Fernbrook School
Our Team
The core of Fernbrook School are our passionate team. Through careful observation of children during formal and informal learning times, we are able to plan our educational programmes based on the emerging interests of the children.
Take a look below to learn more about each of our team members.
Matthew Nye
Principal
I love our Fernbrook School community and how inclusive we are to all who come and learn with us. The wellbeing of our students is considered first above all else. Student-led learning is a major focus at our school and contributes to the students feeling happy, heard and supported. Our beliefs and learning model enhances our students' educative experience and provides holistic learning opportunities.
Finding opportunities to utilise the bush on our property for play and learning is a passion of mine and one that is very popular among the students. I am very lucky to work in this beautiful environment with such an involved community. My journey in education has provided opportunities to work in both Australia and the United Arab Emirates.
In my free time I enjoy being with my family, long-distance running, camping and going to the beach.
"Always be a little kinder than is necessary." - JM Barrie
Jasmin Williamson
Business & Office Manager
Hi there! I’m Jasmin, although most people call me Jas. I’m the Business and Office Manager here at Fernbrook, and I feel very honoured to be a part of our community. I truly love coming to work each day! The students, families and staff all make it such a beautiful place to be.
I love that each child is seen and heard for who they are, no-one is ever compared to another or lost in the crowd. Fernbrook is a place of understanding, connection and kindness. We also have a lot of fun and love to laugh!
I enjoy being outdoors, especially in the forest, and find much solace in nature. I adore animals and have been in awe of them since a young age. I love to read, so you can often find me in the evenings curled up with a good book and cup of peppermint tea. My favourite thing is spending time with my family and good friends!
“If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” -Roald Dahl.
Ralph Horn
High School Teacher
It’s a pleasure to teach high school humanities and project learning at Fernbrook School. Leaning in to my construction background, I help students transform their designs into reality using metalwork or funky woodwork with reclaimed materials. I love using the beautiful bush block for humanities investigations, using water tests on the creek to measure biodiversity and exploring the trails. I use the bush to develop bushcraft techniques such as fire skills, shelter building, navigation and first aid. I love the outdoors and enjoy skiing, biking and rock climbing to explore Victoria's natural bush. Navigation and bushcraft are among my favourite hobbies and I'm love using our block for these activities.
“Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric.”
― Bertrand Russell
Michelle Buckley
Primary School Team Leader
Primary Teacher (Grade Prep)
My name is Michelle, though most people call me Shell or Shelly. I’ve been in education for 15 years, working mainly in early years and special education and I’ve also completed a postgraduate qualification in early childhood education. I’m passionate about play-based learning and supporting children to grow in independence, confidence, and their sense of self. Building strong, trusting relationships with students and families is at the heart of my teaching.
I feel incredibly grateful to be part of the Fernbrook community, where curiosity, connection, and joy are woven into every day. I’m also thrilled to step into the Primary School Team Leader role next year.
Outside school, I love hiking, pilates, bootcamp, camping adventures, and spending quality time with family and friends.
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin
Jo Johannes
Primary Teacher (Grades 1-2)
I am a passionate early years educator who believes children learn best when they feel seen, valued, and inspired. Our classroom is a place of wonder—where curiosity leads the way and learning grows through play, exploration, and rich hands-on experiences. I cherish the opportunity to guide children as they discover their strengths, build relationships, and connect deeply with the natural world. Fernbrook’s beautiful environment allows us to learn both in and beyond the classroom, something I feel truly grateful for. When not at school, I’m exploring Australia with my three children—hiking, adventuring, and capturing the magic of the outdoors.
“Play is the highest form of research” - Albert Einstein.
Elise Van Doorn
TGAL Teacher
Primary Teacher (Grade Prep and 1/2)
I teach sustainability learning across the school, helping students build a deep connection with nature and understand their role in caring for the planet. I aim to work with classes from Prep to Year 8, weaving sustainability into science, gardening, community projects and everyday learning. I also support a wide range of classes and curriculum areas, contributing wherever needed to enrich student learning. Outside of school, I love birding and spending time in the bush—passions that inspire my teaching and help me to share a genuine love for the natural world.
"If children don't grow up knowing about nature and appreciating it, they will not understand it. And if they don't understand it they won't protect it. And if they don't protect it, who will?" - David Attenborough
Craig Buys
High School Team Leader
High School Teacher
Since 2001 I have taught Maths and Science in a range of high schools in my home country of New Zealand, the UK and, since 2013, Australia. I am thrilled to be part of the Fernbrook School community. The values of the school, particularly around the encouragement of creativity and individuality in the students, really align with my personal educational philosophy. In my teaching I aim to co-create high quality learning experiences with the students, to guide them as they dive deeply into the areas that inspire them, and to help them move beyond what they think they are capable of.
"Study hard what interests you the most in the most undisciplined, irreverent and original manner possible" Richard P. Feynman
Melanie Thomas
Whole School Wellbeing and Incursion Specialist
I have been working in Secondary Education for 15 years and over the past four years, I have begun to specialise in Wellbeing and neurodivergent profiles. I hold a Graduate Certificate in Counselling, trauma training from Berry Street and am currently completing my Masters of Therapeutic Arts at MIECAT. Learning is my passion and I dedicate myself to being a lifelong education advocate. Outside of school I love sewing, crafting, and reading books at the beach. I have adored working at Fernbrook for the past 4 ½ years; I am thrilled to be working closely with the wellbeing of the entire school community, nurturing each student and the school environment to be equitable for all.
"I raise up my voice—not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard. … We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back."
Malala Yousafzai
Sarah Botterill
High School Teacher
I feel so excited to be teaching at Fernbrook. I have over ten years of teaching experience across a range of year levels and subjects, and I’m passionate about creating a learning environment where every student feels known and supported. I love learning about my students’ interests and seeing their confidence grow as they master new ideas. I’m especially inspired by learning outdoors and encouraging children to explore the natural world. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my two young children and going bike riding together.
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” — William Butler Yeats
Hayley Gledhill
Learning Support
Hello! I have a background in teaching mindfulness and yoga to children, and working one to one with neurodiverse students.
My passion is supporting children in social and emotional aspects of learning. I have experience facilitating circle work to support our growing children to become more self aware of themselves, their relationship to others and their environment.
In my spare time you will find me gardening, reading, camping, walking in the forest, hanging out with the chickens, cooking wholesome meals that heal, and trying to keep up with my energetic four year old.
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” - Dalai Lama
Emma Veale
Learning Support
Hi there, my name is Emma, or you can call me Em. I’m an education support worker for our wonderful junior primary class at Fernbrook. I feel honoured to help our students feel engaged, connected with community, and valued as individuals.
My values are grounded in providing genuine care and connection to people and our environment. I’m deeply passionate about sustainable living, which I make conscious choices to practise in my everyday life. I’m so excited to be part of the beautiful Fernbrook community.
Outside of school you’ll find me cooking nutritious meals, walking in nature, curled up with a book and cup of tea, tending to my veggie garden, or spending time with loved ones — including my fiancé and our labradoodle, Alfie).
