Julie Pastucci
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What years were you involved with Kialla West Primary School, and what was your role during your time there?
I started in October 1999, retired December 2025, I was the Business Manager.
Looking back, what changes or developments did you see at Kialla West during your time at the school?
The growth of the school, when I started we only had the main building with under 100 students, when I retired we had numerous more buildings and double the students and staff.
Can you share a memorable moment, achievement or experience that highlights the spirit of the Kialla West community?
Our teachers were amazing, from the Prep teachers who made an actual aeroplane in the classroom, to the wedding with invitations and a reception to the Italian restaurant where the students spoke and served their families in Italian.
So many memorable moments, it brought out the best in our students, teachers and school community.
What were some of the things that made the students, families and staff at Kialla West special to work with?
Kialla West has been very lucky to have a great supportive community, students and staff that help each other out. It is like a big family. Even though the school has grown it still has that country school feel.
After being part of the school’s history, what does celebrating 150 years of Kialla West Primary School mean to you?
When I first started we were celebrating our 125th, time has gone by so quickly and we are now celebrating our 150th. I count myself so lucky to have been involved with such a unique school.
I would do it all again in a heart beat. I hope that during my time there I contributed in a small way to the success of Kialla West and look forward to the 150th celebrations.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
We have a saying once a Westy always a Westy. Kialla West will always have a special place in my heart, I feel so proud to have been part of the last 25 years.
The staff there have taught me so much and are my KWPS family and I was very privileged to be part of the students that went through our school during my time there and their families.
Robyn Howard
What years were you involved with Kialla West Primary School, and what was your role during your time there?
1989 to 2022
Classroom teacher spending most of my teaching years in the Foundation/1 area.
Parent of Amy and Nathan from 2003 to 2011.
Looking back, what changes or developments did you see at Kialla West during your time at the school?
An increase in the number of students attending the school, going from four classrooms to now currently 12.
Also the redevelopment of the original school building where there were two rooms made into one and the relocation of the front door/office area.
The addition of the multipurpose room and the expansion of the sporting and play facilities.
Can you share a memorable moment, achievement or experience that highlights the spirit of the Kialla West community?
Teaching with Cheryl Press for 14 years in the Foundation/1 room.
Where we provided a love for learning by flying to different countries in a giant aeroplane, hatching chickens from eggs and creating an erupting volcano all in the confines of our classroom.
My daughter Amy Rosevear becoming a teacher at Kialla West, where we worked together for four years.
What were some of the things that made the students, families and staff at Kialla West special to work with?
The Kialla West community has always felt like family. It is a caring place where I have developed lifelong friendships with staff, parents and students and to this day I still get a “hello Mrs Howard” at the supermarket.
Also being able to be a parent/teacher watching my daughter Amy and son Nathan go through primary school at Kialla West.
After being part of the school’s history, what does celebrating 150 years of Kialla West Primary School mean to you?
I am so proud of the school and how it has developed and all of its achievements, due to the supportive and caring nature of staff, students and parents. I am proud to have been part of the Kialla West history and enjoyed every moment of my teaching career there.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
Congratulations Kialla West on 150 years. Thank you for being such a special place.
Amy Rosevear
What years were you involved with Kialla West Primary School, and what was your role during your time there?
I am a past student and current teacher.
I was a student at Kialla West from 2003 to 2009.
I was education support in 2019.
From 2020 to 2025 I was a classroom teacher, now currently on family leave.
Looking back, what changes or developments did you see at Kialla West during your time at the school?
From when I was a student to now a teacher the school has grown dramatically both in numbers of students and the additions of new buildings and sporting/play areas. When I was a student we had 11 students in my Grade 6 class and now the average class size is 20.
Can you share a memorable moment, achievement or experience that highlights the spirit of the Kialla West community?
Working as a teacher alongside my mum (Robyn Howard) for four years and then taking over her role in Foundation alongside another past student Taylah Limosani when my mum retired.
What were some of the things that made the students, families and staff at Kialla West special to work with?
The staff at Kialla West become not only your friends, but become part of your family.
The students at Kialla West love to learn and grow. They enjoy having fun and building relationships with you as a teacher.
After being part of the school’s history, what does celebrating 150 years of Kialla West Primary School mean to you?
I have grown up at Kialla West from being a student, my Mum teaching there and then myself becoming a teacher there. It is a place where you feel welcome and supported and has been a major part of my life. I am proud to be a part of Kialla West’s past, present and future.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
Congratulations to Kialla West on 150 years, it is a pretty special place to be.
Jim Shannahan
What years were you involved with Kialla West Primary School, and what was your role during your time there?
1997-2004 — I was a Leading Teacher, co-ordinator of Bike Ed, school camps and computer programs. I oversaw the establishment of the computer network and ran info sessions for parents.
Looking back, what changes or developments did you see at Kialla West during your time at the school?
The biggest change was the increase in enrolment from about 56 to 130. Also the doubling of the school ground size to accommodate the rise.
Can you share a memorable moment, achievement or experience that highlights the spirit of the Kialla West community?
The relationship between the parents and staff was always very cordial and positive. It meant that everyone was working for the same goals.
What were some of the things that made the students, families and staff at Kialla West special to work with?
Everyone was friendly and worked together. There was always a small school feel, even when the enrolment increased.
After being part of the school’s history, what does celebrating 150 years of Kialla West Primary School mean to you?
It is great to see that the school has continued to thrive, and that there are plans for future growth.