim to co-create high quality learning experiences with the students, to guide them as they dive deeply into the areas that inspire them, and to help them move beyond what they think they are capable of.
"Study hard what interests you the most in the most undisciplined, irreverent and original manner possible" Richard P. Feynman
Melanie Thomas
Wellbeing and Inclusion Specialist (High School)
Hello! I have been working in Theatre and the Arts for over 15 years and have had the opportunities to work with some of Australia’s leading companies. At Fernbrook, I teach Performing Arts and Visual Arts across the whole school; English and Project based work for the Secondary School. I also hold my Professional certificate in Adolescent Counselling. I love working on play and artistic building skills and open communication. There is nothing more exciting than a classroom filled with collaboration and laughter.
“The theatre is so endlessly fascinating because it’s so accidental. It’s so much like life.” – Arthur Miller
Ralph Horn
High School Teacher
It’s a pleasure to teach high school humanities and project learning at Fernbrook School. Leaning in to my construction background, I help students transform their designs into reality using metalwork or funky woodwork with reclaimed materials. I love using the beautiful bush block for humanities investigations, using water tests on the creek to measure biodiversity and exploring the trails. Along with Denise, we use the bush to develop bushcraft techniques such as fire skills, shelter building, navigation and first aid.
I love the outdoors and enjoy skiing, biking and rock climbing to explore Victoria's natural bush. Navigation and bushcraft are among my favourite hobbies and I'm love using our block for these activities.
“Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric.”
― Bertrand Russell
Vikki Pickering
Senior Primary Teacher (Grades 3-6)
Hi! My name is Vikki. I graduated as a Primary School Teacher way back in 1986 and over the years have taught in little rural schools, big city schools and independent schools. I am passionate about nurturing a child’s sense of wellbeing to help maximise their full learning potential.
Family and friends are extremely important to me and spending time with them helps to sooth my soul.
I am so grateful to have found Fernbrook, the beautiful community that comes with it and most importantly, the children who are the heart of the school.
“When the flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower”.
Alexander Den Heijer
Jo Johannes
Junior Primary Teacher (Grades P-2)
Educated and a very passionate educator of the early years and primary education. I have a great interest in children’s development and behaviours, and creating all inclusive experiences for my students. In our class you will find us busy learning, exploring and creating through a range of structured and unstructured hands-on experiences, both within the class and out. I am extremely excited to utilise this beautiful space that the school has to offer, and very fortunate to call The Basin my home area.
In my spare time you would find me exploring our beautiful country with my 3 young children in our caravan. Taking every opportunity to get outside to hike, take photos and experience what the outdoors has to offer.
“Play is the highest form of research” Albert Einstein.
Michelle Buckley
Junior Primary Teacher (Grades P-2)
Wellbeing and Inclusion Specialist (Primary School)
My name is Michelle, but most people call me Shell or Shelly, I have been involved in education for 13 years now. I have taught predominantly in early years and special education and have also trained and have an interest in physical education.
I really love getting to know my students and building strong relationships with them and their families. I enjoy being a part of each child’s journey through school and watching them grow and learn. I find it so rewarding to support children in developing independent skills, building their confidence and finding their voice. I love having fun and learning with my students.
I feel so very grateful to be a part of this beautiful community here at Fernbrook and I especially love all the special things we offer to make school so great for everyone!
In my free time I enjoy being active, hiking, bootcamp, pilates, going on camping trips with my family and spending quality time with family and friends.
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
- Benjamin Franklin
Emma Veale
Learning Support
Hi there, my name is Emma, or you can call me Em. I’m an education support worker for our wonderful junior primary class at Fernbrook. I feel honoured to help our students feel engaged, connected with community, and valued as individuals.
Years after my own education, I realised something had been missing for me in the conventional school system. It’s taken time to find where I belong in adulthood. I love that Fernbrook values each student for who they are, and encourages discovery of their true passions.
My values are grounded in providing genuine care and connection to people and our environment. I’m deeply passionate about sustainable living, which I make conscious choices to practise in my everyday life. I’m so excited to be part of the beautiful Fernbrook community.
Outside of school you’ll find me cooking nutritious meals, walking in nature, curled up with a book and cup of tea, tending to my veggie garden, or spending time with loved ones — including my fiancé and our labradoodle, Alfie).
Denise Dempsey
Science and Sustainability Specialist
I studied Environmental Science back in the 70’s - hoping to change the world! But I found that it was discovering the macro and micro wonders of the world with students, that was even more exciting for me as a teacher. And so I hoped that my enthusiasm would be infectious and like a chain reaction there would be more and more people concerned about our planet and everything on it.
I love teaching, helping students and learning with them and that is what I have found at Fernbrook. I have taught secondary and primary sciences, maths, TGAL, bike education, STEAM and other odds and sods.
My other interests are yoga, bike riding, hiking, woodwork, art, sculpting, gardening and being a mother and grandmother.
“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known”. Attributed to Carl Sagan but now thought to have been penned by the science writer, Sharon Begley.
Rochelle Benning
Nutrition and Environmental Specialist
Although I was fortunate enough to attend a small country primary school, being a sensitive child impacted my educational journey greatly. This experience has allowed me to understand the many struggles that children are dealing with within their own journey and I feel extremely grateful and privileged to be in a position to help support and allow them to thrive here at Fernbrook.
I'm blessed to have lived a very full and creative life, spending many years on the road. I truly am a gypsy at heart! My love for travelling, connecting and sharing with people, differing cultures and their food has really shaped me and my values. I try to live an authentic life, respecting the rhythms of nature and our beautiful earth. Gardening, and growing my own food, being self sufficient and free spirited is key for me. And those that know me certainly know my love for astrology! I love to dance, read, and am constantly learning, spending time in nature (especially water) and of course eating good nutritious food!
"You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you. None can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul" - Swami Vivekanandra
Hayley Gledhill
Nutrition and Environmental Specialist
Hello! I have a background in teaching mindfulness and yoga to children, and working one to one with neurodiverse students.
My passion is supporting children in social and emotional aspects of learning. I have experience facilitating circle work to support our growing children to become more self aware of themselves, their relationship to others and their environment.
I value low-tox natural solutions to health and well-being beginning with the foods we eat. Therefore I’m honoured to be a part of the school’s garden kitchen program. It is my hope to create a welcoming learning space where we can grow and appreciate food from the veggie patch to our plates.
In my spare time you will find me gardening, reading, camping, walking in the forest, hanging out with the chickens, cooking wholesome meals that heal, and trying to keep up with my energetic four year old.
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” - Dalai Lama
