Our Teachers

Belinda Bernardo Principal
Star Academy has become a dream come true. More than a decade on, I could not be more pleased with the dedicated staff team that brings our philosophy to life. We have built an academic home for all of our students, one where the students succeed and flourish in all aspects of their development. Each student has value and importance not only academically but personally as well. Being an innovative, forward thinking learning environment is a point of pride for Star Academy. Constantly reviewing research, curriculum and programming, then tying all of this into the needs of our learners is a key part of our school culture, as evidenced by our new OPUS programmes. We have never been, nor will be, a “one size fits all” school. We teach our children how to love to learn. You won’t find this in any text book, but it is the foundation of everything we do. It means our students try harder and achieve more than they have before. They are recognized for their strengths rewarded for their achievements and supported regardless. Academic achievement is vitally important, but the whole child is paramount. It’s what we do.
Pam Rennie Vice Principal
Star Academy provides a safe nurturing environment where the individual needs of each student are recognized and supported. To watch each and every student rise to their full potential and gain confidence in their ability is a true joy. The staff team are a dedicated group of individuals with a strong passion to teach. Their commitment to and belief in their profession is exemplified each and every day. From the academic foundations, to technology, social skills, fitness and community mindedness – Star Academy students become confident individuals in themselves and in their role in the world around them. It is a privilege to share this journey with them.
Bia Crumpton Office Administrator
After many years of working in the corporate as well as independent business world I have to say, it is a pleasure coming to work every day. Star Academy is a very positive and progressive place to be. The staff and teachers make up a tight, synchronized team and, along with the students and parents, they are a constant reminder of how important learning is. I have also been reminded that school is not just about academics. It’s also about learning compassion and respect for others, responsibility, a healthy sense of humour and developing life lessons that build self esteem, strong character and life-long friendships.
Stephanie Cassells Finance
As a parent, I have been a part of the Star Academy family for eight years. It is a school beyond compare. I often answer phone calls from parents interested in learning more about how Star Academy can benefit their child. I am proud to tell them about our individualized programming and low teacher/student ratio. It is easy to talk about the many aspects that make Star a unique school. However, the positive changes I see in our students every day is the most inspirational and rewarding part of my job. All of our students are given opportunities to grow and experience success. But, it is their positive outlook on school, the respect everyone experiences, their sense of pride in their accomplishments and the growth in their self confidence that truly inspire me. Every child should have the opportunity to experience the nurturing and supportive environment and the sense of family here at Star.
Carolyn Jacobson Primary Room
“The highest function of the teacher consists not so much in imparting knowledge as in stimulating the pupil in its love and pursuit.” – Henri Amiel The above quotation is one that I believe conveys the spirit of my approach to teaching. I believe that respectful, caring bonds with children and their families are the vital foundation for a wonderful kindergarten/first grade experience. Each child has unique strengths, varied prior language learning experiences and preferred learning styles. My instruction must be differentiated to provide enough challenge and enough support for all children to build on success and develop the “I can” attitude. The early years are a magical journey, and part of my role is to develop the imagination and create memorable rituals, traditions and celebrations that honour childhood. I want my students to be active learners and disciplined, creative thinkers; to learn to make good choices and to work cooperatively; and to be kind and responsible. I believe that young children deserve a multisensory and differentiated academic programme within a joyful, caring community of learners. Their lives must be valued, celebrated and incorporated into the curriculum so they care about school and develop a love of learning. Authentic, meaningful learning always elicits a SMILE.
Ryan Boggs I/S
Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.- W.B Yeats

My goal is to convey an enthusiasm for learning which will, hopefully, develop into a life-long ability to adapt and grow.  I believe that this is best done in an environment of mutual respect, curiosity, expression, humour and creativity.  Star Academy provides an atmosphere to meet these objectives and enables students to realize their unique interests and potential.
Adam Scott Seniors
I believe that, above all else, it is a teacher’s responsibility to teach the child first – and curriculum second. Children need to know that they are respected, trusted, and cared for; only then can true learning occur. At Star Academy, the focus is on teaching each child what, and how they need to be taught. Our low teacher-to-student ratio allows for personal connections and adequate attention. In this environment, children are able to succeed, and therefore learn to love learning. Once children experience such achievement, they want to learn, and subject matter becomes challenging – instead of a challenge. I feel fortunate to work in such a progressive and enriching atmosphere.
Kelly Farrell Seniors
In my teaching career, I have always looked for new ways to engage students in their learning. I am dedicated to creating a stimulating classroom environment which facilitates cross-curricular learning and fosters creativity as an integral part of the learning process. I believe in involving my students in all aspects of their individual learning journeys from planning to assessment.
Shannon Barber Foundations
Shannon As a teacher, I strive to instill a sense of wonder about the world within each of my students.  I do this by looking at education as a process of exploration and discovery.  My philosophy is to teach the whole child by equipping them with the skills they need to excel in our world and by helping them discover their potential as individuals.  This is achieved through teaching that is tailored to the needs of each of my students.
Kirsti Maki Juniors
My role as a teacher is to provide a psychologically and physically safe learning environment in which every student has the opportunity for success. This is achieved by a commitment of respect for each individual learner through the practice of engaging planning and instruction that is based on students’ readiness, interests and learner profile. I create learning experiences that inspire students to endless curiosity and engagement with their environment.
Michelle Pomeroy J/I
Michelle While teaching at Star ACademy, I have had the pleasure of witnessing the incredible impact that it has on the students.  In contrast to the many students that I have worked with in a variety of other schools, our students are genuinely happy to arrive at school each and every day.  With a supportive staff that understands the students’ individual needs and a programme that not only focuses on academics but also on the development of the whole child (i.e. emotional, physical and social development), the students have the opportunity to develop confidence and self-esteem that will last a lifetime.  I feel truly lucky to be part of such an amazing community.
Soumya Vadyia JI/ OPUS
For me, being a teacher means not just imparting education but also instilling in the students a passion for learning and a desire to improve whatever they do. Being a teacher is a journey of learning for all my students and myself, each day in this journey is new and unique. I enjoy this profession and could not have been anything else because teaching is where my heart is!