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
Our school is proudly located on the beautiful foreshores of Lake Illawarra, on the traditional lands of the Wadi Wadi people. We acknowledge and pay our respects to the elders past, present, and emerging, and we celebrate the rich cultural heritage that shapes our community.
At Lake Illawarra High School, we embrace the diverse strengths and talents of every student, offering a broad and engaging curriculum complemented by a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. Our Inclusive Education Centre provides tailored support to meet individual learning needs, ensuring all students are valued and empowered to succeed.
We are committed to delivering a high-quality education through dedicated staff, modern facilities, and strong connections with industry and community partners. Our students benefit from participation in initiatives such as the Illawarra Academy of STEM Excellence and the Clontarf Academy, which support their growth both academically and personally.
Beyond academics, we encourage students to develop leadership, creativity, and resilience through diverse programs in sport, technology, and the arts. As part of the Lake Learning Community, we work closely with local schools and families to create a supportive, safe, and nurturing environment where every learner can thrive.
Guided by our school motto, “Seek the Truth,” we inspire students to be curious, confident, and responsible citizens ready to contribute positively to the world around them.
I am proud to lead a school community committed to excellence, inclusion, and respect, where every student is encouraged to reach their full potential.
Ms Jenny Perry,
Principal of Lake Illawarra High School
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.
Deputy Principal
Years 8, 10, 12
Deputy Principal
Years 7, 9, 11
Deputy Principal
Inclusion and Support
The Executive Team play a vital role in leading the school community. They provide strong leadership, support, and guidance to both staff and students, ensuring a positive and engaging learning environment. By fostering collaboration and driving school goals, they help create the foundation for every student’s success and growth.
Johanne Hudson
Head Teacher - CAPA
Julia Scott
Head Teacher - English
Brendan Pack
Head Teacher - HSIE
Monique Carrasco
Head Teacher - Mathematics
Darren Salt
Head Teacher - PDHPE
Kerry McKinlay
Head Teacher - Science
Scott Best
Head Teacher - TAS
Ryan Olender
Head Teacher - Inclusive Education Centre
Tammy Munn
Head Teacher - Secondary Studies
Wendy O'Malley
Head Teacher - Teaching & Learning
Nicole Norman
Head Teacher - Wellbeing
Benitta Mitchell
Head Teacher - Administration
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
- Johanne Hudson - Head Teacher
- Matthew Thistlewaite - Rel Head Teacher (Mon), Music
- Kally Arnold
- Dane Overton - Music
- Nick Plumb - Visual Arts
- Cherie Redmond - Visual Arts
- Julia Scott - Head Teacher
- Brad Colley
- Maisie Fassone
- Larelle Gorman
- Anthony Gigliotti
- Brendan Pack - Head Teacher
- Linda Hastedt - SRC & Girls Adviser
- Zoe Burns
- Benitta Mitchell - Languages
- Harrison O'Keeffe
- William McLaughlin
- Sarah Payne
- Emily Robinson
- Monique Carrasco - Head Teacher
- Tracy Wells - Numeracy Coordinator
- Michael Gillespie
- Cheryl Kilpatrick
- Ryan Kurtz
- Darren Salt - Head Teacher
- Wade Davis - Sports Coordinator
- Jon Carrett
- Jeff Chaseling
- Briana Fritsch
- Adriana Hartas
- Nicole Norman
- Kerry McKinlay - Head Teacher
- Janet Pinfold - Lab Assistant
- Scott Chrystal
- Owen Hastedt
- Wendy O'Malley
- Ashwindar Singh
- Saxon Vinkovic - Farm Assistant
- Scott Best - Head Teacher
- Jane Cormack
- Paige Haines - Food Tech Assistant
- Jason Smith
- Jodi Robertson
- Griffin Kauffman
- Darrel Waugh
Inclusive Education Centre
The Inclusive Education Centre (IEC) is a dedicated comprehensive support unit within the mainstream setting at Lake Illawarra High School, designed to meet the unique needs of our diverse student population.
Our unit encompasses nine specialised classes tailored for various learning requirements, ensuring that each student receives the support they need to thrive academically and socially.
More information about our IEC can be found on the following page
- Ryan Olender - Head Teacher
- Georgia Cooper - Team Leader (Lake Hub)
- Caitlin Freeman - Team Leader (Harbour Hub)
- Jake Barracosa
- Gabby Carson
- Justine Hill
- Scott McAndrew
- Jade Bailie
- Josh Price
- Renee Scheurer
- Tom Shannon
- Stephen Wells
- Colleen Barker
- Vicki Beretov
- Amber Decresci
- Dawn Dodwell
- Kurtis Grundy
- Carly Motbey
- Kirsty Murray-Smith
- Tim Price
*SLSO = School Learning Support Officer
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.
- Wendy O'Malley - HT - Teaching & Learning
- Nicole Norman - HT - Wellbeing
- Melissa Yates - Learning Support Coordinator
- Chris Sargent - Learning Support Teacher
- Sarah Rispoli - Learning Support Teacher
- Rhianna Boag
- Louise Combes
- Amber Decresci - Wellbeing SLSO
- Chantelle Fernandez
- Kylie Hardy
- Annie Hicks
- Wendy Zivkovic
*SLSO = School Learning Support Officer
Additional 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.
- Year 7 - Chris Sargent
- Year 8 - Kiara Vazzoler
- Year 9 - Jade Bailie
- Year 10 - Maisie Fassone
- Year 11 - Emily Robinson
- Year 12 - Dane Overton
Counsellors
- Jess Moore (Wed (ODD), Thurs & Fri)
- Jonathan Guerri-Guttenberg - (Mon, Tues, Wed & Thurs)
School Administration Officers
- Alison Hobson
- Paige Haines
- Michele Velthuis
- Tara Hesse
- Lisa Grech
- Elizabeth Joyce
- Jack O'Malley
- Donna Walsh
Other Teaching Staff
- Shannon Shannon - Teacher Librarian
- Liam Stevenson - Senior Learning Co-ordinator
- Russell Taunton - Regional STEM Coordinator
- Rhonda Willingham - Careers Adviser (Mon, Tues)
- Sharna Dawson - Careers Adviser (Wed, Thurs, Fri)
Other Non-Teaching Staff
- Paul Empson - Student Support Officer
- Kirsten Immens - School Nurse
- Denise Willis - Aboriginal Education Officer
- Keith Harvey - CLONTARF Officer
- Kyle Reynolds - CLONTARF Officer
- Ron Ladmore - General Assistant
- Rhett Russell - Attendance and Engagement
- Kimberlie Traynor - School Administration Manager
- Elesha Stone - Business Manager/SAM
- Owen Williamson - Technical Support Officer
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.
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.
Have a question for our principal or teachers?
Our friendly office team can help you get in touch.