Our principal and staff
Our school team is committed to every student’s learning, wellbeing and sense of belonging. We work together to create a supportive and inclusive school where every child is set up for success.
Welcome from our principal
Welcome to Willoughby Public School where we pride ourselves on being a welcoming, inclusive and dynamic community dedicated to nurturing the talents, curiosity and wellbeing of all our students. Our school is committed to excellence, guided by our comprehensive School Excellence Plan (SEP), which focuses on high-quality teaching and learning. Our skilled teachers implement evidence-based practices tailored to meet the diverse needs of every student, fostering academic growth and a love of learning.
At Willoughby Public School, we place great emphasis on providing an academic curriculum that is both rigorous and engaging, while catering to the individual learning needs of each student, prioritising literacy and numeracy, and weaving in critical thinking, creativity and digital literacy. Central to this is explicit teaching, to ensure all students build a strong understanding and master key skills for their continued educational success.
We prioritise student wellbeing within a restorative approach by creating a safe, supportive environment where students feel valued and are encouraged to develop resilience and positive relationships. Strong partnerships with families and the wider community are central to our philosophy, as we believe that working together supports student success and holistic development.
Our values and goals are aligned with the NSW Government’s Plan for Public Education, which inspires all NSW public schools to deliver innovative and personalised education that equips students for the challenges of tomorrow. At Willoughby Public, your child will benefit from access to high-quality resources and technology, opportunities to develop creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and a curriculum that celebrates diversity, promotes inclusivity and supports individual strengths.
We also offer programs that encourage leadership, collaboration and community involvement. We are committed to nurturing confident and compassionate learners as we build pathways to a bright future!
Katrina Verinder, Principal of Willoughby Public School
Our school leaders
Our school leaders, including our principal, guide teachers and students. They help create a school culture where every child is supported to grow and thrive.
Katrina Verinder
Principal
Emma Blake
Deputy Principal
Shaun Michaeil
Deputy Principal
Belinda Ramrakha
Deputy Principal / Assistant Principal Curriculum & Instruction
Simon Hutchison
Assistant Principal Curriculum & Instruction
Amie Hammond
Assistant Principal Curriculum & Instruction
Our staff
Your child’s school experience is shaped by the people around them. Our teachers bring experience, care and a passion for learning to every lesson. With a focus on success, they help every child reach their full potential.
Melissa Cho - Assistant Principal
Petrina Smith
Madison O'Mullane
Elizabeth Simonovic
Juliet Bladon
Anna Jones
Michelle Tingle - Assistant Principal Year 1
Deanne Wedmore - Assistant Principal Year 2
Siena Aravena
Trisha Dixon
Betty Tong
Bronte Rowe
Samantha Yan
Ella Holland
Vanessa Pearce
Li Li
Christine Mathews
Lawrence Yu - Assistant Principal Year 3
Kirsten Stroak - Assistant Principal Year 4
Bella Woodward
Danielle Fox
Maryann Mak
Christopher Ferguson
Jane McConnell
Tracey Mavromatis
Betty Tong
Pedro Nunes
Deirdre Grace
Emese Stoker
Giovanna Vozoff - Assistant Principal Year 5
Margaret Leslie - Assistant Principal Year 6
Debbie Dixon
Bradley Keyes
Eliza Riley
Cristina Seeley
Craig Atkinson
Meriaam Mikhail
Chantelle Hooimeyer
Marcus Nairn
Nardia Darnell
Therese Walsh
Jennifer Lawrence - School Psychologist
Debbie de Silva - Librarian
Jess King - Library
Kiki Pandelas - Library
Elizabeth Andrews - EAL/D support and Learning and Support
Sandra Murphy - EAL/D support and Learning and Support
Nadia Morcom - Learning and Support teacher
Michelle Qiong Du - Chinese Community Language teacher
Alicia Lee - Music
Maree Lyons - Music
Maryann Mak - Music
Bronwyn Geoghegan - Itinerant Support Teacher for Hearing
Kate Andrews
Maddie Andrews
Sinead Costello
Alina Galoustian
Tina Kitromilides
Esther Leslie
Simone Mattison
Lis Robertson
Ros Sutton
Bia Golzi Braga
Our teachers make the difference
Committed to your child’s success
Our teachers ensure every student can thrive. They use proven ways to teach and tailor learning support for their students
Expert, connected and accredited
Our teachers are part of a strong education network. They may hold advanced accreditation. This ensuring high-quality teaching for your child.
Teachers who never stop learning
Our teachers are lifelong learners. They stay current through regular training and keep improving how they teach students.
Teacher–family partnerships
Our teachers build trust through clear communication. Our families know that their child has support and is ready to learn.
Administrative and operations staff
Our administrative and operations staff keep our school running smoothly. They support students, teachers and families every day. You can find them in our front office and around the school grounds.
Snez Thomson, Business Manager
Sue Uzelac, School Administrative Officer
Kylie Sherwood, School Administrative Officer
Pauline Godfrey, School Administrative Officer
Cheryle Millynn, School Administrative Officer
Diane Cole, School Administrative Officer
Rob Thomson, General Assistant
Have a question for our principal or teachers?
Our friendly office team can help you get in touch.
Additional learning support
Find out how we support students with disability or additional learning needs.
Stories and highlights
Hear about stories, wins and proud moments from our staff and students.