Meet Our Team of Passionate Leaders
Our school is organised into a Junior School (Grades P-2) and Senior School (Grades 3-6), with three Professional Learning Communities (PLC):
- Grades P-2
- Grades 3-6
- a Specialist PLC
A Junior School and a Senior School Learning Specialist both work with our PLC leaders to lead the teaching, learning and wellbeing outcomes for all students.
An Assistant Principal leads the school’s wellbeing team, and the Principal has overall responsibility for the school’s outcomes.
Students are supported by a team of professional and dedicated Education Support staff.
Leaders
The experienced and committed leadership team of South Street Primary School is poised for a new era and excited to lead the school community towards its vision of excellence in education to achieve personal growth and academic success.
Brendan Dawson
Principal
Brendan is honoured to lead the school community of South Street Primary School in Moe. With extensive experience leading several schools across Gippsland, Brendan brings a wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm, dedication, and personality to his role. This includes working collaboratively with the community of Moe to improve the educational and wellbeing outcomes for all students.
As the previous Principal at Glengarry, Willow Grove, and Labertouche Primary Schools, Brendan’s leadership and management skills led to him being nominated as a finalist in the 2022 Victorian Education Excellence Awards in the Outstanding Primary Principal category.
“The experiences and successes I have had leading and working with various rural communities have reinforced my belief of what matters most when connecting and leading school communities. That is a strong focus on building and maintaining relationships, setting high expectations and a genuine desire to work together with students, parents/carers, and staff to achieve academic excellence.
I’m incredibly excited to be at South Street and look forward to continuing to achieve academic success for all students.”
Rachel Beecroft
Assistant Principal
Rachel has a proven track record of fostering positive learning environments and leads the school’s wellbeing programs and partnerships with Berry Street Education Model, School Wide Positive Behaviours and Restorative Practices with Real Schools.
Melissa Pavey
Prep - 2 Learning Specialist
Melissa is a highly experienced teacher and leader with over 20 years of experience in education roles which include teaching all primary grades and working for the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) as a Critical and Creative Thinking Specialist Teacher.
In 2022 Melissa was a participant in the Teaching Excellence Program through the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership and is now an esteemed alumni and volunteer for this organisation.
Erin Beissel
Grade 3/4 Learning Specialist
Erin joined South Street in 2024, coming from Clarinda Primary School where she was previously a classroom teacher, Learning Specialist and Acting Assistant Principal.
Erin led the implementation of a schoolwide instructional model in literacy, leading to increased student engagement and improved student outcomes. She has experience in Disability Inclusion, supporting students, families and teachers through the process. Erin has worked as an instructional coach in classrooms, supporting teachers to reflect on and improve their practice.
Erin has been a guest on a number of podcasts about education. She has contributed to articles for the Victorian Institute of Teaching and presented at workshops for the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership.
She has taught all year levels and in 2021, was awarded Outstanding Primary School Teacher in the Victorian Education Excellence Awards. Erin was recognised for her commitment to teaching and learning and the outstanding work she did in her classroom.
Erin has a Master’s Degree in Instructional Leadership.
Jace Butler
Grade 5/6 Learning Specialist
Jace brings success in leading the implementation of a schoolwide instructional model in literacy, leading to increased student engagement and improved student outcomes.
Our team has significant experience leading school communities and a wealth of educational knowledge. We look forward to continuing this success and creating safe, respectful learners at South Street Primary School.