Our School
About Bittern PS
Bittern Primary School (BPS) is a growing school community passionate about education and lifelong learning.
Our school’s motto is ‘Enabling success in a changing world’.
Our vision is to create a dynamic community partnership fostering lifelong learners enabled by the skills, values, and attitudes necessary for success in a changing world.
Our school values of Equality, Kindness, Knowledge, and Leadership are the cornerstone of our school.
We strive to provide an inclusive, safe and supportive learning environment that enables our students to take ownership of their learning and grow into positive, resilient and socially fulfilled individuals.
BPS opened in 1916 and is in a semi-rural environment on the Mornington Peninsula approximately 82 kilometres from Melbourne. We are in the Bayside Peninsula area and the Southern Peninsula network. BPS has an enrolment of 78 students.
The dedicated staff at BPS comprises: 1 Principal class, 1 Business Manager (0.8), 5 class teachers, 3 specialist teachers, 5 part time Education Support staff, 1 inclusion leader, 1 office staff, 1 family counsellor and 1 school chaplain.
The school structure is 4 x multi-age classes including P/1, 1/2, 3/4 and 5/6. Due to our small nature, we prioritize individualized learning based on ‘point of need’. We pride ourselves on ‘really knowing our children’ and tailoring teaching and learning programs based on student’s academic and wellbeing needs.
This year is the last year of our school strategic plan (2020 – 2024) and we continue to prioritise our goals of building teacher capacity in writing and numeracy and strengthening our wellbeing practices to support student outcomes.
Student attendance has been a priority with our staff monitoring and providing support to students who are not attending school regularly.
BPS continues to work through a Capital Works Project ($3 million) to build a ‘state of the art learning centre which will provide a purpose built facility (4 new classrooms) and an elaborate outdoor learning area. This is due for completion at the end of the year.
We pride ourselves on a strong and connected community with our students and teachers all knowing and caring for one another. We have strong ties with many of the local organisations including the Bittern Preschool. Our students regularly visit the pre-school to help with special activities and sports and the Bittern preschool students visit our school for reading activities or to do ‘bush kinder’ on the council land throughout winter.
Our School
Our History
The earliest request for a school at Bittern was contained in a letter from Mr Frank N. Vincent, Chairman of the State School Committee No. 3080 Crib Point, on the 28th December 1914.
On 14th June 1915, Mr E.F.Davis, Secretary of the Port District Association of School Committees, wrote to the Minister of Education bringing to his notice the urgent need for a school at Bittern, and pointing out that Mr. H. G. Stacey was prepared to rent his hall to the Department for use as a school room.
Unfortunately, by 12th of February 1916 Bittern was still without a school and the residents sent a petition to the Minister through their local Member of Parliament, Mr Downard, asking that the school be started without delay. The Department finally leased Mr Stacey’s hall from 1st June 1916 and State School 3933 opened on the 14th July 1916 under Head Teacher Minnie G.Johnston.
However, when Bittern school first opened, the Head Teacher found a number of things missing. There was no table, chair, book case, hat pegs, ladder or stove all of which were urgently needed. The Department agreed to supply everything asked for except the ladder.
In 1918, letters were received from Mr John Watson, Correspondent of the School Committee, complaining about the unsuitability of the leased hall, which was unlined and unheated. He asked that a new school building be erected.
On 30th May 1919, Mr George Stacey offered the Department one acre of land, known as block 107, in Portsmouth Rd Bittern, on condition that a school was built upon it and that it be fenced at no cost to the seller. The Department accepted Mr Stacey’s offer.
Staff Profiles
School Chaplain
Georgia Colliver-Piper
Hello, I’m Georgia Colliver-Piper, the School Chaplain at Bittern Primary School.
I’ve been part of our school community for 4 years, providing pastoral care and emotional support to our students, families, and the wider community. I also run the Hands on Learning program, where I work closely with disengaged students to help them reconnect with their education and find their path.
Employed by The Salvation Army and NSWP program, I love being a safe person for everyone at our school, supporting them through the challenges they face and making a positive impact every day.
Principal
Sally Herbert
Hi everyone!
My name is Sally Herbert, and I am the Principal of Bittern PS. I am indeed privileged to work at our incredible school as the students, staff and families are fabulous.
I am very familiar with Bittern and the surrounding communities as my children attended schools in the Hastings area and I have spent many years teaching at Wallaroo PS (formerly West Park PS). I choose to live on the Peninsula to provide me access to our wonderful beaches. I am keen to actively support the staff, students, and families in ensuring that Bittern Primary School continues to be a great environment for all children to grow and learn.
Business Manager
Karyn Dickens
Hello!
My name is Karyn Dickens and I’m the Business Manager at Bittern PS. I have worked at Bittern PS for 18 months and love working in this wonderful environment. I have lived in Somerville for 40 years and absolutely love where I live and work! Being part of a small school is great, everyone knows everyone and the support is amazing!
Foundation Teacher
Jo Towill
Hello!
My name is Jo Towill. I am currently the Learning Specialist and Foundation teacher for Bittern Primary School. I have worked at our wonderful school for a long period of time. Over the years I have made many positive connections with students, parents, and families.
I am passionate about teaching young students to read and write and helping them to reach their full potential. I love the community feel of our school, where all the students and teachers know everyone. Come and see the difference a small school can make for your child!
Grade 5/6 Teacher
Kate Bacon
My name is Kate Bacon and I am currently working part time at Bittern Primary School as I have a young child at home. I work three days a week, two of them in the Grade 5/6 classroom and the other teaching AUSLAN (Australian Sign Language) to the students from Foundation to year 6.
