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

"It is with great pleasure that I welcome you and your family to Picton Public School. We hope that your time with us will be long lasting and filled with many memorable experiences.

Here at Picton, we pride ourselves on the connections we have with our students and families. We ensure every student is known, valued and cared for, while holding excellence in teaching and learning at the fore.

Our dedicated and committed staff provide quality educational experiences, focused on the essential skills in literacy and numeracy within a safe, supportive and inclusive community.

We work in partnership with families and the school community in a strategic, enthusiastic and purposeful way to inspire the development of engaged, confident, creative and innovative individuals who feel a strong sense of belonging to their school.

Above all else, we ensure our students experience the fun, wonder, excitement and love of learning that the primary school years should bring.

I welcome you to visit our school or make an appointment with us to discuss how we can best support your family now, and into the future."

Mr Nathan Neilson - Proud Principal

Principal
The role of a Principal in NSW Public Schools is provide strong educational leadership and management to create a positive, inclusive and high-quality learning environment. They are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the school, supporting student learning and well being, leading staff development and engaging with the school community. Principals ensure the implementation of Department of Education policies, promote equity and inclusion and drive continuous improvement to achieve the best outcomes for all students.
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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.

Deputy Principal: Mrs Vanessa Davis

Assistant Principal Curriculum: Mrs Julianne Smith

Assistant Principal Wellbeing: Miss Tameka Twist

Assistant Principal Special Education: Mrs Maria Howard

Assistant Principal: Mrs Amy Gower

Assistant Principal: Mrs Michelle Friend

Assistant Principal: Miss Jade Edwards

School Administration Manager: Mrs Kerry New
Deputy Principal
Deputy Principals support the principal in leading the management of the school ethically. They support the monitoring of staff to ensure they meet key accountabilities and facilitate the review of school procedures in line with departmental policies. Deputy principals collaborate with the executive team, specialist teachers, and non-school based personnel as well as external agencies to coordinate support and implement strategies for students and their families as appropriate. Together with the principal they work to create a positive culture of high expectations, ensuring effective, evidence-informed teaching practices that enable student improvement, achievement and wellbeing to thrive.
Assistant Principal Curriculum and Instruction
An APCI, or Assistant Principal Curriculum and Instruction, plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of teaching and learning within a school. They focus on curriculum development, implementation, and assessment, ensuring alignment with educational standards and best practices. APCIs support teachers by providing professional development, resources, and guidance on effective instructional strategies. They also analyse student performance data to identify areas for improvement and promote innovative teaching methods that engage students. Overall, the APCI contributes to fostering a positive learning environment and driving academic success for all students.
Assistant Principal Wellbeing
The Assistant Principal Wellbeing plays a key leadership role in promoting and supporting the social, emotional, and mental wellbeing of students within the school community. They work collaboratively with the principal, staff, students, and families to develop and implement whole-school wellbeing strategies and programs that foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Responsibilities include overseeing student welfare policies, coordinating wellbeing initiatives, managing student behaviour and attendance support, providing guidance and support to staff on wellbeing matters, and liaising with external agencies to ensure appropriate student support services. The Assistant Principal Wellbeing also monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of wellbeing programs and contributes to building a positive school culture that enhances student engagement, resilience, and academic success.
Assistant Principal Special Education
The Assistant Principal Special Education supports the school principal by leading and managing special education programs, ensuring compliance with policies, and promoting inclusive practices. They assist in developing and evaluating tailored programs, supervise and support special education staff, collaborate with teachers, families, and external agencies to create and monitor Individual Education Plans (IEPs), and ensure appropriate accommodations for students with additional learning needs. They also handle compliance, reporting, and foster a supportive learning environment for students with disabilities.
Assistant Principal
The role of an Assistant Principal involves supporting the educational leadership of the school by working directly with teachers and students in the classroom setting. They assist in implementing the school's vision and strategies, helping to enhance teaching practices and improve student outcomes. Assistant Principals provide guidance and support to teachers in areas such as curriculum delivery, classroom management, and student engagement. They also play a key role in fostering a positive school culture by promoting collaboration among staff and engaging with students and parents. The role of assistant principal is an opportunity for teachers to grow in their understandings about leadership and continue to develop their teaching expertise. Our Assistant Principals are responsible for overseeing a team of students and teachers.
School Administration Manager (SAM)
A School Administration Manager oversees a school's operational and administrative functions, including managing finances, staff, and systems, and supporting the school principal. Responsibilities encompass managing administrative staff, maintaining office systems, managing budgets, ensuring compliance with policies, and fostering effective communication with staff, students, and the community.

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

  • KW: Mrs Melissa Webster

  • KF: Mrs Michelle Friend

  • 1W: Mrs Brooke Wilson

  • 1/2E: Miss Jade Edwards

  • 1/2B: Mrs Donna Brown

  • 2M: Mrs Rachel Matthies

  • 3D: Miss Georgia Digger

  • 3/4C: Mrs Jenny Cummins

  • 4F:  Mr Dylan Sealey

  • 4/5M:  Mrs Sheena Martin

  • 5/6F: Mrs Amy Gower & Mrs Christie Farrell

  • 6L: Ms Jennie Lang

  • K-2H : Ms Maria Howard, Miss Kira Owen, Mrs Lauren Cox, Mrs Ros Plater  (SLSOs)

  • 1-3W: Mrs Karen White, Mrs Amanda Eagles, Mrs Steph Douglas (SLSO)

  • 3-6H: Mrs Cherie Hines, Mrs Di Green, Mrs Ros Plater (SLSOs)

  • RFF: Miss Anna Barnes, Mr Geoff Boniface, Mrs Vicki Bywater

  • Learning and Support Coordinator: Mrs Alison Thomson

  • Intervention: Mrs Di Monds

  • Library:  Mrs Melinda Byrne

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
  • School Counsellor: Mrs Leanne Sathiah
  • Mainstream SLSOs: Ms Kath Whittaker, Ms Julie Avenall, Mr Damon New, Mrs Rosa Marano, Mrs Kathryn Smart

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
  • School Administration Manager (SAM):
    Mrs Kerry New
  • School Administration Officers (SAO):
    Mrs Michelle Jackson, Mrs Kylie Deas, Mrs Amanda Fitch
  • General Assistant: Mr Kym Weatherburn

Have a question for our principal or teachers?

Our friendly office team can help you get in touch.

Contact us

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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.