Meet our Learning Support Officers
Name: Michelle DunnPhoto: My family celebrating Hawthorn's Centennial Match at the MCG
What is your favourite thing about being a learning support officer? I really love working with your children, supporting, engaging and encouraging them in all aspects of their education and learning. Seeing the students growth from their 1st orientation day walking in the portable for the 1st time with wonder and some with tears, to the “light bulb moments “ of understanding , the friendship built, to them leaving the gates and the end of Yr 6 as confident young people with the world ahead of them. At St Mary’s our LSO team is like a family. We are very supportive of each other and have formed great friendships over the years
What’s an interesting fact about you? I grew up in Canberra where my mum & dad still live. I got to experience Canberra as a tourist last year attending many exhibitions with the students of St Mary’s, which was a really great experience. All 3 of my girls Samantha, Ruby & Grace attended St Mary’s for primary school to follow the tradition of their grandfather Maurice Dunn & has siblings also who also attended St Mary’s as students in the early 1940’s
Name: Charlotte Jezard
How long have you worked at St Mary’s? In July I will have been working at St Mary’s for 2 years
What is your favourite thing about being a learning support officer? Being a learning support officer is an amazing job. It has been incredible to watch students grow, not just academically but also in their self-confidence. I also have built up foundational knowledge that will support my future career as a teacher, which would not have been possible without working at St Mary’s
What’s an interesting fact about you? At the end of this year I will have finished my Bachelor of Education (Primary and Secondary) and will be a graduate teacher!
Name: Kristina Fortuna
How long have you worked at St Mary’s? I have been working at St Mary’s since Term 3 2022
Photo: This Dalia and I in the Sahara Desert looking at the Pyramids
What is your favourite thing about being a learning support officer? My favourite thing about being a learning support officer has to be building strong and trusting relationships with students. Supporting you all through your learning and watching you grow is the best!
What’s an interesting fact about you? I have been very lucky to travel all over the world. My favourite place was when I got to travel to Egypt. Seeing the pyramids was something I’ve always wanted to do since I was in primary school
Name: Donna Scerri
How long have you worked at St Mary’s? I started here in 2008, 17 years ago, together with Jim Sheedy
Photo: In the bush at Harrietville
What is your favourite thing about being a learning support officer? There is no one favourite thing so I’ll answer with just two out of my many, many favourite things. Firstly, (not necessarily in any order) I would say I love greeting students and have them return big, happy smiles in return. It gives me the best feeling! Secondly, observing students progressing educationally, emotionally, socially and seeing them grow into confident individuals. I love this role!
What’s an interesting fact about you? I love nature and try to get away camping with my husband as often as possible to immerse myself in the wonder and diversity of our extraordinary world. I am also currently establishing my backyard into a habitat garden using Indigenous and native plants and have built a pond modelled on the one I saw in the bush at Harrietville. I have even attracted some native birds even though the garden is still young! I have two adult children who attended St Mary’s. Prior to working at St Mary’s, I worked at the TAC for 13 years in very interesting and varied roles, however working as an LSO at St Mary's this is the best job by far!
Name: Mimma Cutroni
How long have you worked at St Mary’s? I have been working at St Mary’s for 23 years. I started in 2002 when my son David was in Year 3 and my daughter Laura was in Year 1
Photo: This is a photo of my husband Tony, my son David and my daughter Laura
What is your favourite thing about being a learning support officer? I find my role as a Learning Support Officer very rewarding. Watching the students’ determination, resilience, love of learning develop over their primary years is very satisfying. I enjoy working across all different levels of the school and with our wonderful staff of St Mary’s. I love bumping into ex students outside of school and seeing what they are up to
What’s an interesting fact about you? I love meeting for coffee, cooking, quilting, embroidering, musical theatre and singing in a Community Choir. One of my favourite pastimes is to collect thimbles. My collection has increased over the years. I currently have over 60 from all over the world and from Australia. I hope to continue adding to my collection
Name: Cathy Serovski
How long have you worked at St Mary’s? I started working at St Mary’s 12 years ago. I had a complete career change after I had my three children
Photo: Christmas Eve 2024
What is your favourite thing about being a learning support officer? My favourite part of being a Learning Support Officer is building strong relationships with the children and watching them grow. It’s rewarding to see them develop new skills and gain confidence. I love being able to support each child to reach their full potential and help them succeed in their learning journey
What’s an interesting fact about you? When I was 8 years old, I lived in Italy for a year and even attended school there. When I returned, I couldn’t speak English anymore. It took a couple of months to become fluent again
Name: Ana Nikolic
How long have you worked at St Mary’s?
My journey at St Mary's began in 2018, soon after I moved to Australia. This is my 7th year in this vibrant and beautiful community.
Photo: Waterfall and Three little bears
What is your favourite thing about being a learning support officer?
One of the most rewarding parts of being a learning support officer is sharing in the everyday moments of growth and discovery with children. It’s a journey taken together - full of small steps, quiet progress, and meaningful connections. Supporting children as they build confidence, explore their interests, and begin uncovering their own passions is a privilege. There’s something truly special about watching them flourish and gradually growing into more self-assured, capable young people.
What’s an interesting fact about you?
An interesting thing about me is that I grew up in Serbia, where I completed both my BA and MA degrees in Education before moving to Australia in 2017 with my partner. Since then, we’ve made a home here and started a family - our son Luka keeps us on our toes, and we’re excited to welcome another little one soon! I’ve always cherished nature, and living here has only deepened that connection. Children from school often spot me with a snorkel and fins at the local beach, where I love diving into the ocean and exploring its rich underwater world and rhythm. I also have a love for art and stories - through books, galleries, theatre, or conversations with others.