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
“I’m excited to welcome you to our school, where we create a supportive environment for every child to thrive. We value respect, curiosity and teamwork.
We’re proud of our dedicated staff and strong partnerships with families. Together, we ensure students feel valued and inspired to learn.
I invite you to explore our website to discover what makes our school special. We look forward to welcoming you into our community.”
Anna Starcevic, Principal of The Sir Henry Parkes Memorial 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.
- Anna Starcevic, Principal
- Tracy Caldwell, Assistant Principal
- Karen Dellow, Assistant Principal
- Claire Snyders, Assistant Principal
- Liz Duff, Relieving Assistant Principal Curriculum and Instruction
- Emma Douglas, Relieving Assistant Principal Curriculum and Instruction
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.
- Emma Ritchie, Kindergarten- Sprouts
- Alison Lawrence, Year 1/2- Bee Keepers
- Stephanie Evans, Year 1/2- Pollinators
- Carly Dawson, Year 3/4- Shearers
- Claire Snyders, Year 3/4- Drovers
- Mel Bridge, Year 5/6- Harvesters
- Kelly Walker/ Jon Dunstan, Year 5/6- Shepherds
- Phoebe Odgers, MC- Seedlings
- Deb Thomas/ Petrina Carlile, MC- Saplings
- Karen Dellow, MC- Blossoms
- Belinda Kuiters- Learning and Support
- Jon Dunstan- RFF
- Emma Douglas- Intervention
- Lindi Sheehan- Intervention
- Wendy Kelly
- Lewis Hancock
- Steph Belson
Contact our school to learn about our teaching team
Our teachers make the difference
Teacher Feature
Miss Ritchie's Passion for Music
While some of you only know me as the Sprouts Kindergarten teacher, many of you know that my background is in music education, which I am very passionate about. At university I studed a dual degree and graduated with a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Education. I am lucky to have taught music from all year levels from Kindergarten to Year 12 and Music Extension, providing lots of different experiences over my career.
At school I was in the band, playing saxophone, but at university I found so much joy in choir. Both of these expereiences have shaped what I love to share with students, and last year I was so incredibly proud to take a Stage 1 Choir and the School Band to the Tenterfield Eisteddfod.
This year we have a lot of keen students in the band, and I am enjoying singing with my Sprouts in the classroom; music is a part of The Sir Henry Parkes Memorial Public school day to day, which I am very proud of.
Debating with Mrs Douglas
Date: Friday 29th May
After the success of our 2025 debating team making it to the zone finals, I am very excited to say that this year we are entering two teams in the 2026 competition. We meet once a week during lunch to practise coming up with arguments for different topics and practise writing and delivering speeches to improve our public speaking skills.
Debating is important to me, as I loved being part of the debating team when I was in high school. It led me to have the courage to become Vice Captain. I have included a picture of me before my final debate in Year 12.
Not only did I learn so much about a range of topics, but it helped me gain the confidence to speak in front of large audiences and to think on my feet. I am very proud of our Stage 3 students for being so optimistic and excited for our competion to start, and I am looking forward to supporting them.
Mr Dunstan's Extension Groups
Last term, students in our extension groups from Stage 2 and Stage 3 took part in exciting and challenging learning activities. Every Monday, Stage 2 students learned more about ecosystems. They explored how living things are connected in food chains, looking at the roles of animals that eat plants (primary consumers), animals that hunt others (predators), and fungi that break things down (decomposers). To finish, they used what they learned to investigate different environments from around the world for their project.
On Tuesdays, Stage 3 students finished their geography unit by taking part in the Wet & Wild Challenge. This is a research competition held across the state that combines technology, geography, and science. Working in teams, students looked at weekly clues to find different wetland animals. Through this four-week activity, they built skills in research, teamwork, and problem-solving
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.
- Andrew Ellis, GA
- Kris McCowen, SLSO
- Tammy McCowen, SLSO/ Chaplain
- Lisa Mitchell, SLSO
- Tilly Mitchell, SLSO
- Judy Murphy, SLSO
- Jen Petrie, SLSO
- Lyn Potter, SLSO
- Sarah Sherratt, School Psychologist
- Mick Stewart- AEO
- Kurt Vella, School Psycologist
- Amy Wilkin, SLSO
- Jo Yates, SLSO
Contact our school to learn about 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.
- Judy Archibald, School Administrative Manager
- Rebekah Preston, School Administration Officer
- Natalie Watt, School Administration Officer
Contact our school to learn 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.