Staff

Julie Ruscoe  (Principal)

I began at Woodbury Boston in 2014 as the Kindergarten teacher and then spent three years as both the Arts Specialist, and co-teacher of the Year 5/6 students, and two more years in Early Childhood (K/PP), whilst also taking on the role as Acting Principal in a part-time capacity.

I have been in the field of Education for almost 30 years and am now thrilled to be the Principal of this amazing school. One of the first things I noticed when I started at Woodbury Boston (apart from it’s incredible location; nestled on a hill overlooking the ocean amongst a Karri forest!) was the fact that all students, from the youngest to the oldest, had the opportunity to play together and look out for and indeed, after each other. The students also had a voice and were encouraged from a young age to be capable, independent problem solvers, and decision makers in regards to choices that impacted their everyday school lives.

Woodbury Boston is dedicated to the development of the whole child and it is an honour to be part of this wonderful community of children, parents and staff.

In my spare time I love bushwalking, camping, singing, painting/drawing, reading, gardening, going to festivals/markets, and of course, spending time with my two adult children and their partners.

Jessie-Leigh Barber (Classroom Teacher)

I joined the wonderful 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 enjoy hiking, yoga, reading and spending time with my animals on our property.

Rochanne Berecz (Early Childhood Teacher)

I am exceptionally lucky to be able to experience the Woodbury Boston way of teaching and learning at the beginning of my teaching career. Being an early childhood teacher has always been a dream of mine and I am so grateful to now call it a reality. I moved to Albany from Perth in November 2019, and being here at Woodbury Boston makes me feel as if I have gained a new family.

The Woodbury way of treating children with dignity, respect and independence has opened my eyes to a totally new and exciting system of education which I wish could be celebrated throughout all school sectors. A kind of magic happens here when you naturally trust, respect and honor the questions, ideas and natural curiosity of children.

In my spare time I do CrossFit, regularly train at the gym, walk my fabulous Kelpie and explore the beautiful surroundings of the Great Southern region through hiking, camping and exceptionally brilliant frivolous drives.

I am delighted to be a part of this nurturing, inclusive and beautiful family-like community. Teaching and learning with the beautiful children both inside and outside of the classroom fills me with a sense of hope, joy and love for this profession and the future.

Victoria Boynton (Administration)

I joined Woodbury Boston Primary School in 2015, working in Administration with Whitney. I am so grateful to have been selected to join the Woodbury Boston community and being given the opportunity to work in such a delightful environment. As a parent of a child at the school, it is a blessing to be able to observe first-hand the care that goes into helping our young children develop into resilient, self-managing individuals. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family, and riding my horse.

Linda Brough (Teacher Assistant)

I have been working as a Teacher Assistant at Woodbury Boston since 2004, and have been actively involved in the school since my daughters started school in 1995. They have now moved to Perth to study at university. I also have two sons that completed their primary years in this beautiful school.

I absolutely love spending my days with the children in this beautiful environment. The adventure and exploring are just great and the camps are my most favourite and rewarding times. My passions and hobbies at home are very much the same – children, the beach and boating, the bush and camping.

Liz Cunningham (Teacher Assistant)

Having moved back to WA from Qld, I have been at this wonderful school since 2015. My home is nestled amongst the birds and towering Karri trees near Muttonbird Beach, so coming to school each day feels just like an extension of home; nature, fun, laughter and learning.

My passions have always been travelling, meeting people and children and so it was a natural step to move into this valued position of educating and supporting the wonderful children and teachers of our school.

My two children attended the school and I feel lucky they were able to attend such a caring, supportive school surrounded by nature. They could climb and swing from trees, build cubbies, play multi-age games, learn through play, attend camps and explore the natural world around them so freely. These are amazing opportunities that enrich their young lives.

I enjoy gardening, the beach, bush walks, planning my next adventure or simply just making a jigsaw puzzle.  With warmth and positivity, I hope to continue making a difference in children’s lives.

Jenny Higgs (Teacher Assistant)

I started at WBPS in 2011 when my daughter was teaching here. I found the school incredibly welcoming and immediately noticed that not only was the school and its environment appealing but also the way that the school adults engaged with the children was so different than anything I had seen before.

I love and embrace Woodbury Boston’s difference. It gives families an opportunity to be part of a small school community based on the values of kindness and respect. Our wonderful culture and education nurtures each and every child.

Robyn King (Teacher Assistant)

I have been at Woodbury Boston since the beginning of 2006, working with our youngest children, and I absolutely love it. It is an amazing environment in which to positively and lovingly contribute to every child’s happiness, growth and wellbeing. I am a Mothercraft nurse and have previously worked in schools with children with special needs and childcare centres for more than 20 years.

My own family, which now includes two precious grandchildren, has lived in this magnificent area for many years. My passions are my family, the beach, animal welfare, caring for the environment and nurturing our most precious resource – children.

In the words of M. Fields and C. Boesser, 1994: “For the cause of worldwide peace and harmony may it begin in the hearts of children and spread.”

