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.
Our school leaders
Get to know our school staff. We're all here to help.
Our professional, university-educated teachers encourage students to develop a love of learning and a desire to succeed. They maintain the highest integrity and concern for your child’s wellbeing.
The principal is responsible for the educational leadership and management of our school. If you would like to speak to the principal, please contact us to make an appointment.
Our school administrative staff can answer inquiries or direct you to the appropriate staff member for help.
Our teaching 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.
Our teachers make the difference
- Assistant Principal - Mr Morgan Costa, Mrs Carolyn Heffernan, Mrs Maroina Seif, Mr Alex Nesbitt
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Assistant Principal, Curriculum and Instruction -Mrs Pauline Steel
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Rel. Assistant Principal - Mrs Niamh Holmes ( Learning and Wellbeing), Mr Nathan Fielding , Mrs Aayushi Shah, Mrs Michelle Murrow
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 or on the school grounds.
- Administration Manager - Mrs Alicia Steel
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Administration Officers - Mrs Megan Hook, Mrs Sharon Twycross & Mrs Zsuzsanna Varga-Strike
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Business Manager - Mrs Katrina Lance
Contact our school to learn about our administrative and operations staff
Wellbeing and support staff
Below you will find information about the delivery of therapy services at school. This includes the school guidelines and procedures for Working With Externally Funded Service Providers, the parent/carer request for delivery of therapy services during school hours and the parent/carer checklist for delivery of therapy services at school.
If you have questions about this process, please contact the school to discuss.
- School Psychologist - Sammy
- Clinical Psychologist - Eliza
- Speech Therapist - Betty
- Behaviour Support Practitioner - Lexi
- School Physiotherapist - Hayley
Eliza (Clinical Psychologist)
Hello, I am Eliza and you will find me at The Ponds School on Monday’s and Wednesday’s. I am a Clinical Psychologist with experience working across different settings including schools, community and private practice.
My main focus at The Ponds School is to support the students, teachers and families through Learning and Wellbeing Meetings, School Clinic with The Westmead Children’s hospital and liaising with your child’s specialists. My focus is on fostering a collaborative relationship, where we can work together to identify goals, utilise evidence-based strategies, and enhance overall wellbeing for your children.
I'm available Monday and Wednesday
Lexi ( Behaviour Support Practitioner )
Hi I’m Lexi, the School Behaviour Support Practitioner. I have worked under the NDIS in various roles for 8 years. I provide support to our school community in the following ways:
- Whole school support
- Help develop school behaviour support plans
- Parent outreach and training
- Liaise with your child's external therapy team
- Work with individual students
I’m available Wednesday and Thursdays
Sammy ( School Psychologist )
Sammy is a registered psychologist with extensive experience supporting children and young people in various settings, including schools, private practice, psychiatric hospitals, facilitating mental health group programs, and engaging in crisis support volunteer work. She is passionate about helping students develop the skills they need to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.
In her role, Sammy provides evidence-based assessments and interventions tailored to the individual needs of each student. She works closely with families, teachers, and support staff to create strategies that foster learning, emotional regulation, and positive behaviour. Her expertise includes supporting students with learning difficulties, intellectual disabilities, autism, anxiety, ADHD, and behavioural challenges.
Sammy incorporates a neuroaffirming and strengths-based approach, drawing from evidence-based frameworks. By working collaboratively with students, families, and staff, Sammy aims to create a supportive and inclusive school environment where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. When she's not at work, she enjoys spending time with her two beloved pets!
I'm available on Thursdays
Speech Therapist - Betty
Hi I'm Betty the School Speech Pathologist. I have had the pleasure of working with our wonderful school community since 2019! Here are some of the ways I provide support at our school
- Whole class support to help staff to embed the use of different communication systems into the classroom
- Provide professional learning for staff on different communication system
- Parent outreach and training
- Liaise with your child's Speech Pathologist
- Trouble shoot issues with existing communication supports
- Work with individual students at the school's request
I'm available Wednesday and Thursdays
Hayley ( School Physiotherapist )
Hi, I’m Hayley – the school physiotherapist. I have worked in the disability sector for over 10 years in both clinical and community settings. Below are the some of the ways I provide support at our school:
- Supporting staff with student’s mobility equipment and positioning needs i.e. standing frames and walkers
- Providing strategies to support students during hydrotherapy/swimming sessions
- Provide support to individual supports at request of the school
- Liase with your child’s external therapist
- Staff education and training in manual handling
- Work with staff to find solutions with transfers
I am available on Tuesdays
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.