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.

Welcome to Waitara Public School, one of Sydney's most vibrant and culturally rich learning communities.

With more than 925 students from over 50 cultural backgrounds, and two Opportunity Classes within our Kindergarten to Year 6 school, Waitara is a place where high expectations and deep care for the whole child sit side by side. That balance is something we are proud of, and it is something our families tell us they feel from the moment they walk through our gates.

We believe the best learning happens when children feel genuinely known. That is why our teachers don't just teach curriculum, they build relationships, notice potential, and create the conditions for every student to stretch beyond what they thought they were capable of. We challenge our students through Project Based Learning, the creative arts, STEM, and a culture of curiosity and collaboration. We also invest deeply in their wellbeing, because we know that a child who feels safe and connected learns better, and grows into a more confident human being.

Our community is one of our greatest strengths. The diversity of cultures, languages, and perspectives in our school enriches every classroom, every playground conversation, and every shared celebration. We work in close partnership with families, because we know that the connection between home and school is one of the most powerful forces in a child's education.

To every family considering Waitara, whether you are new to Australia or have been part of this community for generations, whether your child needs extension and challenge or additional learning support, you will find a school that sees your child as an individual, and a team of educators who genuinely care about what happens next for them.

I look forward to welcoming you.

Dany Fitzgerald Principal, 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

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.

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.