Christie Evans – Principal
Education is Christie’s third profession as she returned to university as a mature age student but teaching is definitely what she was supposed to do. Christie has a true passion for education particularly in Maths and Science and was awarded STEM Educator of the year in 2023. She is an instructional leader and likes nothing more than to drive learning improvement. As a hills resident on land Christie understands and is part of the hills community. She loves her property and is happiest amongst her animals and garden. Starting with Lenswood Primary in 2024 she is keen to continue the professional and caring nature of the school.
Selina Pharoah – Reception/Year 1 Teacher
Selina graduated from Flinders University at the end of 2021. She has taught regularly as a Relief Teacher and OSHC Educator in the Adelaide Hills and surrounds. At the beginning of 2023 Selina started teaching her first class at Lenswood Primary. She loves teaching phonics, art and science through hands on experiences. In her spare time Selina loves going to the beach, walking her dogs and spending time with family and friends.
JAMES WADDINGTON – YEAR 2/3/4 TEACHER
James started at Lenswood Primary School at the beginning of 2022 as the middle primary teacher. As a graduate, he started his career at Meadows Primary School where he taught a range of year levels spending most of his time teaching the year 6/7 class. One of his favourite subjects to teach is HASS, because he is well travelled and loves learning about the diverse cultures of the world. He also loves his sport, specifically, AFL football and basketball.
Alison Mason – Year 5/6 Teacher
Alison has been teaching at Lenswood for 11 years and thoroughly enjoys the community spirit and children’s love of learning here. She has taught in various schools including area schools working with students from year 2 through to year 12. Her major teaching areas have been maths and science as well as general teaching. She has also taught music in schools including choirs, concert bands, strings and has been involved in various musical productions involving students from year 5 – year 12. She is passionate about student learning giving them the skills to take control of their learning and pursue their areas of interest. Alison lives locally on an apple orchard where her husband is a 6th generation apple grower. Her children attended Lenswood Primary and valued their time here. They were the seventh generation in Alison’s family to do so. She loves gardening, reading, working with the produce from her farm and being with her family.
Julie Browne – Teacher
Julie Browne has been at Lenswood since 2008 and has been teaching for over 30 years. She trained as a junior primary teacher but has taught many different levels over the years. She loves children’s books and uses them in all areas of learning. Julie now lives at Mt Barker and has spent many years in the hills and country areas. She has 5 children and 12 beautiful grandchildren. Julie loves taking her 2 dogs for walks and exercising to stay fit. She also enjoys AFL football and is an Adelaide supporter.
Julia Cowlam – Finance Officer/Front Office
Julia has been our front office face for over 18 years now. Having moved into beautiful Lenswood 21 years ago with her husband and two children, who also attended Lenswood Primary School, Julia feels extremely lucky and proud to be part of the Lenswood Community. Julia enjoys being part of the Lobethal Netball and Football Clubs.
Nicola Green – Student Support/Library
Nicola has been working at Lenswood since 2008 as an SSO supporting children in the classroom and then later moving into Library/admin work as well. She loves coming to school every day and working with the children. Nicola has helped re-establish our veggie patch and get our Kitchen Garden program going. Nicola has lived in Lenswood for over 30 years and loves our community and Lenswood Primary. She is married with three children and enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and getting away to the beach on holidays.
Kylie Kleemann – Student Support
Kylie has been working at Lenswood Primary School, supporting the children in our classes for over 10 years. She enjoys working with all children, but specifically children who need a little extra support to improve their learning outcomes. She has been involved in getting a kitchen garden program up and running. Kylie lives in Lobethal with her husband, and has 2 adult children and way too many pets. In her spare time she enjoys horse riding and spending time at the beach.
Kate Hill – Student Support
Kate has been working at Lenswood Primary School since 2022 and has been involved in the Hills school community for over 16 years. She is passionate about supporting children with building a firm foundational understanding and continuing to support them throughout their learning journeys. Kate lives in Littlehampton with her husband Josh and their three children Hayden, Niamh and Lochlan. She enjoys being in her garden and loves the beach, especially in stormy weather.
Lisa Golding – Student Support
Lisa officially started working at Lenswood Primary School in 2024, however has been an actively involved member of the school community since 2015 when her daughters started there as students. Lisa’s passion lies in working with children across all year levels, nurturing their growth and helping them to reach their full potential. She grew up at the beach, but has lived in Lenswood and its surrounds for over 18 years with her husband Tom and 2 daughters. She could not imagine living anywhere else but the hills now. She is heavily involved with the Lobethal Netball Club and loves being part of such a close-knit hills community at Lenswood.
JOEY TRAEGER – Pastoral Care Worker (PCW)
As Pastoral Care Worker (PCW) I support students, staff and families with wellbeing. One of the best things about being a PCW is that I get to be everyone’s friend.
I’m an extra adult around the school who is available with a listening ear. I can help with a wide variety of challenges such as: friendship problems, social skills, grief and loss, family breakdown, transitions and school problems. This might be through a 1:1 chat or small group learning.
I also enjoy hanging out in the yard during play times, helping with special events and visiting classrooms.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, playing board games, baking, puzzles, reading and being a little bit crafty. I also volunteer on youth camps during the schools holidays.
