Our principal and staff
Our staff are experienced, collaborative, and deeply invested in the children they teach. Many have been part of the Waitara community for years, and it shows in the relationships they build, the creativity they bring to the classroom, and the care they extend well beyond the school day.
Our Principal
Dany Fitzgerald
Leading with heart, curiosity, and deep belief in every child.
Principal, Waitara Public School | NSW Department of Education
Dany Fitzgerald has dedicated nearly 30 years to NSW public education, driven by a simple conviction: every child deserves both the highest expectations and the genuine support to meet them. With more than 15 years in school leadership, she has built a reputation for combining academic rigour with a deep commitment to the whole child.
She became Principal of Waitara Public School in April 2019, returning to a school she already knew and loved as a former Deputy Principal. Before that, she led Turramurra North Public School, and her career in education began at Wakehurst Public School in 1997. Across every role, her focus has remained constant: creating schools where children are inspired to achieve and empowered to grow.
Under Dany's leadership, Waitara Public School has maintained a strong commitment to academic excellence, while ensuring that creativity, critical thinking, and character development sit alongside it. She believes these are not competing priorities — they are what a truly great education looks like.
Her approach is warm, relational, and purposeful. She leads with an open door and a counselling-informed lens, believing that when staff feel trusted and supported, children thrive. Culture, for Dany, is not a program — it is the daily practice of how a school treats the people inside it.
"High expectations and genuine care aren't opposites. At Waitara, they go hand in hand."
— Dany Fitzgerald, Principal
Dany holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New South Wales, a Master of Teaching from the University of Sydney, and a Diploma of Holistic Counselling. She is a committed learner and leader, continually seeking new ways to strengthen outcomes for every student at Waitara 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 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 teaching staff
KK Hayley Krahe - AP
KA Annette Gallo
KG Gigi Giuffre
KJ Rosie James
KL Hilary Luck
KT Krystyan Tolentino
1C Claire Gaffney
1E Gian Estrada
1L Jordan Anderson
1S Suzin Lee Relieving - AP
1Q Gemma Quinn
2S Jemima Secombe
2BC Alicia Blackadder (Mon-Tue) / Sarah Cresswell (Wed-Fri)
2M Anna Mihalic (Mon-Thurs)/ Alicia Blackadder (Fri)
2F Cylhen Fua
2R Rachelle Mann
3G Bev Gunn / Rhiannon Williams (Fri)
3L Fiona Lee / Lisa Lloyd AP (Fri)
3E Tania Eshraghi
3M Kim Moad AP
4C Claire Cullen
4H Danielle Hain
4D Damien Jin
4A Dale Casey
4J Jess Hutton
5A Vanessa Argent
5J Caitlin Joyce
5S Emily Sussanna
5M OC Jack Meredith
5O Jess Owen
5W Kurt Walker Relieving AP
6H Beth Hampton
6KH Camilla King (Mon-Wed) / Jessica Harrison (Thur-Fri)
6C Jacqui Cary
6L Noel Levy
6M OC Claire McDonald
6R Dani Rosas
Music Jenny Bell
Music Adi Firth
Library Kristina Thompson
Library Andrew Heath
Sport Cheryl Taylor
Sport Emma Borley
EALD Jennifer Gaut
EALD Isabella Lam
EALD Karen Gifford
EALD Denise Graham
EALD Claire Hampson
EALD Lynda Hart
EALD Virginia Artinian
EALD Mary Ann Chatfield
EALD Vivian Schmiedte
EALD Min Kim
EALD NAP Joan Ghisla
Wellbeing Lisa Lloyd - AP
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.
Wellbeing and support staff
Our wellbeing and support staff 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 wellbeing and support staff
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Rhonda Ramsey -Learning and Support Teacher
Amelia Holbert SLSO
Kerith Massey SLSO
Kirsten Foster SLSO
Zarina Ahmed SLSO
Sharon Giuffre SLSO
Helen Hua SLSO
Tahila Thompson SLSO
Amanda Train SLSO]
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Asha Black Counsellor
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 administrative and operations staff
Anna Hilton-Butt Business Manager
Jo Hughes SAO
Rhonda Gray SAO
Debbie Golden SAO
Lyn Jiang SAO
Erina Vitale SAO
Maddie Boneham SAO
Tim Greene GA
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.