From the Principal

"The Adults we want our children to be"

Primary school children learn best through personal experiences - they learn by doing, by taking part and by being involved in giving meaning to their environment.

Great Ryrie's primary aim is to maximise children's options, both present and future, in order that they might achieve social flexibility, economic well-being and personal satisfaction.  Great Ryrie Primary School wishes to help students develop lively, inquiring minds, a love of learning and a willingness to apply effort to worthwhile tasks.

The school seeks to promote self-responsibility, a sense of worth, emphasis on personal inquiry, encouragement of risk taking, whilst realising the importance of play and the need to provide opportunities for the development of necessary skills for the future.

The school aims to provide children with the security to attempt, and the confidence and support to redress their mistakes.  We wish to cultivate healthy attitudes towards others and to learning; to see that school is a worthwhile and enjoyable place to attend, a place where they can succeed, a place where they can care and be cared for.

At Great Ryrie we affirm the need for firm links between school and home, and acknowledge that the home has a vital role to play in the all-round development of the child.  If the child finds there is a balance between their two worlds they will be, at least, happier and more stable; and more likely to reach their potential.

Doug Elliott - Principal:

For those of you who haven’t yet met me my name is Doug Elliott and I have had the pleasure of being principal at Great Ryrie since 2008.  It is my hope that we can provide a well rounded educational program for all the children at our school.  One that focuses on all children achieving excellence in all areas to the very best of their ability.  Parents are welcome to contact me via the office to discuss any issues of concern or interest to them.  We have a lot happening at Great Ryrie and we value the contribution and constructive feedback made by our parent community to the many events and programs that we offer.

Barb Nicoll - Assistant Principal:  Hello! I am Barb Nicoll and I have been the Assistant Principal at Great Ryrie since 2007. My role includes Student Welfare, curriculum, staff Professional Development and the Program for Students with Disabilities. My greatest job satisfaction is gained from helping others.  Seeing students happy and engaged in their learning in a caring and safe environment is my aim.  My aspiration is that we must establish positive relationships with students, parents and teachers to achieve the best results. Introducing Restorative Practices and a review of school values to assess the needs of our community will compliment existing programs. Personalising the learning for students to best meet their needs is a top priority. Establishing programs that address specific needs of girls and boys are underway.  I enjoy hearing from parents and warmly welcome anyone to come along and see me in my office. Please come and say hello.

"Parents On School Council"

Simon Friend - President:   Simon Friend is one of our eight Parent Members on School Council. 

How long have you been associated with GRPS?  Through our 3 children we have been associated with the school since 2002.

What are your aspirations for the school?   To provide our students with the best possible education and to create a ‘learning community’ that encourages students and parents to involve themselves in the various aspects of school life contributing to a strong school spirit and sense of community.

Parents are welcome to contact Simon on matters related to school by leaving a message for him at the school office.

Barry Holdway - Facilities: Hello, My name is Baz Holdway.  I am a Virgo, I like Lego, practical jokes and watching cartoons. I would have to say my favorite movie is a toss up between ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ and ‘The Wizard of Oz’. I am a parent at the school and have been involved in the school since my son Jake started in prep in 2005.  In that time I have become a part of the hard working Great Ryrie team as a member of Facilities, Fete and the School Council. I would like to see more parents involved in the sub-committees as well as their events.  I think I would be right in saying that your family and your families education were up the top of the list as being the most important things in your life so why not combine the two and get involved with the future of Great Ryrie Primary School. You will be surprised at the difference YOU can make. I am contactable through the boss in the school office.  p.s. GREAT RYRIE PRIMARY SCHOOL ROCKS. 

Our Staff

Yvonne Davies – Office Manager  "Good morning, this is Great Ryrie Primary School, Yvonne Davies speaking".  I have worked in primary schools in the Ringwood/Croydon area for almost 20 years now - that's a long time - but most of that time has been spent at Southwood/Great Ryrie.  I first answered the GRPS phone on April 22 1998.  Since then I've seen many changes - in department politics, in staff, in the buildings of the school itself but most of all in the kids.  There is nothing more special than watching the little Preps who start in January grow into bigger people and mature enough to move on to secondary school in December seven years later.  Sometimes those Preppies come back to visit, one is even working here after school now.  It is wonderful to see how they grow into adulthood.  Call at the office or on the telephone any day except Thursday (that's my Mum's day!)  I have the best job in the school -- to be with the kids, without the responsibility of teaching them!


