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.

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.

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.

To learn about our teaching team

Contact our school

Our teachers make the difference

CAPA
  • Johanne Hudson - Head Teacher
  • Matthew Thistlewaite - Rel Head Teacher (Mon), Music
  • Dane Overton - Music
  • Nick Plumb - Visual Arts
  • Cherie Redmond - Visual Arts
English
  • Julia Scott - Head Teacher
  • Brad Colley
  • Maisie Fassone
  • Anthony Gigliotti
  • Larelle Gorman
  • Brianna Kerr
HSIE
  • Brendan Pack - Head Teacher
  • Linda Hastedt - SRC & Girls Adviser
  • Sophia Armenis
  • Benitta Mitchell - Languages
  • Sarah Payne
  • Emily Robinson
Mathematics
  • Monique Carrasco - Head Teacher
  • Tracy Wells - Numeracy Coordinator
  • Cheryl Kilpatrick - STEM Coordinator
  • Jake Barracosa
  • Michael Gillespie
  • Ryan Kurtz
PDHPE
  • Darren Salt - Head Teacher
  • Wade Davis - Sports Coordinator
  • Jon Carrett
  • Jeff Chaseling
  • Adriana Hartas
  • Nicole Norman
Science
  • Wendy O'Malley - Head Teacher (Rel)
  • Janet Pinfold - Lab Assistant
  • Owen Hastedt
  • Tim Cummins
  • Ruby Fuller
TAS
  • Scott Best - Head Teacher
  • Jane Cormack
  • Jason Smith
  • 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.

Teachers
  • Ryan Olender - Head Teacher
  • Georgia Cooper - Team Leader (Lake Hub)
  • Caitlin Freeman - Team Leader (Harbour Centre)
  • Gabby Carson
  • Zoran Ilievski
  • Justine Hill
  • Scott McAndrew
  • Jade Preece
  • Josh Price
  • Jodi Robertson
  • Tom Shannon
IEC SLSOs*
  • Colleen Barker
  • Dawn Dodwell
  • Kimberley Spiteri
  • Kirsty Murray-Smith
  • Tim Price
  • Vicki Beretov

*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.

Teachers
  • Wendy O'Malley - Head Teacher & Learning
  • Nicole Norman - Head Teacher Wellbeing
  • Melissa Yates - Learning Support Coordinator
  • Chris Sargent - Learning Support Teacher
  • Sarah Rispoli - Learning Support Teacher
Mainstream SLSOs*
  • Rhianna Boag
  • Louise Combes
  • Amber Decresci - Wellbeing SLSO
  • Chantelle Fernandez
  • Kylie Hardy
  • Annie Hicks
  • Saxon Vinkovic
  • 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 Advisors
  • Year 7 - Zoran Illevski
  • Year 8 - Jade Preece
  • Year 9 - Maisie Fassone
  • Year 10 - Emily Robinson
  • Year 11 - Dane Overton
  • Year 12 - Scott McAndrew

Counsellors

  • Haley Harding (Mon & Fri)
  • Carly Solah (Wed)
  • Jonathan Guerri-Guttenberg - (Tues & 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 McLoughlin - Teacher Librarian (Rel)
  • Liam Stevenson - Senior Learning Co-ordinator
  • Russell Taunton - Regional STEM Coordinator
  • Rhonda Willingham - Careers Adviser

Other Non-Teaching Staff

  • Paul Empson - Student Support Officer
  • Kirsten Immens - School Nurse
  • Denise Willis - Aboriginal Education Officer
  • Wendy Dyer - Canteen Manager
  • Arnold Woulf - CLONTARF Director
  • Keith Harvey - CLONTARF Officer
  • Kyle Reynolds - CLONTARF Officer
  • Ron Ladmore - General Assistant
  • Rhett Russell - Attendance and Engagement
  • Kimberlie Traynor - School Administration Manager
  • Owen Williamson - Technical Support Officer

Have a question for our principal or teachers?

Our friendly office team can help you get in touch.

Contact us

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.