Meet our teachers

Bringing learning to life

Our teachers are at the heart of The River School. They are experienced, caring educators who are deeply committed to nurturing each child’s curiosity, confidence and wellbeing through a values-led, holistic approach to learning.

Pira Bereziat

Administration

I joined The River School in 2007 and have loved being part of this community ever since. I value connecting with students and families, supporting their learning journeys and witnessing each child’s growth socially, emotionally and academically. It is a privilege to contribute to such a nurturing and inspiring environment.

Mark Hamlett

Administration / IT Specialist

Mark is a valued all-rounder at The River School, supporting both administration and technology. As a literacy intervention tutor and tech specialist, he connects easily with students of all ages, creating a supportive and engaging environment. His versatility, knowledge and approachable nature make him an integral part of the school community.

Alieta Belle

Curriculum Design, Arts & Cultural Studies Teacher

Alieta is passionate about integrating arts, media and environmental education into learning. With a background in visual arts and digital media, she creates engaging creative experiences across the school. She leads cultural programs, excursions and student projects, fostering expression, confidence and connection while supporting students to explore creativity and real-world learning.

Mary Sullivan

Kingfisher (Year 1/2) Teacher

Mary is an experienced primary teacher with a passion for hands-on, play-based learning. She supports curiosity, resilience and self-directed exploration, creating a classroom built on strong relationships and trust. Mary values community involvement and works collaboratively with families and students to foster confidence, problem-solving and meaningful, real-life learning experiences.

Sharon Crane

LOTE (Japanese) Teacher

Sharon brings extensive international experience to her teaching, with studies and work across Japan, Australia and London. She is passionate about language and cultural learning, inspiring students to explore new opportunities. Sharon encourages students to see language as a pathway to connection, understanding and global experiences beyond the classroom

Katchia Avenell

Music Teacher

Katchia brings vibrant energy and care to music and early learning, supporting students of all abilities through creative expression. With a trauma-informed approach and deep understanding of child development, she nurtures confidence and connection. A passionate performer and lifelong learner, Katchia inspires joy through music, movement and meaningful engagement.

Annie Willrich

Piccabeen (Year 3) Teacher

Annie is a passionate educator with a background in psychology and sports science, committed to helping students feel valued, supported and confident. With decades of teaching experience, she fosters self-awareness, independence and creativity. Annie is dedicated to nurturing a lifelong love of learning while supporting each child’s unique strengths and individuality.

Judy Raudon-Hill

Principal

Judy joins The River School in 2026 as Principal, bringing extensive experience as an educator and elder. She is dedicated to fostering a compassionate, inclusive learning environment guided by Neohumanist values of universal love and respect for all beings. Judy supports a holistic approach that nurtures each child’s growth, wellbeing and sense of purpose.

Fiona Stewart Mills

Red Cedars (Year 6) Teacher

Fiona brings extensive experience and a passion for maths and science, creating engaging and dynamic learning experiences for her students. She inspires curiosity and confidence in the classroom. Outside school, Fiona enjoys outdoor adventures including kayaking, paddleboarding and surfing, bringing energy and enthusiasm into all aspects of her teaching and life.

Robert McIntosh

Regents (Year 5) Teacher

Rob brings a passion for art, literacy and poetry into his teaching, creating engaging and creative learning experiences for his students. He enjoys integrating these elements into everyday lessons. Outside the classroom, Rob can be found surfing, exploring the outdoors or enjoying live music and the vibrant energy of creative spaces.

Arion Bereziat (They/Them)

Student Wellbeing Officer

Arion supports student wellbeing through a compassionate, informed approach grounded in counselling and youth work. They focus on social and emotional development, building strong connections with students and identifying areas of need. Arion is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive environment where every child feels understood, valued and supported.

Lynne Corbett

Wattles (Year 4) Teacher

Lynne brings a strong creative foundation to her teaching, with a background in writing and digital arts. She views learning as a deeply human and expressive process, nurturing curiosity, creativity and compassion. Her holistic approach supports the whole child, encouraging students to explore, connect and grow with confidence, joy and a sense of wonder.

