Media Statement - NEWS

Why this 
program?

With the principles of our philosophy underpinning our approach, many elements of a student’s Bold Park education experience will be the same throughout their primary school years. We focus on unity, so all students understand they are part of a common whole. We believe in having opportunities for small group learning, and our adult-to-student ratios are an essential part of this.

How children learn in this stage

While bells or sirens do not govern our days in primary school, each class follows a weekly schedule, and each day has a predictable rhythm and 'flow of the day'. The flow includes class meetings, skill and project-based lessons, breaks, and specialist teaching. 


Our educators know that play is central to how children learn, form and explore friendships, shape and test hypotheses, and make sense of their world. In addition, they know that students learn differently and at different rates. For these reasons, our primary educators maintain a playful approach to curriculum and design various strategies to engage and challenge all students.

Where children learn

Our primary classes are generally multi-aged and housed in a comfortable and inviting classroom that is open and connected to the world around them. Learning spills out from our classrooms and onto our verandas or to various environments. These include specialist media and publishing, performance or visual arts spaces, library hubs for fiction and non-fiction collections across the school, a kitchen garden with chickens and garden beds planted and harvested with the students, an outdoor classroom and tool shed (Wildspace) where children learn to investigate, collaborate, negotiate, take risks, play and work safely out of doors.

Reporting & Monitoring

We are committed to building relationships with families and making the student's learning visible. Our educators regularly communicate with families through various modes. These include face-to-face meetings, EDUCA, our web-based story platform, or class meetings. In addition, we utilise a range of assessments and standardised measures to monitor children's learning progress regularly. For example, each student's level of achievement of Western Australian Curriculum outcomes is formally graded and reported to parents twice a year along with a portfolio of the student's work. Students in primary school also participate in the National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) every two years from the age of 8. From Pre-Primary, we implement the Western Australian Curriculum, which sets the mandated content, skills, knowledge and guiding principles for our teaching, learning and assessment and reporting to parents/ guardians.

Core Curriculum

We deliver the Western Australian Curriculum, which sets the mandated content, skills, knowledge and guiding principles for our teaching, learning and assessment.

The Western Australian Curriculum encompasses:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Humanities & Social Sciences
  • Health & Physical Education
  • The Arts and Languages (Italian)
  • Technologies

We implement the Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum a student focussed curriculum for teaching protective behaviours and understanding of healthy relationships.

for more information view the BPCS Handbook

or download the Prospectus

Our Teachers

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    JULIA HUGHES
    Literacy & Numeracy Support

    Literacy & Numeracy Support

    JULIA HUGHES

    2010

    Julia began her time at Bold Park in 2010 under Bold Park founder, Gillian McAuliffe. Since then, she has worked as an Early Childhood and Primary educator, specialising in Pre-Primary.

    Finding the spark of a progettazione is a source of great joy to Julia and the process of chasing and developing the learning with children and fellow educators is a true passion. Julia has a particular interest in documentation and sharing the wonderful work of the children with the community and the wider world.

    In 2017, Julia received a grant to study in Reggio Emilia and believes whole heartedly in the educational project. She adores encouraging learning in nature and also through music.

    Having several different roles over the years, including archivist and special needs support, Julia currently delivers the Learning Support program for Primary.

    Julia still remembers the first time she set foot on Bold Park soil and the experience of kinship she felt with staff, students and families.

     

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    CHARLOTTE SCHULER
    CO-EDUCATOR

    CO-EDUCATOR

    CHARLOTTE SCHULER

    2024

    Charlotte has worked as a relief teacher in several government facilities since graduating from a Master of Teaching (Primary). She also has an avid interest in animals and possess a Bachelor of Science (Zoology and Marine Science).

    As a graduate teacher, Charlotte is aware of the important role continuous creativity and innovation plays in education. Furthermore, she believes diverse cultural environments benefit all students, as perspectives are broadened through the integration of varying backgrounds and beliefs.

    Charlotte is a triplet (non-identical), has a ginger cat called Tigger, and enjoy reading, wildlife photography, and taking her drone out for flights around our beautiful city.

