Profile
“Westfield Specialty and I have been trying to make sure we are opportunistic in the marketplace and that has allowed us to grow profitably and create a broader and more diversified portfolio”
Jack Kuhn
Westfield Specialty
Athena Kavaleris is a highly respected head of house and deputy VCE coordinator at Westbourne Grammar School, known for her expertise, intelligence and unwavering dedication to student success. Her leadership spans both curriculum development and student wellbeing, where she creates a nurturing environment built on high standards and a genuine commitment to academic excellence.
In 2024, Kavaleris received the prestigious History Teachers’ Association of Victoria (HTAV) Excellence in History Teaching by a Secondary Teacher award, highlighting her remarkable impact on education. She’s a regular presenter at conferences, a skilled facilitator of professional development workshops and a supportive mentor who actively helps colleagues embrace innovative teaching and learning approaches.
Kavaleris’ influence goes beyond the classroom. As a leader, she plays a pivotal role in shaping Humanities education at Westbourne Grammar School, helping to design engaging and rigorous courses across various year levels. Her passion for both academic achievement and student welfare drives her to create an environment where students are challenged, supported and inspired to reach their full potential.
An outstanding educator, Kavaleris is dedicated to crafting learning experiences that spark curiosity, creativity, and student agency. She sets high expectations but is always there to guide and support her students on their learning journey. A lifelong learner herself, she continually seeks to refine her teaching practices and enhance educational environments, driven by her deep belief in the transformative power of education.
300 Sayers Road, Truganina, Vic 3029
9140 5840
kavaleris.athena@westbourne.vic.edu.au
linkedin.com/in/athena-kavaleris-9b534a130
westbournegrammar.com
Athena Kavaleris
Head of House and Teacher of History
Westbourne Grammar School
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Bio
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Bio
Milestones
“The biggest challenge is getting everyone comfortable with the pace that I’m looking for to drive our buildout and growth. How I deal with it is by being open and transparent, and responsive to questions or concerns”
Jack Kuhn
Westfield Specialty
2019–2023
2024
Present
Present
2022–present
2019–2023: Teacher of History at Melbourne Grammar School
2023: Coordinator of Humanities at Melbourne Grammar School
2019–
2023
HTAV Award for Excellence in History Teaching by a Secondary Teacher
2024
Teacher of Humanities and Deputy VCE Coordinator at Westbourne Grammar School since 2024
Head of House and Teacher of History at Westbourne Grammar School
Present
Assistant Head of Junior School and PYP Coordinator at St Gregory’s College Junior School since 2023
Present
2022–2022: Business Development Manager - VIC at Assetline Capital
2022–present: Director at Mach Mortgages
2022–
present
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
Learning shapes futures, and since 1867, Westbourne Grammar School has been at the forefront of empowering students to think critically, grow with confidence and create a meaningful impact in the world.
With two campuses in Truganina and Williamstown, Westbourne is home to 2,000 students from over 70 nationalities and 35 different faith backgrounds. This diverse, inclusive community fosters a culture of belonging and ambition. Every student is supported to thrive academically, socially and personally.
Central to Westbourne’s approach is the “Inspire” learning philosophy, which encourages students to not only absorb knowledge but also develop critical thinking, ethical awareness and emotional intelligence – skills necessary to navigate an ever-evolving world. Whether engaging with AI and robotics, debating global issues, performing on stage or designing real-world solutions, students are given opportunities to explore their passions while building essential future-ready skills.
Recognising the importance of great teaching, Westbourne invests in its educators through leadership development, overseas fellowships, postgraduate study support and flexible work policies. By nurturing the growth and wellbeing of its staff, the school attracts thought leaders who inspire students and foster excellence.
The school’s graduates consistently achieve outstanding academic results, gaining places at top universities worldwide. More importantly, they leave as confident, capable individuals ready to make a meaningful difference. Westbourne provides not just an education, but a foundation for purposeful, impactful lives.