Pira Bereziat

Administration

I joined The River School in 2007 and have loved being part of this community ever since. I value connecting with students and families, supporting their learning journeys and witnessing each child’s growth socially, emotionally and academically. It is a privilege to contribute to such a nurturing and inspiring environment.

Mark Hamlett

Administration / IT Specialist

Mark is a valued all-rounder at The River School, supporting both administration and technology. As a literacy intervention tutor and tech specialist, he connects easily with students of all ages, creating a supportive and engaging environment. His versatility, knowledge and approachable nature make him an integral part of the school community.

Alieta Belle

Curriculum Design, Arts & Cultural Studies Teacher

Alieta is passionate about integrating arts, media and environmental education into learning. With a background in visual arts and digital media, she creates engaging creative experiences across the school. She leads cultural programs, excursions and student projects, fostering expression, confidence and connection while supporting students to explore creativity and real-world learning.

Mary Sullivan

Kingfisher (Year 1/2) Teacher

Mary is an experienced primary teacher with a passion for hands-on, play-based learning. She supports curiosity, resilience and self-directed exploration, creating a classroom built on strong relationships and trust. Mary values community involvement and works collaboratively with families and students to foster confidence, problem-solving and meaningful, real-life learning experiences.

Sharon Crane

LOTE (Japanese) Teacher

Sharon brings extensive international experience to her teaching, with studies and work across Japan, Australia and London. She is passionate about language and cultural learning, inspiring students to explore new opportunities. Sharon encourages students to see language as a pathway to connection, understanding and global experiences beyond the classroom

Katchia Avenell

Music Teacher

Katchia brings vibrant energy and care to music and early learning, supporting students of all abilities through creative expression. With a trauma-informed approach and deep understanding of child development, she nurtures confidence and connection. A passionate performer and lifelong learner, Katchia inspires joy through music, movement and meaningful engagement.

Annie Willrich

Piccabeen (Year 3) Teacher

Annie is a passionate educator with a background in psychology and sports science, committed to helping students feel valued, supported and confident. With decades of teaching experience, she fosters self-awareness, independence and creativity. Annie is dedicated to nurturing a lifelong love of learning while supporting each child’s unique strengths and individuality.

Judy Raudon-Hill

Principal

Judy joins The River School in 2026 as Principal, bringing extensive experience as an educator and elder. She is dedicated to fostering a compassionate, inclusive learning environment guided by Neohumanist values of universal love and respect for all beings. Judy supports a holistic approach that nurtures each child’s growth, wellbeing and sense of purpose.

Fiona Stewart Mills

Red Cedars (Year 6) Teacher

Fiona brings extensive experience and a passion for maths and science, creating engaging and dynamic learning experiences for her students. She inspires curiosity and confidence in the classroom. Outside school, Fiona enjoys outdoor adventures including kayaking, paddleboarding and surfing, bringing energy and enthusiasm into all aspects of her teaching and life.

Robert McIntosh

Regents (Year 5) Teacher

Rob brings a passion for art, literacy and poetry into his teaching, creating engaging and creative learning experiences for his students. He enjoys integrating these elements into everyday lessons. Outside the classroom, Rob can be found surfing, exploring the outdoors or enjoying live music and the vibrant energy of creative spaces.

Arion Bereziat (They/Them)

Student Wellbeing Officer

Arion supports student wellbeing through a compassionate, informed approach grounded in counselling and youth work. They focus on social and emotional development, building strong connections with students and identifying areas of need. Arion is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive environment where every child feels understood, valued and supported.

Lynne Corbett

Wattles (Year 4) Teacher

Lynne brings a strong creative foundation to her teaching, with a background in writing and digital arts. She views learning as a deeply human and expressive process, nurturing curiosity, creativity and compassion. Her holistic approach supports the whole child, encouraging students to explore, connect and grow with confidence, joy and a sense of wonder.