Originally from Australia, Joe grew up near Byron Bay before being educated at Mount Saint Patrick College. He went on to study at the University of New England, specialising in Aboriginal Education and graduated with a scholarship from the Australian Department of Education.
As part of his scholarship, Joe was placed in a rural and remote school in western New South Wales, where he focused on improving educational outcomes for students of Aboriginal descent. Working closely with Aboriginal elders, he helped incorporate traditional Aboriginal language and culture into the school community, fostering stronger connections between the school and local Indigenous communities.
Joe moved to the United Kingdom in 2014, initially planning to work for just two years on a work visa. However, after teaching in several schools in East Sussex and relocating to London in 2015, his plans quickly changed. In London Joe was employed by Saint Francis of Assisi Primary School in Notting Hill, he taught a range of year groups from Nursery to Year 4, while leading on Mental Health and Wellbeing and School Improvement. Joe became a member of the OPS staff in 2022.
As Head of Pre-Prep at OPS, Joe particularly enjoys working with the youngest learners, fostering curiosity, confidence and a love of learning from the very beginning of their educational journey. After meeting his partner and purchasing their home, the UK quickly became as much his home as Australia. Joe enjoys exploring the outdoors and has a keen interest in travel and photography, but will always have a soft spot for the sandy beaches of Australia!