Sarah Holmes
Torquay,VIC
Summary
Dynamic educational leader with extensive experience in wellbeing, inclusion, and curriculum leadership across Victorian primary schools and regional initiatives. Skilled in leading Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), implementing whole-school frameworks such as SWPBS and MTSS, and coaching staff in evidence-based, inclusive practices. Recognised for strong interpersonal and communication skills, ability to build collaborative partnerships, and capacity to design and evaluate systems that improve student engagement, wellbeing, and achievement.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Disability Inclusion Facilitator
Australian Health Care Associates (Department of Education Victoria)
01.2022 - 01.2025
- Led Disability Inclusion Profile (DIP) facilitation across Barwon and Western Melbourne, strengthening inclusion systems across multiple schools.
- Reviewed and evaluated school documentation for alignment with DIP domains, synthesising IEPs with the Victorian Curriculum, HITS, and VTLM to ensure high-quality adjustments for students with disabilities.
- Analysed over 300 DIPs, identifying evidence-based adjustments and providing school-level recommendations to improve inclusion.
- Delivered professional learning and coaching to staff on inclusive practice, trauma-informed approaches, and goal development.
PLC Wellbeing Leader, Unit Leader & Classroom Teacher
Bellbrae Primary School
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Led a Professional Learning Community (PLC) implementing School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS).
- Guided teams to embed MTSS, ensuring universal, targeted, and intensive supports for students.
- Facilitated professional learning for staff in inclusive practices, curriculum differentiation, and wellbeing strategies.
- Coached teachers to integrate student data into planning and reporting, fostering evidence-informed instruction.
Unit Leader & Wellbeing Leader
Moriac Primary School & Bellaire Primary School
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Directed curriculum planning and assessment processes to ensure differentiated, inclusive instruction.
- Led school-wide professional development on Zones of Regulation, embedding SEL practices into classrooms.
- Coordinated wellbeing systems, achieving eSmart accreditation at Bellaire PS.
- Mentored staff in implementing inclusive teaching strategies and ICT integration to enhance curriculum delivery.
Performing Arts Leader
Bellaire Primary School
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Directed whole-school productions, fostering student creativity and engagement.
Classroom Teacher & ICT Leader
Bellaire Primary School
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Graduate mentor; POLT Leader delivering professional learning in pedagogy and ICT integration.
- Presented at statewide professional conferences (MAV, ICTEV, Barwon SW Region).
Education
Master of Education - Inclusion and Diversity
Latrobe University
12.2026
Bachelor of Education - Primary
Melbourne University
01.2004
Skills
- School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) & Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
- Wellbeing & Inclusion Leadership (Zones of Regulation, Trauma-Informed Practice)
- Professional Learning & Staff Coaching (PLC Leadership, GROW Framework)
- Curriculum Planning & Differentiation (HITS, VTLM, IEP/ILP Development)
- Data-Informed Improvement & School Evaluation
- Student Engagement & Behaviour Support Systems
- Strong Stakeholder Partnerships (families, allied health, external agencies)
Affiliations
- Victorian Institute of Teaching
- SPELD Victoria
- AMAZE
Timeline
Disability Inclusion Facilitator
Australian Health Care Associates (Department of Education Victoria)
01.2022 - 01.2025
PLC Wellbeing Leader, Unit Leader & Classroom Teacher
Bellbrae Primary School
01.2020 - 01.2022
Unit Leader & Wellbeing Leader
Moriac Primary School & Bellaire Primary School
01.2018 - 01.2019
Performing Arts Leader
Bellaire Primary School
01.2012 - 01.2013
Classroom Teacher & ICT Leader
Bellaire Primary School
01.2005 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Education - Primary
Melbourne University
Master of Education - Inclusion and Diversity
Latrobe University
Selected Professional Learning
- Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: Sue Larkey
- Responding to Abuse and Neglect: Mandatory Reporting.
- Engaging the Difficult Child - Tony Attwood.
- Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders - Positive Partnerships Autism and Education.
Endorsements
- "Sarah demonstrates exceptional skills in choosing appropriate teaching methodologies to suit the abilities of her students – Outstanding." – Karyn Price, Lalor East PS.
- "Sarah is one of the most exceptional pastoral carers this company has ever seen." – Phillip Russell, Kingswood Centre.
- "A brilliant and inspiring teacher and leader." – Natasha Bennett, Deakin University.
- “Sarah has an excellent understanding of curriculum and uses this to plan interesting and varied learning experiences. She caters for a variety of learning styles in her thorough and extensive planning...” Tessa Calder, Bellaire Primary School
- “Sarah shows a deep understanding and interest in critical thinking strategies and always seeks to include these approaches in her planning...” Cathy Caldwell, Apollo Parkways Primary School.