Janine Wallace-Smith - First Aid/Office: I have been associated with Great Ryrie Primary School since 1998. (Wow! My son was in Prep, that’s hard to believe). In that time I have had the pleasure of being involved as a parent classroom helper, interschool sports, school productions, working bees, member of Parents and Friends Association and Fete committee. Since Great Ryrie employed me approximately in 2001, I have worked in areas such as After School Care, as a teachers aide and as an integration Aide. My current role is as First Aid Officer, PFA and Office Support. I am also a member of School Council.  In my spare time, I co-ordinate a community meals program (thank you to the many parents that support such a successful service). I also enjoy being a sports trainer for my son’s under 15s Ringwood Redback football team. I am willing to help anyone wherever possible and can be contacted through the school office.


Ryan Jacobs - Teacher:   My name is Ryan Jacobs, and I'm thrilled to be part of the amazing level two team at Great Ryrie, teaching 2J.  My music background has previously seen me performing in and Musically Directing many productions around Melbourne, and it is there that I developed my love for working with children.  (I'm currently directing a production of 'Kiss Me Kate', to be seen at the Karralyka Theatre from May 16 - 18.) I also recognize many Great Ryrie faces after years managing cafes in the local Ringwood area.  My aspirations for Great Ryrie are for the further development of its amazing spirit of community, and for the continued strength of the massive music department.  I would love to see Great Ryrie becoming more and more involved in the local community, and vice versa.  My door is always open for any parents/friends, and feel free to contact the school for other ways to get in touch with me.


Belinda Trevaskis - Teacher:  Hello everyone, My name is Belinda Trevaskis and I am teaching grade 3T this year. Having taught predominantly in the Early Years for the last 3 years, I am extremely excited to be joining the Great Ryrie team and to be applying my knowledge and experience to teaching Level 3. In my free-time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and try to spend as much time as I can outdoors, especially during warmer weather. I particularly like relaxing at the beach, bushwalking and shopping.  I love working within the classroom setting and am continually searching for new and interesting ways to engage and challenge the students I teach. I have been thrilled to have already met a great number of the parents and students who make this school community so special and look forward to meeting many more. If you wish to contact me, my door is always open. Please feel free to come in for a ‘chat’ before or after school or call and make an appointment.


Mignon Kemke – Teacher:  Hi I’m Mignon Kemke, I have been teaching at GRPS for 7 years.  Currently I am teaching level 3.  I am very lucky in being able to say that I love my job! My classroom is usually pretty noisy with a lot of laughter, although by the days end, the noise is a little less bearable!!! One important part of my class is our lovely guinea pigs “Bib” & “Bub”.  The children love to carry them around and care for them during the day, and I know that many younger siblings enjoy coming in to look at them. One of my interests at the moment is working with Mrs. B. to help the Sudanese Mothers in our community. It makes me feel as though I am doing something extra for the GRPS community.  Over the years I have grown very fond & proud of our school.  Feel free to drop by & say “Hi” to the guinea pigs or to see what the noise is all about!


Katrina McKinlay - Performing Arts Teacher, Level 1:  Hi. My name is Katrina McKinlay. I have been working at GRPS for four years as a relief teacher. Last year I was employed in the Music and Physical Education Departments teaching the Preps and Level twos. This year I am working one day a week teaching Prep music and I'm loving it. It is great watching the children grow and develop as the year goes by. I still do relief teaching when needed. My aspirations for GRPS is that it be a great environment, full of different opportunities, for children to learn and grow and become the best they can be. If parents have any queries please feel free to come and see me in the music room on Thursdays.


Fiona Balthasar - Art Teacher:  Hi! My name is Fiona Balthasar, but the kids call me Mrs. B. I have been at this school for 8 years and have also taught Prep and grade 5/6.  We are working on several outdoor projects with the kids to make our school yard more colourful and interesting.  I am very passionate about the plight of refugees and am working with a couple of other teachers, teaching art and English to the Sudanese mothers within our school community.  One thing you might not know about me is that I love animals and I enjoy heading to my Mum’s farm where there are a wide variety of furry friends.  In my spare time I sing in a band, paint/draw, go shopping, catch up with friends, write music and go on adventures with Mr. B.  Every Year I travel to Bali to spend time with my sponsor child Kadec who is now 10 years old.  I love teaching Art as GRPS has so many talented artists!  Pop into the Art Room and say, ‘Hi!’ sometime!