     

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    DENISE ELIZABETH
    Acting Middle and Upper Primary Team Leader

    Acting Middle and Upper Primary Team Leader

    DENISE ELIZABETH

    2022

    Denise specialises in Creative Movement. She has 20+ years of experience as a creative and performing Arts Teacher in both public and independent schools in Sydney and Perth. Denise is also an experienced Arts Therapist, completing a Masters of Art Therapy in 2018

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    ANYA BENSON
    Co-Educator

    Co-Educator

    ANYA BENSON

    Anya is a dedicated Co-Educator who is committed to empowering children to become resilient, independent, and valued members of the community. With a focus on instilling a love for learning in her students and helping them achieve their potential while supporting their individual learning style and nurturing their creativity and interests.

    Anya has spent many years working with children from diverse backgrounds, supporting them and their families in their early years of development.

    Beyond the classroom, Anya enjoys embarking on travel adventures with her family and exploring new destinations, often choosing off-grid camping experiences.

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    MORWENNA STANLEY
    Co-Educator

    Co-Educator

    MORWENNA STANLEY

    2024

    Morwenna’s Bold Park journey began as a parent in 2018, when two of her daughters had the most memorable years of their schooling at Bold Park. Being an advocate for Nature Based Play, Bold Park was on Morwenna’s radar to transition her girls from growing up on a farm to moving to the city. It was through her children’s incredible experience in early childhood at Bold Park that the desire to return to teach at the school was always there.

    Since graduating from her Early Childhood and Primary degree, Morwenna has been raising her four daughters, both on a wheat and sheep farm in rural WA and the last few years in Perth.

    She is from the beautiful Aotearoa, New Zealand, so loves all things culture, nature and whanau/family.

    Morwenna is really excited to take on a Co-Educator role in the Pre-Primary classroom and cannot wait to share her passion for play and be further inspired by the wonderful community here at Bold Park.

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    HANNAH ITZSTEIN
    LEAD EDUCATOR

    LEAD EDUCATOR

    HANNAH ITZSTEIN

    2023

    Hannah is a dedicated educator driven by a passion for guiding young minds. Having earned a Masters of Teaching Primary from The University of Notre Dame, she began her teaching journey in 2023 at Bold Park, where she transitioned from a full-time Co-Educator to a relief teacher before achieving the role of Lead Educator in 2024.

    Inspired by Bold Park’s holistic approach to education and its focus on the whole child, she is committed to creating nurturing and inclusive environments that foster personal growth. Hannah believes that as an educator you need to be dynamic and a lifelong learner.

     

     

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    EMILY WALLACE
    Lead - Physical & Health Education

    Lead - Physical & Health Education

    EMILY WALLACE

    Emily is a creative and inquisitive educator with a goal for all students to feel empowered and welcomed in the sporting space. Emily has an enthusiastic strive towards mindfulness in and outside of the classroom. Working part-time has allowed Emily to continue her passion in touch football and teaching it across schools in WA.

    Coming from an extensive sporting background, Emily has been pursuing her teaching profession throw a variety of experiences. Emily graduated with her degree in health and physical education in 2020 while working as a swim teacher,.

    Being involved in a professional sporting team representing WA, this has helped Emily to develop a teaching perspective that focuses on being hard working and fair. Emily promotes independence, initiative and giving everything a go in her classroom.

    With previous experience of teaching senior school health and sport, Emily has taken on this teaching role to find new challenges, connections and experiences to expand her profession. Emily also hopes connecting with young people will help her discover more about herself and new ways to make learning fun.

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    ASHLEIGH PARGIN
    LEAD Educator

    LEAD Educator

    ASHLEIGH PARGIN

    2017

    Ashleigh graduated from Murdoch University with Bachelor of Education in 2016 and joined the Bold Park Community School team in 2017. Since then, she has worked across a range of year groups within the Primary School and is currently the lead teacher in Year 3/4.

    With an educational philosophy strongly aligned to the Reggio Emilia approach, Ashleigh finds Bold Park Community School and its people an inspiring place to teach and learn. She is committed to supporting children to fulfil their potential through developing mutually respectful relationships and student-initiated projects.

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    HELEN DOWEY
    LEAD Educator

    LEAD Educator

    HELEN DOWEY

    2011

    Helen has worked in early childhood education since 2005. She is passionate about working with young children and graduated with a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) in 2012. She has worked at BPCS as an intern and teacher. She began working at BPCS as she believes in seeing the child as an individual and giving every child the opportunity to learn in their own way. She enjoys cooking every week with the children.

