Our Staff

Stephanie Marcanio

I have been the Acting Principal at FPS for the last 12 months. Flowerdale is most definitely a unique and special treasure, hidden amongst the serenity of Flowerdale. I have thoroughly enjoyed auditing curriculum, processes and procedures at FPS and working with staff, students and the community on best practise moving forward. I look forward to continuing to implement incredible things here at FPS and ensure our students are experiencing the same level of education here, as they would at any other school in Melbourne.

Cherie Graham

I have been the Business Manager at Flowerdale Primary School since 2017. Outside of the schooling environment, I am a wife and mother of a young teenage boy who keeps me busy with his sporting activities. I enjoy getting away from it all by hiking the tracks of nature and I am currently planning my return to hiking in 2025. I look forward to working with the new team that has been put in place for 2025 and continue to watch the growth of our families as they work towards spreading their wings.

Erin Mitchell

I joined the Flowerdale Primary School team in early 2021 in an Education Support role and continue at FPS in 2025 as admin support, first aid/OHS and Library Coordinator. I bring enthusiasm, a lifelong love of learning and a desire to assist the talented staff we have here, to provide the best possible educational experience to all students. When not at work, I enjoy spending time with family and appreciating the great outdoors. I look forward to a bright and productive 2025 including welcoming the new team of staff and the introduction of the brand-new FPS library.

Cassandra Andersen

I have worked at Flowerdale PS for 6 months as the Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader. Some of my favourite things to do is to be in nature, using self-sustainable living skills, be at the beach with my family and watching my children’s sports. In 2025, I am looking forward to bringing the education curriculum together with hands on learning to provide an array of opportunities for children to meet their personal best. Working alongside the staffing team at Flowerdale that share the same passion and visions as myself.

Amanda Augello

My name is Amanda Augello, and I am so excited to be joining the team as the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader. I will be working at Flowerdale PS two days a week, supporting students, staff, and families to promote positive mental health, create clear pathways for support, and help make our school a safe, welcoming place where every student can thrive.

A little about me – I am a proud mum of three energetic boys, and when I’m not at school, you will usually find me on an adventure with them, trying new foods or curled up with a good book.

I am passionate about helping children build resilience, develop strong relationships, and feel confident in who they are. I’m looking forward to working with our wonderful students and families, and I can’t wait to get to know each of you better.

If you see me around the school, please come and say hello – I’d love to have a chat!

Brooke McDonald

I am Brooke McDonald also known as Ms Mac. I have been teaching at Flowerdale Primary School since 2017, however I did begin as a graduate teacher here in 2003. I have taught F-2 full time for the last 2 years. I love working at Flowerdale Primary School in an amazingly strong community, where individuals always step up to help each other out. Being a part of the new team here is like a big family. It is a beautiful place to work, live and visit and we share our school with the local wildlife and sometimes farm animals. Next year, I am looking forward to changing classrooms and teaching the year 2 and 3 students.

Scott Sparrow

I have been teaching since 2015 and hold a Bachelor of Arts, a graduate diploma of education and a graduate diploma of creative writing. Reading and writing are my passion, and I try to read as many books as possible each year.

Coming from a large neurodiverse family, I am the stepfather of four moody teenagers, my passion for education has always been rooted in helping students develop social-emotional skills—such as emotional regulation, how to communicate and play with others, and positive peer relationships.

I chose Flowerdale Primary School, because I love working with students who are intelligent, kind, and enjoy having a laugh, and I enjoy working as part of a team of teachers who look after the needs of every child in the school. Flowerdale Primary is a special place and I'm proud to be its F/1 teacher.

Alex Mercuri

I am very excited to be joining the team at Flowerdale Primary School in 2025! I very much enjoyed my time at the school at the beginning of Term 4, working alongside a welcoming and dedicated teaching staff and of course getting to know the wonderful students at FPS. I look forward to building on these relationships and providing an engaging and FUN learning environment across all specialist areas. I am passionate about Health and Physical Education and enjoy playing tennis, pickleball and netball competitively. My other hobbies include hiking, gardening and photography. I have two children, Oliver (9 Years) and Hazel (7 years). As a family we spend a lot of time together outdoors, cycling, rollerblading and playing with our dog Alfie. I look forward to seeing everyone again in the new year and being a part of the Flowerdale community.

Lydia Ness

I have been working at FPS since 2024 as an Education Support Worker and I absolutely love this beautiful small school already. It has been so wonderful getting to know the amazing kids and families at Flowerdale. Some of my favourite things to do are anything active including going to the gym and rock climbing and anything that involves arts and crafts. I’m very excited to be spending more time with these students in 2025.