nick lynch (principal)
Over the course of my 35 year career, I’ve worked in schools of all shapes and sizes. Recently, I’ve been Principal of several large schools in Queensland. Before that, my career took me to South Australia, Ireland, the UK, and South Africa.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt in my career, it’s this: the best way to empower students is to understand their interests and meet them where they are.
In recent years, I found myself getting frustrated. With increasing demand on teachers and students thanks to a ‘too much, too soon’ mentality, I knew I needed a change. I was tired of working in school communities in which people didn’t want to evolve.
Coming to Woodbury Boston in 2021 was a breath of fresh air. Our philosophy and practice aligns with cutting edge research in Education — and it’s a joy to see so many children who are happy at school.
If you’ve got a question or a concern, my door is always open. I look forward to working in partnership with you and your family.
deanne aylmore (Teacher - the arts)
I began teaching at Woodbury Boston in 2007. I believe in order for a child to learn, they must first feel safe to make mistakes. This means that we spend time every day testing and trying new ideas, facing challenges, bouncing back from problems and voicing our opinions. It is so rewarding watching the children progress in leaps and bounds over time, from learning to control their paintbrush to writing their first imaginative story.
My classroom programmes help children develop the skills they will need to become life-long learners, whilst nurturing their unique strengths and following their interests.In order to meet your child’s needs in the most effective way, I invite you as a partner in teaching, to discuss your child’s cognitive, physical and emotional development and welcome you to be part of your child’s school day.
jessie-leigh barber (CLASSROOM teacher)
I joined the Woodbury Boston community at the beginning of 2018 after moving to the area from Jarrahdale.
I have a passion for supporting children to connect with themselves, others and the environment through authentic projects and experiences. I have a background in ecology and botany so I love to integrate sustainability, the environment and gardening into learning experiences.
There is nothing that brings me more joy than to see children engaged in learning about the world and excited about challenging themselves.
Outside of teaching, I am the mother to two young children and I enjoy adventuring on our farm and in nature with them. Whenever I get the chance, I like to read and learn about a range of topics, from astrophysics to philosophy, neuroscience and of course, education.
Victoria Boynton (Administration)
I joined Woodbury Boston Primary School in 2015 and work in Administration with Whitney. Coming to work each day is easy, not only because the school is set in such a beautiful, nature-focused setting, but I also enjoy being a member of a lovely team.
My son attended here for all of his Primary School years, and I truly believe that his time here helped to mold him into being the emotionally intelligent, resilient person that he is now.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with and riding my horses.
TRACY CALVERT (education assistant)
elizabeth da silva (learning enrichment teacher)
I have loved teaching for more than 25 years in both WA and Europe in a variety of schools both large and small. My experience is with 3 year olds to 18 year olds. Ultimately, I have found that children are willing and eager wherever you go and they love to learn. Books, getting dirty and sweaty and play all being fun! With this in mind, I believe learning takes place when learners are engaged, doing something practical and involved in problem solving and learning about something in which they are interested and/or passionate.
In more recent years I have expanded my repertoire by travelling to Finland and Europe to study education practices, to see what works best according to research. Integrating STEAM (Sciences Technologies Engineering Arts/Literature Maths ) into all areas of curriculum with a solutions based approach allows learners to use background knowledge, question, research, hypothesise, test and evaluate both thinking and practice. If we can begin to support big picture thinking and practice transferable life and learning skills with younger children, it then becomes a habit - allowing children the opportunity to expand their skills and knowledge.
At WBPS I am now the Learning Enrichment and STEAM teacher after 3 years teaching in Year 1 and 2. Outside of school I tend to love chatting to sea creatures, up close and personal, in the beautiful local beaches.
josh gard (classroom teacher)
I joined Woodbury Boston Primary School in 2023 having recently moved over from the rainy rock known as the UK to an ever so slightly drier but undeniably more beautiful part of the world in the Great Southern. Having worked in the UK state school system for a monotonous three years, I was desperate to search for more a holistic and enriching experience that the gift of teaching can offer. Low and behold, the stars aligned as I was given the opportunity to work alongside a deeply emotionally intelligent and socially aware community of adults and children at Woodbury Boston Primary School and the extended Kronkup family.