Byron McDonald (Classroom teacher)

I first came to Woodbury Boston on a school camp when I was a primary school student in the late 1990’s. Fast-forward many years, after graduating from Curtin University in 2012 with Bachelor of Primary education (1^st Class Honours), I began my journey teaching in Perth, and then in a remote indigenous community. Since moving to Denmark in 2017, I did relief teaching in several local schools before being welcomed and given the opportunity to join the amazing Woodbury Boston community.

I am interested in surfing, bodyboarding, fishing, and hiking. I have travelled lots, usually with a focus on surfing or cultural immersion. In 2019 I hiked the majority of the Bibbulmun Track as training before heading to the USA where I spent 5 months hiking 4260km from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail. I now do ‘trail magic’ supporting other hikers whenever possible.

Val Nissen (Teacher / Tutor)

I have had many pleasurable and rewarding years of association with WBPS in a variety of roles. I am currently a teacher / tutor which affords 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 I manage, with my husband, on self-sufficiency principles, and 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 (Teacher Assistant)

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!

Hiede Reiter (Teacher Assistant)

I have worked at Woodbury Boston part time since 2011. Previously I worked in a bank. I am married with one son, who attended the school, and have numerous animals at my home in Albany, where we have lived since 2001.

I love my job at the school as I have had the opportunity to work in most of the classrooms, and have enjoyed building relationships with all the children. Being a smaller school we are blessed in that we do know all the children, and I value the feeling of ‘family style caring’ that abounds here.

After being in an office for 21 years I treasure every day in the natural environment of this school. I enjoy spending time with my family, tending my animals, and reading.

Sunny Steffanoni (Classroom Teacher – on Long Service Leave)

I have been at Woodbury Boston Primary School since 2004. I first started at the school as a mother of a young boy, who started at the school in year one and continued here happily for all of his primary years. Over the seven years my son attended school I also worked as a teacher assistant whilst studying to become a teacher.

The school has many endearing qualities, which is why my husband and I first chose to send our son here. Our son has loved his time at the school and has developed into a confident, caring young man, who is thoughtful of others and respects nature and all its creatures

I am absolutely honoured to be a part of this beautiful community, which cherishes and respects all children and adults. To have the responsibility of nurturing and supporting young children is a true privilege and joy. I am continually amazed and delighted at the capacity of children, I am not only their teacher, they are also mine.

Mary Sturmer (classroom teacher)

After a few opportunities relief teaching at the school I was overwhelmed by the love and acceptance offered by the Woodbury Boston community. My heart had met my head and I grabbed at the chance to apply for Jessie’s Maternity leave replacement, and then successfully applied for a permanent position.

I am a great lover of family, children, art, nature, travel and yoga. I have parented and continue to grandparent! I have taught as a Class Teacher, Music and Drama Specialist, Literacy Specialist, Indonesian language teacher and Community Artist Project manager. My travels have taken me around the world, but Lowlands is where I always return, to call home.

My passions meet my work at Woodbury Boston, which makes every work day a joy as I meet the delightful students and embrace the day of love and learning as it unfolds beneath the swaying karri trees of this beautiful school.

Love and peace to all

Cassy Turner (Arts Specialist Teacher)

My first experience with Woodbury Boston was as a student-teacher while at University. 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.

Currently I’m teaching 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, now adult, sons attended this school, and I have been working in the school administration since 2002. I love working at the school, especially the contact I have with parents and other members of the community. The more I am involved with the school, the more passionate I become about the gentle, inclusive, adventurous, non-competitive approach to education that the 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 – currently knitting, cross-stitch and paper-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.

Rachel Williams (Classroom Teacher)

Hello! I’m Rachel and I live on a farm near Denmark with my husband and three children.

I first discovered the magic of the Woodbury Boston community as a parent when my children started attending the school. It felt like such a good fit for our family and everything that we value. I quickly became involved in the school and served as a member on the Governing Body. I am thrilled to have now transitioned into a teaching role, joining an amazing bunch of positive and caring staff members at the school.

Woodbury Boston is located in such an amazing setting with the beauty of nature all around. This is a very special environment which inspires creativity and provides us with a bounty of natural materials to work with. I like to take our lessons outside as much as possible and soak up all the delights the natural world has to offer. I love sharing the joy of creativity and witnessing the unique ways the children express themselves through dance, drama, music and visual arts.

Outside of teaching I am actively involved in the Denmark Surf Lifesaving Club and also enjoy dancing, learning guitar, ocean swimming and all manner of creative pursuits.

It is an honour to be a part of the Woodbury Boston school community.

Deanne Aylmore (Classroom Teacher – currently on maternity leave)

I began teaching at Woodbury Boston in 2007. I have been lucky enough to see many children, as well as their sibling’s, understandings of the world grow. I find it so rewarding watching the children progress in leaps and bounds over time, from learning to control their paintbrush to writing their first imaginative story. Alongside the children I too have a love of all things environmental and enjoy sharing this sense of curiosity for the natural world with them.

I believe in order for a child to learn, they must first feel safe to make mistakes. Therefore on a daily basis our classroom celebrates the testing and trying of new ideas, facing challenges, bouncing back from problems and voicing our opinions.

I believe in implementing an educational programme which provides children with 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.