Principal: Karina Meldrum
Deputy Principal: Simon Dufall & Michael Gulberti
Manager Corporate Services: Mool Bhargava
Leadership Spotlight
Simon Dufall - Deputy Principal
Why did I decide to become a teacher?
I have always wanted to be a teacher and I didn’t consider anything else. I taught my sister to read in her cot as I am five years older than her.
What is my professional story?
I attended Murdoch University and received my Bachelor of Arts in Primary Education. My first teaching job was at Highgate Primary School teaching Year 2. I then went to Esperance and taught there for two years. I returned to Perth to work at Newton Primary School in Spearwood and then Oberthur Primary School in Bullcreek. I then went on teacher exchange to Colorado Springs in the United States. It was the most amazing experience. On my return I was lucky enough to come to Winthrop Primary School. I went on another teacher exchange in 2004 to Vancouver in Canada. I returned to Winthrop and taught in the junior primary. I was fortunate to be given opportunites to be acting Deputy Principal on many occasions and to now where I am very proud to be the substantive Deputy Principal at a school that I’m invested in and love being part of the Winthrop community.
What do I like to do away from school?
I love catching up with family and friends sharing good food and having a laugh. We have a house in the country where the garden is a sanctuary for us to work and relax in. Looking after our cat, Edward Douglas Moses, is almost a full time job as ragdoll cats are very dependent and love to be in the same room as you. Travel was/is a passion and I’ve been very lucky to be able to travel to many parts of the world over many years. We are avid cruisers and cannot wait until the opportunity to safely cruise comes along.
Karina Meldrum - Principal
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
I decided I wanted to be a teacher when I was in Year 3 because I had the most caring teacher, Mrs Gail Smith, who I respected so highly. I just wanted to be exactly like her, making children feel welcome and safe. I still sometimes reflect on what she would have done and said when I am working with children.
What is your professional story?
I attended Claremont Teachers College and was in the last cohort of graduates from there before it closed in 1989.
I have taught in the Goldfields, Manjimup, the Perth Hills, Coolbellup and Winthrop. I have taught Kindergarten all the way through to Year 10, every single year level, and, no, I do not have a favourite! I have enjoyed teaching each and every class. Kids of all ages teach you something different.
On my education journey, I have been a teacher, learning support coordinator, district consultant, Deputy Principal and Co-Principal 3 times with 2 other Principals before winning this position.
When teaching, my favourite subject is English. I most miss the classroom when I see teachers working with their classes quietly sharing a book, with the teacher reading stories to them. I must admit I even get a bit jealous of them in a nice way because it reminds me how much I love teaching. My favourite books are children’s books because they have a quality of stating ‘big ideas’ so simply. Giraffe’s Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae is my all-time favourite but recently, The Boy, the Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy has challenged this. I also adore anything to do with Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.
My professional brand is – ‘Equal does not mean the same’. At the core of all my decision making is the consideration that for every child, family and community there is a unique need and my job is to listen to and respond to that need.
What do you like to do away from school?
When I am not at work you will find me supporting my beloved Fremantle Dockers, at home in front of the t.v. , at Optus Stadium and if I am very lucky at the MCG!
My two adult daughters, Pia and Evangeline, (both whom attended Winthrop Primary School and remain proud Winthropians), together with my husband Dave and my dog Maxwellington support me to do my job. We love to go to the beach together, especially in Busselton and Dunsborough.
Anything else?
We are so fortunate to share the link of Winthrop Primary School. It is a simply beautiful school with a diverse and inclusive community which is staffed by an exemplary group of professionals and supported by an informed and hardworking School Board and P&C. I am proud and privileged to be the Principal of our school.
When you see me, please do come and say ‘Hi’.
Michael Gulberti - Deputy Principal
Teaching story
My teaching career has given me the opportunity to live some fantastic locations and meet many wonderful people. I started at Exmouth DHS and then on to Waggrakine PS in Geraldton, before the Remote Schools of Tjirrkarli, Laverton and Useless Loop. Next was 10 years at Vasse PS, before moving to the city as my children attended Uni. Living in the city has provided the opportunity to work at Samson, Dawson Park, Willetton and Seaforth Primary Schools (with a brief country stint in Dongara), before the opportunity to join the Winthrop community.
My favourite subjects to teach are Phys Ed and Maths. I believe schools should encourage a joy of learning and sense of achievement in all children, so that they want to come back to school tomorrow.
Most memorable day at school
When the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh visited Vasse Primary School.
Away from school
I love spending time near the ocean, which may be beach walking, swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, boating or fishing.
My two daughters are now teachers. One loves being an Early Childhood teacher and gets to work in the same school as her mum, and the other worked as a Scientist and has more recently enjoyed the challenge of High School teaching.
I am fortunate to have travelled across much of Australia with my family, and spent time in the wonderful countries of Italy, Portugal and Vietnam. Over recent years I have developed a passion for the powder snow of Japan and love the challenge of learning to snowboard on top of a beautiful white mountain. I am looking forward to a Covid-safe world where we can travel once again.
I recently read
“Hound of the Sea” by Garrett McNamara (Seeing the giant waves at Nazare, Portugal, made this a must read.)
Looking forward
I would like to thank Mrs Meldrum for the opportunity to work at Winthrop, and all staff, students and parents for their welcome to the community.