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    MIRA DRAGICEVIC
    Co-Educator

    Co-Educator

    MIRA DRAGICEVIC

    2003

    Mira migrated from former Yugoslavia in 2002 and was introduced to BPCS in 2003. She started her role as a cleaner and even doing this job she was actively engaged with children and established relationships and trust with them in such a manner that it was noticed by founder of BPCS, Gillian McAuliffe, who encouraged her to join the team of passionate educators

    Becoming a part of teaching team since 2004 Mira gained confidence in working with different age groups in Early Childhood. 2004 also saw her complete her Certificate 3 in Working with Children, participated in many BPCS Workshops as a part of presenting team, attended many Professional Development workshops outside the BPCS and passionately enjoyed learning together with children.

    BPCS has become a place that Mira often refers as a second home, a place where her heart gets inspired to investigate, share joy of new discoveries, celebrate differences and listen with all senses.

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    AMANDA WELDON
    Co-Educator & Library

    Co-Educator & Library

    AMANDA WELDON

    Amanda has been at Bold Park for many years and has served in many capacities. She assists in the mentorship of Interns at Bold Park Community School, is our “Fire Lighter” (a prestigious duty at Bold Park) and works across Middle School and leads the school’s Library services.

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    ROSA SPERANZA
    Culinary Specialist & Italian Language

    Culinary Specialist & Italian Language

    ROSA SPERANZA

    2023

    Rosa Maria Speranza is the first born child of an Italian post second world war immigrant couple. Raised in a particularly Italian household she has grown to love elements of her life that are steeped in language, culture and tradition.

    Rosa began her teaching career 36 years ago as a language specialist in three Primary Schools in WA. This was followed by positions in three Secondary Schools teaching Italian, English and Drama and holding a variety of leadership roles.

    She considers it a privilege to walk alongside young people at this significant time in their lives and is passionate about creating engaging, compassionate and innovative educational experiences that challenge students to be thinking citizens of the future.

    Rosa has enthusiastically embraced the invitation to be a part of the BPCS community as our Italian teacher and member of the Arts Team.

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    RENATA BIANCARDI
    Visual Arts Specialist

    Visual Arts Specialist

    RENATA BIANCARDI

    2010

    Renata moved to Perth, Western Australia in 2006. As a daughter of an artist and surrounded by musicians and other artists her interest in art started as child. Influenced by street art and a diversity of Brazilian artists, Renata uses a broad range of mediums in her art.

    When Renata completed her bachelor in Fine Arts and Art Education in 2001, she combined her nurturing side with her love of art working in the field of art education which resulted in opening her mind to a whole new experience in Visual Arts. Prior to beginning at BPCS in 2010, Renata worked for seven years creating, planning, developing and managing integrated Arts and Education. Having taught in a range of different environments and age levels, she believes in the power of creativity and art as an important language for our society these days.

    Working at BPCS Renata has found a perfect place to learn, grow and share her passion for art and education with the children around her.

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    JARRYD HORSLEY
    Lead - Physical Education & Camps

    Lead - Physical Education & Camps

    JARRYD HORSLEY

    2015

    Jarryd commenced at Bold Park since mid way through 2015 as our Bluearth specialist after completing his final teaching practical placement at Bold Park. He has continued in this role and is now also part of the middle primary team in the classroom on Thursdays and Fridays. He also delivers the health program in middle school as of 2017.

    Jarryd has also been trained in the Rock and Water program which he delivers to the students across the school through his role as Bluearth teacher. His role also includes being involved with camps and sleep overs across all areas of the school. Jarryd is trained in aquatic rescue and first aid to help with this role.

    Jarryd also runs the leadership program at Bold Park which involves providing the year sixes with opportunities to better the community and develop their skills as leaders.

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    CHLOE CAMPBELL
    LEAD Educator

    LEAD Educator

    CHLOE CAMPBELL

    2021

    Chloe graduated from Edith Cowan University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Education specialising in Early Childhood. During her studies, she was able to gain professional experience in several schools and Early Childhood settings. In the final year of her degree, Chloe was selected to complete an internship at Bold Park Community School in the Pre-Primary classroom; working alongside Kellie Everett, Trish Hilton and Hazel Grove.

    Throughout this internship, the alignment between her core values and the Bold Park philosophy became clear which enhanced her desire to educate young children. Chloe intends to utilise her passion to promote a love of learning and support each child to reach their fullest potential. She is looking forward to teaching Pre-Primary in 2021.

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    MELANIE NOUCHY
    Co-Educator

    Co-Educator

    MELANIE NOUCHY

    Melanie completed her Certificate of Education Support and Special Needs in 2020.