I firmly believe that making mistakes in both learning and life are essential to developing into an autonomous, compassionate, and intelligent citizen of not just the community but the world. Showing gratitude for the place, people, and plethora of creatures we share this planet with are crucial to realising we are all in life’s journey together so let’s have fun whilst fulfilling it!
harpo grant (EDUCATION Assistant)
I started working at Woodbury Boston in 2022 as an Education Assistant. I grew up locally on a property near Lowlands Beach, and was a student at Woodbury Boston myself from kindy until I moved to high school.
It is a privilege to work back at the school that had such a positive influence on my development and growth. In my personal time I enjoy surfing, cooking, camping and woodwork.
susanjane morison (Education Assistant)
I am grateful to have joined the Woodbury Boston team as an Education Assistant in 2023. I enjoy witnessing children play amongst nature, challenging and stretching themselves both physically and mentally. I am delighted to work somewhere where I can see and hear the students learn at their own pace.
Having previously worked in paediatric nursing and midwifery, I am grateful to see the students’ whole well-being catered for here.
Outside of work I enjoy swimming, gardening, bushwalking and yoga.
val nissen (teacher - on leave 2024)
I have had many rewarding years of association with Woodbury Boston in a variety of roles. I am currently a learning support teacher which gives me extra opportunity to contribute to children’s learning and to see the joy they feel when allowed the time and attention they need for their learning to happen.
In my ‘other life’, I am the mother of three adult children and grandma to three gorgeous girls. I live nearby on a small farm which my husband and I manage on self-sufficiency principles. I spend my free time gardening, looking after my animals, preserving and cooking food, and trying to create as much homemade product as I can.
Sasha Ozanne (Early Education teacher)
I adore working with children, having filled various roles from my first job as a fairy helper to more recent work mentoring children in trauma with learning and behavioural difficulties. I’m currently studying Early Years Education and feel passionately about play-based learning.
In my spare time I train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, walk my gorgeous lurcher, dance rockabilly and blues, have wilderness adventures, knit like the wind and dream of my next dog-sledding trip. It is a constant delight to be amongst the children, staff and trees of Woodbury Boston!
Tash Rubie (Classroom Teacher)
Dave Scott (EDUCATION ASSISTANT)
Cassy turner (early education teacher)
My first experience with Woodbury Boston was as a student-teacher. I spent three weeks at the school surrounded by lush Karri trees and wonderful supportive teachers and families. Since then, I haven’t left.
I graduated from Uni with the Woodbury Boston Primary School Award for caring and compassionate teacher. Since then I’ve worked as relief in each classroom and have had the pleasure of getting to know the wonderful children that make this place so special.
I teach art, drama, dance, music and circus! I’m involved in the local circus school outside of Woodbury Boston and many of the skills overlap.
whitney Weaver (administration)
I have a long association with Woodbury Boston, being the eldest daughter of founders John and Forrest Woodbury. My two sons attended this school and I’ve been working in the school administration since 2002. I love working at school, especially the contact I have with parents and other members of the community. The more I am involved with Woodbury Boston, the more passionate I become about the gentle, inclusive, adventurous, non-competitive approach to education that our school offers, and how important it is for there to be choices in educational style available to parents.
Outside of school I sing with a band, and I also love craft as well as camping, reading and spending time with family and friends. My husband and I live on the family property adjacent to the school, with fabulous views over the ocean and bay.
Kellie White (Education Assistant)
I am truly privileged to be part of the Woodbury Boston Primary School community, where I look forward to contributing to the education and growth of young minds alongside a fantastic team. Currently pursuing a Certificate IV in School Based Education Support, I find immense joy in being a part of students' learning journeys, sharing in their curiosity, enthusiasm, and boundless imagination.
My personal interests include being an equine enthusiast, spending time with my two horses and beloved dog. I also find happiness in reading and enjoy swimming at our beautiful local beaches.
ron boyland (cleaner)
A valued member of the school community, Ron keeps the school clean and operating smoothly. During Covid-19 peak times he cleans desks, light switches, toys, desks and equipment through-out the day so that our students and staff can come to school safely.