I have lived on the Monrnington Peninsula my entire life, and worked at Bittern Primary School for roughly 19 years. I love working at this beautiful little school because the atmosphere is friendly, and I have the privilege of monitoring the progress of every student across the school from their first day to their last. It is a real pleasure to be a part of helping the students grow academically and emotionally throughout their early learning and I enjoy preparing them for the challenges of higher education.
Teacher
Lucas Durrington
My name is Lucas Durrington, and I am deeply honoured to have been a part of the Bittern Primary School family for the past eighteen years.
Over two decades of teaching experience has shaped my passion for education and my commitment to nurturing young minds. Central to my teaching philosophy is the belief that fostering strong relationships with students is the cornerstone of successful learning outcomes.
I strive to create an environment where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. By building trust and rapport, I’ve witnessed remarkable growth and achievement in my students year after year.
Teacher
Stephen Espenschied
Hi Bittern Community.
My name is Stephen Espenschied and I have been the PE teacher at Bittern PS for quite a while now.Being part of the community means a lot to me, especially the health and connectedness of our younger generation.
In the past I have been President of Western Port Basketball Association as well as coach of various junior teams. I have also coached junior football teams at Crib Point Junior Football Club as well as being the senior Football and Netball Club President for 6 years.My interests span many areas from music to IT and I love utilising these areas with students at Bittern PS to engage and grow.
Grade 1/2 Teacher
Kim Laity
My name is Kim Laity. I am currently the Year 1/2 teacher here at Bittern Primary School. I have been teaching here for 7 years in a variety of roles. I love how personalised our learning environment is. We all know each other by name and all staff have great relationships with our students.
I am passionate about ensuring positive educational and social outcomes for all students. I love seeing that “lightbulb” moment when pupils understand and are able to apply a new concept.
Teacher
Sarah Roberts
Hi There!
My name is Sarah Roberts and I am thrilled to be teaching Visual Arts and running the Tutor Learning Initiative this year at Bittern Primary School.
I live in the Southern Peninsula with my husband and 3 children. I am so excited to have the opportunity to be a part of your student’s academic and creative growth at Bittern Primary School.
ES Staff Member
Brenda Lanigan
I’m Brenda, an Education Support worker at Bittern Primary School, where I’ve had the privilege of being an integral part of our school community for the past 19 years. My primary role is working with the Senior students, providing them with the support and guidance they need to thrive both academically and personally. I’m passionate about helping our students succeed and take pride in seeing them grow and achieve their goals.
In addition to my work with the Senior students, I coordinate and run the Hands on Learning Program. This program is close to my heart because it allows students to engage in practical, hands-on learning experiences that build their confidence and skills in a real-world context.
I’m also known around the school as the maintenance guru. I enjoy using my skills to keep our school in top shape, whether it’s fixing something that’s broken, maintaining our beautiful gardens, or making sure the classrooms are ready for learning. I take great satisfaction in knowing that my efforts help create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone at Bittern.
ES Staff member
Carrie Hoy
My name is Carrie, and I started at Bittern Primary School in 2017. My youngest daughter attended Bittern all her primary years, and it has set her up for a great transition to high school.
I have lived on the Mornington Peninsula nearly all my life – I love it and can’t imagine living anywhere else! My favourite things to do are reading, knitting, crocheting and anything else crafty, but on a sunny day, the garden is where you’ll often find me. My role at Bittern is Education support – as well as supporting the staff and students in the classroom where needed, I do a lot of 1:1 support with the students, particularly in literacy. I also run Breakfast club 4 mornings a week and every Friday I cut up a platter full of lovely fresh fruit and veg for each class to share at 10.00 – a lovely healthy brain break for all our students!
ES Staff Member
Jemima Shipton
I’m Jemima, an Education Support worker at Bittern Primary School. I’m here to support the children in any way I can, bringing with me a wealth of experience, particularly with the junior school. I’m also a qualified Early Childhood educator, which allows me to understand and meet the unique needs of our youngest learners.
I’ve been a part of the Bittern Primary School community for nearly four years now, and I absolutely love being here. My passion is helping children grow and learn in a nurturing environment, and I take great pride in being a part of their educational journey. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the progress our students make each day, and I’m committed to supporting them in every way possible.
ES Support Staff
Kellie Christie
Hi everyone! My name is Kellie Christie, I am the Wellbeing Team Leader at Bittern Primary School. I have been here for a few years now, sometimes in the front office, sometimes in the classroom, and sometimes in the wellbeing room! The best thing about our little school is the students and their families. I love getting to know you all and I love being a point of contact for you if your child requires additional support.
ES Staff Member
Kay Morsman
I’m Kay, an Education Support worker at Bittern Primary School. I’ve been a proud member of this community for over 25 years, and I’m here to support the children across all year levels. My experience spans every grade, and I take great joy in helping students of all ages succeed.
One of my special areas of expertise is the Library. I know where to find everything and anything that teachers and staff might need, whether it’s a specific book, resource, or a quiet spot for a student. I’m passionate about fostering a love for reading and learning, and I’m always here to help guide students and staff alike in their search for knowledge.
Being at Bittern Primary for so many years has allowed me to see countless students grow and flourish, and I’m proud to continue contributing to this wonderful school community.
Social Worker
Natalie Everitt
Hello,
My name is Natalie Everitt, and this is my second year working in the wellbeing team at Bittern Primary School. My role is funded through Anglicare Victoria. I have worked in Primary Schools supporting families and students for 5 years, and I have been in the Community Service sector with Anglicare for 7 years.
I love working alongside families in a holistic way to strengthen and support families, individually and as a family unit. I thoroughly enjoy being a part of the Bittern Primary School community and making connections with families and students.