Our principal and staff
Our dedicated school team cares deeply about every student’s learning, well-being and sense of belonging. We strive to build a friendly and inclusive environment where all children feel supported and inspired to achieve their best.
Welcome from our principal, Mr Johnson
At Castle Cove Public School, we are committed to providing every student with strong foundations in literacy and numeracy while nurturing confident, capable and compassionate young people who are inspired to achieve their personal best.
We believe that high expectations, explicit teaching and genuine care create the conditions for students to thrive. Our skilled and passionate teachers use evidence based practices to deliver high quality teaching and learning programs, with a strong focus on ensuring every child develops the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for future success. This commitment is reflected in our outstanding literacy outcomes, including an average score of 36/40 in the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check.
Alongisde building strong foundations, we are equally committed to ensuring students are challenged, extended and supported to reach their potential. We provide a wide range of High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) opportunities including literacy extension classes, STEM extension programs, subject acceleration, academic competitions and differentiated learning experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity and critical thinking.
At Castle Cove, we value the development of the whole child. Students are encouraged to build confidence, leadership and communication skills through opportunities such as public speaking, debating, student leadership and creative performance. Specialist STEM, Creative Arts and Physical Education teachers further enrich learning experiences and help students discover and develop their strengths and passions.
Beyond the classroom, students can participate in a broad range of extracurricular opportunities including band, choir, drama, sport and STEM Club, fostering teamwork, resilience, creativity and a lifelong love of learning.
Our school is proud of its strong partnership between staff, families and the wider community. Together, we create a caring, connected and aspirational environment where every child is known, valued and supported to flourish.
Mr. Nicholas Johnson
Principal (Rel)
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.
Mr Nicholas Johnson - Principal (Rel.)
Mrs Eleni Gardner - Assistant Principal (Rel) - Early Stage 1
Ms Nada Mlinaric - Assistant Principal, Curriculum and Instruction (APCI) and Assistant Principal - Stage 1
Mr Trent Moses - Assistant Principal - Stage 2
Mrs Alison Cullen - Assistant Principal - Stage 3
Ms Ashleigh Ruppin - Assistant Principal Learning and Support
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.
Early Stage 1
- KG (Mon, Wed-Fri) - Mrs Eleni Gardner
- KM (Mon-Thurs) - Mrs Kerry Montgomery
- KG (Tues) and KM (Fri) - Mrs Sally Fitzgerald
Stage 1
- 1/2B (Mon) - Ms Jennifer Boyd
- 1/2B (Tues-Fri) - Mr Roy Faulkner
- 1/2L - Ms Wendy Lees
- 1/2N - Mrs Vatinee Nuiklieng
- Support Dog - Peppi
Stage 2
- 3/4F - Ms Ashley Ferguson
- 3/4H (Mon-Thurs) - Mrs Amanda Hulley
- 3/4H (Fri) - Ms Sarah Smith
- 3/4M (Tues-Fri) - Mr Trent Moses
- 3/4M (Mon) - Mr Roy Faulkner
Stage 3
- Senior C (Mon-Thurs) - Ms Alison Cullen
- Senior C (Fri) - Ms Emma Cooper
- Senior H (Mon and Fri) - Mr Tim Blazey
- Senior H (Tues-Thurs) - Mrs Joanna Hull
- Senior R (Mon-Thurs) - Mrs Courtney Riar
- Senior R (Fri) - Ms Emma McLeod
Mrs Anjali Rao is our dedicated Science and STEM teacher. She works with classes across the school to ensure students are engaged in hands-on, inquiry-focused learning experiences. She has been part of the development of the new Science and Technology syllabus for NSW.
Mrs Priscilla Clarry is our experienced Kindergarten-specific Science teacher. She engages students with hands-on learning experiences that ignite their passion for Science.
- EALD - Mrs Priscilla Clarry
- LaST (Mon-Wed) - Ms Ashleigh Ruppin
- School Learning Support Officer - Ms Viv Carless
- School Learning Support Officer - Ms Maria Vertzagias
Curious to learn more about our wonderful teaching team?
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.
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.
- Mrs Julie Maric - School Administration Manager
- Mrs Kathryn Antonini - School Administration Officer (Mon-Wed)
- Mrs Rachelle Drouza - School Administration Officer (Thurs-Fri)
- Mr David Kirsh - General Assistant
- Mrs Vera Hill - School Counsellor (Tues)
Contact our school to learn more 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.