    Her Bold Park journey began as a prac placement. Melanie has worked in Early Childhood, Literacy Support and now as a Co-Educator in Primary.

    At home Melanie is a creative – making, teaching and selling her art.

    Raising 3 children, she has always been drawn to natural playscapes, and the whole child teaching philosophy.

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    HEATHER SANDERS
    LEAD Educator

    LEAD Educator

    HEATHER SANDERS

    2008

    Heather has been working as the Teacher in the Kindy room since 2008 but is excited to be venturing into Pre-Primary full-time in 2017! She is an English girl from Stockport and moved to Perth in 2008.  She completed a degree in psychology and philosophy in 2001 and went on to do her teaching certificate in 2004.  Heather taught in Kindy and Year 1 for five years in the UK before moving to Australia.

    She is passionate about human relationships and social and emotional well being and believes that this should be at the heart of education. When she is not in the classroom she can be found at a yoga class, reading about the latest research about meditation and holistic wellness, Zentangling, watching the ocean, making travel plans or catching up with friends and family over coffee.

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    BROOKE TURNER
    LEAD Educator

    LEAD Educator

    BROOKE TURNER

    2013

    Brooke graduated from Murdoch University in 2014 and began her journey as a qualified teacher in 2015. Whilst studying her Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood and Primary, Brooke has gained experience in several primary schools across Western Australia.

    When she had the opportunity to undertake an internship at Bold Park Community School it was apparent to Brooke that her personal philosophy of teaching and learning and love for nature and the outdoors was fulfilled through the Reggio inspired philosophy at Bold Park Community School.

    Surrounded by a supportive and inspiring community, Brooke found the ideal place to gain experience and knowledge and started 2017 as one of our lead educators in Pre-Primary.

    In 2021, Brooke is working on some key classroom projects at Bold Park Community School as well as facilitating some of our Educator Workshops.

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    HOLLY JAMES
    LEAD Educator

    LEAD Educator

    HOLLY JAMES

    2022

    Holly graduated from The University of Notre Dame as a teacher in 2022. Whilst working as a Co-Educator in year 5/6 at Bold Park Community School in her final year of studies, Holly thrived in an environment of like-minded teachers with a passion for innovative teaching and learning.

    Holly has previously worked as a horticulturist using her knowledge or botany to help people with their plant and garden care. Her love of the natural world is reflected in her personal philosophy of teaching and learning and is fulfilled through the Reggio-inspired philosophy a Bold Park Community School.

    Holly enjoys a student constructivist approach to teaching and learning and providing students with multi-sensory, scaffolded and contextually relevant learning experiences. She believes a teacher guides students’ developmental journeys whilst providing them with knowledge on skills to emerge into the world as confident, compassionate and independent-minded individuals.

    In her free time Holly enjoys painting, gardening, baking and spending time with friends and family.

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    SHANNON BOOYENS
    Co-Educator

    Co-Educator

    SHANNON BOOYENS

    2023

    Shannon is currently in her third year of her Bachelor of Education and is excited to be part of Bold Park’s innovative school community while she continues her degree. She has a background in music education and music performance and has travelled the world playing music professionally.

    Growing up on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef in North Queensland, Shannon has a natural affinity with the ocean and believes in the importance of being amongst nature. She is thrilled to be aligned with a learning community that values both the arts and the natural environment as much as she does and is looking forward to the year ahead and Bold Park Community School.

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    MAIREAD FURLONG
    LEAD Educator

    LEAD Educator

    MAIREAD FURLONG

    2022

    Mairead had an interesting and diverse career prior to becoming a teacher. Ranging from recruitment (London), graphic design (Sydney), to a childbirth educator and breastfeeding counsellor while living in Singapore and Bali. All this while being a Mum to three children. When Mairead and her family arrived in Perth in 2015, she was introduced to BPCS, she decided then and there she would one day “work there.”

    Mairead is passionate about learning being accessible to all. She is a very experienced educator working across all Primary Year levels as well as being a certified Leap Languages Teacher.
    Here areas of interest are languages, literacy and culture especially Indigenous now that she is in Australia.

    In her spare time she loves SUP, kayaking, reading, travelling, sharing food with family and friends.

