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.

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.

Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten)

Melissa Cho - Assistant Principal

Petrina Smith

Madison O'Mullane

Elizabeth Simonovic

Juliet Bladon

Anna Jones

Stage 1 (Year 1 and Year 2)

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

Stage 2 (Year 3 and Year 4)

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

Stage 3 (Year 5 and Year 6)

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

IM Support Class

Nardia Darnell

Therese Walsh

Specialist Teachers and Support Staff

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

School Learning and Support Officers

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.

Our administrative and operations staff

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.

Contact us

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.