Our teachers

Our teachers and support staff are passionate about helping young people develop as young adults, to build their skills and confidence and find the direction they’re looking for to create a positive future.

Bob Hickman

VCAL teacher

Bob is an artist, sculptor, craftman and a teacher. He has artworks in both public and private collections in Australia and the United Kingdom.

“I’ve been teaching at Community College Gippsland for 11 years now in addition to working as an artist. I began teaching adult art classes at Korumburra and Warragul some years ago which then opened up opportunities for me to work at the Leongatha campus where I now teach VCAL.”

“I strive to give students confidence in their abilities and some ‘inside’ knowledge of the graphic/fine art world that might prove useful in their future work environment."

“I'm here because the students like my approach and enthusiasm for the subject I teach. I hope that I’m able to help them as they navigate their journey as young adults.”

Elise Sefton

Lisbeth Height

Gavin Byrt

VCAL teacher

Gavin joined the ECG College team mid-way through 2016 to fill a vacancy at the Warragul Campus and was instantly taken by the welcoming environment.

“On my first visit I was greeted by a senior student who said the campus was her 'happy place'. This proved to be my experience as well and I loved the six months working with the students and staff and accepted an invitation for a full-time position with ECG for 2017.

“My previous teaching experience allowed me to move between Primary and Secondary levels in Government, Private and recently Islamic schools. I‘ve always loved new challenges and my career in education has been varied and stimulating. My qualifications are also varied having a Diploma in Art and a Masters in Maths”

“I would probably describe myself as quietly passionate about teaching and the chance to make a difference. I’m also inspired by the opportunity to work with other committed teachers and to see development in students. Staff here are continually exploring new ways to engage learners and it is refreshing to be part of that.”

“My current role with ECG is working at both Pakenham and Leongatha Campuses.“

Tina Moonen

VCAL teacher

Tina’s passion is to engage students with educational experiences that connect them with the natural environment and encourage them to build skills, self-awareness and confidence.

“My teaching background is in Outdoor Education, Physical Education and Health and Human Development. I have taught in secondary schools and in the community health sector where I worked as Group Fitness Coordinator and Community Health Coordinator for the YMCA.”

“This year, I begin a new role as a VCAL Foundation teacher at ECG College. I see it as an opportunity to reconnect young people to education and life.”

“I hope to provide students with alternative and fun educational experiences in a safe and supportive way to help them move toward their goals.”

John Barrow

Joanne Knox

VCAL teacher

Joanne has been teaching in a variety of secondary school settings for 10 years.

In addition to guiding students to engage in learning, Joanne’s passion is to support the development of young people and their emotional well-being.

“My teaching approach is driven by the belief that not everyone learns the same way. To engage students, you need to tap into their individual needs and find what it is that lights their spark.”

“I am also passionate about food, nutrition and health. I incorporate cooking into my classes as a platform to teach literacy, numeracy and life skills, and for students to experience the pleasure of preparing and sharing fresh food together.”

Joanne is also experienced in career development having held the role of Workplace Learning Coordinator for South Gippsland in 2014 and 2015, assisting more than 200 young people into work placements to build their industry experience.

Julie Huntingford

Student Support

Julie is a Youth Worker supporting our VCAL students at our Warragul, Leongatha and Pakenham campuses.

Her passion for working with young people was realised when she undertook placement experience at ECG College while she studied for her Certificate III in Education Support.

"I realised the real importance and need for these young people to have support so when a job opportunity arose at the College I jumped at it. I have loved every aspect of working with these students and look forward to seeing the great things they will achieve in the future."

"Student welfare is of utmost importance to me and I strive to ensure that all students feel welcome and a part of our College community."

"I am currently studying a Diploma of Youth Work to further my knowledge and skills to assist young people."

Kimberley Caldwell

Jamie Robertson

Head of School

“I am passionate about working with students who for a whole range of reasons, and often through no fault of their own, leave mainstream schooling. I view these young people not as drop-outs but rather as the ‘square pegs’ who simply don’t fit the standardised approach taken by the vast majority of schools which demand students 'fit in' or move on. Every young person needs to feel safe, accepted and valued in the school environment and only then can the empowerment of students and enjoyment of learning begin.”

"At ECG College, students and staff work as partners on quests unique to each participant. Every success is shared and celebrated and every failure is evaluated and analysed as a learning opportunity. Success is the result of hard work and dedication in every field of endeavour and creating young people with the drive, resilience and will to achieve their best is our goal.”

Jamie Robertson has close to 50 years of teaching secondary students across a range of subject areas in both the state and independent school sectors with short term positions at both Melbourne and Monash universities. As Head of School at ECG College, Jamie leads a team of staff committed to supporting young people in a holistic manner, which sees their welfare and wellbeing as the critical factors in ensuring educational success.

Eamon Hatley-Smith

VCAL teacher

Eamon brings a diversity of skills and career experiences to his teaching role at ECG College.

He worked in the building industry, law enforcement and the retail industry before taking up university study in Politics and History and attaining a teaching qualification.

“I’ve taught in numerous primary and secondary colleges and now enjoying teaching VCAL at ECG College.”

“The program offers a unique opportunity for me to use my experiences to assist students in an applied learning setting. It is most rewarding to witness students mature and develop aspirations to become active and productive members within their community. In some ways the change presents as ‘an epiphany moment’ and their new found direction assists continued development and career focus.”