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
I am proud to welcome you to our vibrant school community, where we have been fostering a love for learning for over a century.
Our school holds a rich history, with many families returning to us, often across multiple generations, to provide their children with a nurturing and high-quality education.
At Mona Vale Public School, we have an exceptional team of dedicated staff who are committed to not only academic excellence but also the holistic development of each student.
Our teachers are passionate about creating engaging learning environments that inspire curiosity and encourage critical thinking.
They are continuously striving to enhance their skills and knowledge, ensuring that our students receive the best educational experience possible.
As we continue to build on our proud history, I invite you to be an active member of our school community. Together, we can support your child in achieving their full potential and develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in life.
Shannan Griffith, Principal of Mona Vale 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.
Vanessa Polito, Deputy Principal
Leader of K-2 team and Learning and Support.
Peta Gorman, Deputy Principal
Leader of 3-6 team, Professional Learning and the School Excellence Plan.
Our team
Your child’s school experience is shaped by the people around them. Our team brings experience, care and a passion for learning to every lesson. With a focus on success, they help every child reach their full potential.
Our committed and professional teachers work collaboratively to create a positive and nurturing learning environment. They bring dedication, expertise, and care to every aspect of school life, ensuring each student receives the support they need to thrive.
2026 Grade leaders and teachers:
Kindergarten: Assistant Principal - Kristy Waterhouse
- K Orange - Kristy Waterhouse (Th-F) and Remy Hewitt (M-W)
- K Purple - Lauren Davidson
- K Silver - Tara Sheppard
- K Lime - Pip Bennett
- K Blue - Megan Burlington
Year 1: Assistant Principal - Jane Pimentel
- 1 Yellow - Claudette Blake
- 1 Lime - Renee Rounds
- 1 Blue - Marie Leacy
- 1 Silver - Dasha Vunjak
- 1 Purple - Sarah Loxton
Year 2: Assistant Principal - Jane Pimentel
- 2 Purple - Alex McGain
- 2 Lime - Gina Walsh
- 2 Yellow - Blake Johnson
- 2 Blue - Kat Rophail
Year 3: Assistant Principal - Lara Colombage
- 3 Lime - Lara Colombage (M-Tu) and Amanda Tebbatt (W-F)
- 3 Blue - Sienna Dusting
- 3 Orange - Ella Stoddart
- 3 Purple - Callan Von Sanden
Year 4: Assistant Principal - Erin Jones
- 4 Silver - Jacqui Davies
- 4 Purple - Jess DuBois
- 4 Blue - Tim Piper
Year 5: Assistant Principal - Nicci Williams
- 5 Blue - Nicci Williams (M-Tu) and Nicole Kay-Clough (W-F)
- 5 Orange - Emily Gerethy (OC)
- 5 Silver - Fiona Kelsall
- 5 Purple - Lachlan Stewart
Year 6: Assistant Principal - Sam O'Kane
- 6 Silver - Sam O’Kane (Th-F) and Karen Chrysiliou (M-W)
- 6 Orange - David Gray
- 6 Blue - Sarah Woods
- 6 Lime - Jess Brilman
Support Unit: Assistant Principal - Karina Singh
- Support Blue - Karina Singh (M-Tu) and Aysha Mc Namara (W-F)
- Support Aqua - Alison Guy
- Support Lime - Jess Seabrook and Carlie Crawford
Collaboration (RFF): Assistant Principal - Mel Stevenson
PD/H/PE
- Sally Simons (M- Th)
- Chelsea Benjamin (M, Tu, Th)
Music
- Annie Woods (Music)
Library
- Mel Stevenson (M-F) and Ian Spencer (Tu, F)
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. Our internal professional learning promotes 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 to be ready to learn.
Learning and Support team
Our Learning and Support teachers, School Counsellors and SLSOs guide student wellbeing, learning needs and inclusion. They work with teachers to make personalised adjustments. This means each child can take part fully in school life. We make our school welcoming and accessible to every child.
Our comprehensive learning and support; and wellbeing team work closely with teachers and families to help students connect, succeed and thrive at school.
Students may require different types of intervention delivered in different ways along a continuum of care to best meet their needs.
At Mona Vale Public School, our dedicated Wellbeing and Support Team partners with teachers, students, and families to nurture every aspect of our students’ growth—academic, social, emotional, and personal—so they can connect, succeed, and flourish in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
We recognise that each student’s journey is unique, and we provide a continuum of care designed to meet their diverse needs. This includes a range of supports, from universal programs that promote positive wellbeing and a safe learning space for all, to early targeted interventions for students who need additional encouragement, and specialised tailored support for those facing complex challenges.
Our continuum of care includes:
- Support for all students to foster a safe, respectful, and nurturing school community where learning and wellbeing go hand in hand.
- Targeted assistance for some students to build resilience, confidence, and social skills alongside their academic development.
- Individualised plans for a few students who require more intensive, personalised support to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Together, we are committed to empowering every student as a whole person, ensuring they feel valued, supported, and equipped to achieve their full potential across all areas of life.
2026 Learning and Support leader and teachers:
Assistant Principal - Jane Pimentel
- Vanessa Polito (IFS students)
- Janice Duckworth
- Grade leaders will provide additional support for their grades
- Karen Dent (EAL/D: Tu - Th)
- Elise Milotic - HPGE leader and mentor
- Charlotte Hey (M, Tu, F)
School Counsellors
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Emma Whitelaw (M - W)
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Harrison Vardanega (Th)
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.
Our administration team are crucial for smooth school operations, with key roles like:
- School Administrative Managers (SAMs) Leonie Gallard and Kylie Laing oversee finance tasks, and whole school administration.
- Our Business Manager, Naomi Stevenson manages our school asset projects and Health and Safety;
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School Administrative Officers (SAOs) Kelli Hyde, Radka Pottie and Deborah Lane manage the reception assisting students, families and visitors and provide first aid to students.
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Our General Assistant, Giuliano Sammuri keeps our school facilities and grounds inviting and safe for staff and students.
These roles ensure teachers can focus on teaching by managing essential non-teaching duties, from student welfare support to financial records and facilities Contact our school to learn about our administrative and operations staff.
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.