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    RENEE YONGE
    LEAD EDUCATOR

    LEAD EDUCATOR

    RENEE YONGE

    2015

    Renee initially came to BPCS as a parent in 2007, when the first of her three children started in Pre-Kindy. She started volunteering and never left. Renee has given her time as a parent class coordinator and spent time on the BPCS Advisory Board as Secretary, Deputy Chair and Chair. Renee worked in all areas of BPCS as a relief co-educator prior to completing her Graduate Diploma of Education (Primary) at Murdoch University in 2014. Renee is a lifelong student herself and she followed her Graduate Diploma by completing a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health online with Southern Cross University in 2021, and most recently a Masters in Mental Health and Wellbeing in Adolescents and Children through UWA 2022.

    Renee has been working as lead teacher in the Upper Primary classroom since 2017. She is passionate about the whole child and believes the social/emotional learning and support of our students to be of great importance in every classroom. Renee has a passion for learning and enjoys finding new approaches to topics to encourage her students to engage with and enjoy their time at school.

    Not always a teacher, Renee has held a range of roles. After completing a B. Communications and training as a mediator, she moved to the UK. There she enjoyed watching a lot of live theatre while working in the Oil and Gas industry. She project-managed a heritage renovation project at Kensington Gore and supported the final editing run prior to publication of The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians. After yet another cold and dark birthday, she decided to travel further afield and became a tour leader on overland tours from Nairobi to Cape Town. Finally returning to Australia, Renee worked as a paralegal, trained as a birth doula, and moved to Perth where she worked for the Quest Learnery until she finally found her ‘home’ at Bold Park.

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    RHYS GEORGE
    Team Leader - Arts

    Team Leader - Arts

    RHYS GEORGE

    2011

    Rhys experienced both private and public educational environments directly after completing his Bachelor of Education in 2008. While gaining diverse experiences, Rhys completed his post-graduate studies in music composition at Perth’s Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and was awarded a Dean’s Prize for his academic achievement. In 2017 he completed his Masters of Education researching his passion of using innovative and emergent technologies as an open-ended tool for play within social constructivist settings.

    As the Arts Team Leader, Rhys has represented Bold Park Community School around Australia and internationally through exemplary learning stories and project examples. Working from Primary through to College, he is a Media and Design Specialist and leads the delivery of our Certificate IV in Design course.

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    FELICITY KINSELLA
    Acting Principal

    Acting Principal

    FELICITY KINSELLA

    2012

    Felicity has held teaching positions at several public schools in Western Australia, covering many areas of experience over more than 30 years in education. Prior to working at BPCS in 2012, Felicity previously worked in USA school districts, and she especially enjoyed seven years at The da Vinci Academy as an integration specialist (Dance and Physical Education) and the integration team coordinator. This Colorado school was art and science focused.

    Alongside education, Felicity has pursued kinaesthetic challenges, achieving accolades locally and nationally with a Championship in Rhythmic Gymnastics. Working towards a Bachelor of Education in Dance at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Felicity spent time working and gaining further dance studies in both North Carolina and California.

    Felicity’s roles at BPCS have been in primary classrooms, on the art team and in leadership. Her team leadership positions began with arts and then primary team leader. The philosophy and approach at Bold Park Community School have further developed her interest in the science of learning and the brain/body connection. Here, Felicity has found a place where her love of the arts and her respect for educational excellence coexist.

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E-mail: CommunityEngagement@BoldPark.com
Phone: +61 8 9387 5050

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PEDAGOGISTA

Nicole Hunter

QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor of ScienceGraduate Diplomas in Education (Science and Early Childhood)Masters of Education

AT BPCS SINCE: 2004

Nicole fervently believes that quality early life relationships, experiences and education are critical in providing a solid foundation for healthy life patterns and continuous learning. Nicole has both contributed to and experienced the growth of Bold Park Community School as a parent, teacher and board member; first joining the community in 2001, when the school was a one-room primary school! She became part of the Early Childhood teaching team in 2004.
From 2008 until 2015 Nicole was Early Childhood Co-Team Leader with the responsibility of expanding the outdoor learning program and National Quality Standards. In 2016 Nicole was appointed to the role of Pedagogista. This role sees her working, in collaboration, with the teaching teams and leadership to align the principles, practices and philosophy of Bold Park with current educational research and translate these into the daily experience of students and families.
To this role, Nicole draws not only her many years of experience in the Bold Park context, but also her teaching experience in a breadth of contexts including high school science and early years learning. Nicole is grateful to have had the opportunity to travel internationally to visit educational contexts of Reggio Emilia and has recently completed her Master’s of Education in Teaching and Learning.