About Us

Meet our Assistant Principal, Rosa Arena

As the Assistant Principal at Fawkner Primary School, student wellbeing is at the heart of everything I do. My role is to ensure that every child feels happy, healthy, safe, and supported so they can thrive both academically and personally.

Having worked at Fawkner Primary School for many years, I have developed a deep connection with our school and the wonderful community we serve. It has been a privilege to watch generations of students grow, learn, and succeed, and I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside such dedicated staff and supportive families.

I believe that strong relationships are the foundation of a successful school. By working closely with students, families, and staff, we create a caring and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, respected, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Meet our Learning Specialist, Lillian Hancock

As Fawkner Primary School’s Learning Specialist, I support teachers to improve student outcomes in literacy and numeracy by working collaboratively with team leaders and teachers, to strengthen teaching and learning across the school.

My role focuses on using evidence and data to inform instructional practice, supporting curriculum planning aligned to the Victorian Curriculum, and building teacher capacity through coaching, modelling and professional learning. I work alongside staff to embed high-impact teaching strategies and create consistent, effective classroom practice that supports the success of all learners.

Meet our Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader (MHWL), Carmela Ballato

As Fawkner Primary School’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader (MHWL), I am dedicated to supporting the mental health, social and emotional wellbeing, and inclusion of all students. By working closely with students, families, staff, and external support services, I help strengthen a safe, inclusive, and positive school environment where every student feels valued, connected, and supported to achieve their best.

Through wellbeing programs such as the Berry Street Education Model, Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships, eSmart and Better Buddies, early intervention strategies, and staff collaboration, I help promote resilience, positive relationships, and a culture of wellbeing across our entire school community.

Meet our Disability Inclusion Leader, Rita Davide

I am the Acting Disability Inclusion Leading Teacher, a role which plays an important part in ensuring every child feels welcomed, supported and able to thrive at Fawkner Primary School. Guided by our school motto ‘Caring & Sharing’, I enjoy working closely with teachers, families and support staff to understand each student’s unique strengths and needs so together we can ensure the right supports are in place to help them succeed both academically and socially.

My role helps guide inclusive teaching practices across the school, where I work towards building staff capacity and connecting families with additional resources when needed. This reflects our commitment to creating a school community where diversity is valued and every student is given the opportunity to participate, belong and achieve their personal best.