Our staff

I am continuing to enjoy the principal role here at Mount Ousley PS. Leading our school with passion and purpose with a goal to further build community partnerships, enhance teacher capacity and improve student outcomes and achievement is what I pride myself on. The ongoing enhancement of the learning and wider school environment is one of my passions. I strive to create a school that all stakeholders are proud to be part of, proud to recommend to others and have fond memories of as they move on to high school and adult life. Outside of school, I spend time at the many off leash dog beaches with my dog Pippa.

I feel very lucky to have joined the Mount Ousley community at the beginning of 2022. I am passionate about empowering every student in their learning, ensuring they have the skills and dispositions for future success. As Assistant Principal, Curriculum and Instruction, I have the privilege of working with both staff and students to further improve literacy and numeracy outcomes across K-6 through quality teaching and learning. Outside of school, I love to spend time travelling, hiking, reading and skiing. In 2024, I will be on maternity leave from term 2, while I add the title of "Mum" to my job description! 

I love my role as Assistant Principal. Before joining our school staff in 2022, I was an Assistant Principal in the Campbelltown area for 5 years and I also came from an Apple Distinguished school, which has harnessed my passion for providing quality and innovative learning experiences to ensure our students have the skills to succeed in the future. This year, teaching 1 Explore, I’m thoroughly enjoying being a part of my students’ learning journey and getting to know the whole Mount Ousley PS school community. Outside of school I spend my time in nature or at the beach with my husband and children. *In 2024, I will be on maternity leave. *

I absolutely love supporting the learning and wellbeing of all students at our amazing little school. This year I am thrilled to be teaching the wonderful 5/6 Baruwaluwu! I am passionate about making learning engaging and creating an environment where all students thrive.  I have been lucky enough to teach here, London, and all around the Illawarra. I have been back at Mount Ousley PS since 2019 and I feel very proud to be teaching and learning at such an innovative and supportive school! In my spare time I love to travel, explore, hike, swim, read and create.

Started at Mount Ousley Public School in 2022. I had previously taught at Corrimal Public School for eight years in a variety of roles – classroom teacher, literacy interventionist and as the RFF teacher implementing a STEM, digital citizenship, coding and robotics program. I am passionate about quality teaching and building meaningful relationships with my students, parents, carers, colleagues and the wider community to support students in their educational journey. When I am not teaching I enjoy cooking and spending time with my husband, three sons and two Jack Russells.

I'm now officially part of the furniture here at Mount Ousley as 2023 was my ten year anniversary! I’m passionate about student choice, flexible learning, sport and technology. I currently teach Stage 1 and I’ve been loving every minute of it! Outside of school I enjoy surfing, reading, making videos, cooking and spending time with my family. 

 I feel very lucky to be part of a fantastic school community. It is so enjoyable to see my students grow and learn so many new skills that they will use for the rest of their lives! I also like celebrating personal best achievements and love seeing my students accomplish their learning goals. Outside of school, I love going to the beach and spending time with my family.

I’m the Learning and Support Teacher and I work three days a week at Mount Ousley.  I work collaboratively with the School’s Learning Support Team and classroom teachers to identify and support the learning and educational needs of students with specific learning and support needs. I am passionate about teaching literacy and have a particular interest in dyslexia. I absolutely love coming to work at this wonderful school and working with such a wonderful, passionate staff,  fantastic students and supportive school community. Outside of school I love spending time with my family, my Cavoodle puppy Shelly and my geriatric cat Fudge. I also enjoy  gardening, going to the beach and reading.

I began working at Mount Ousley  as an Student learning support officer in June 2013. I have a long and continued history with  our  awesome little school. Prior to beginning my career  I began my schooling here in kindergarten and then returned in 2000 -2012 as a parent of my four boys. I enjoy working in all of the classrooms across all stages. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in childrens literature and education in 2021 and am now furthering my studies with a Master of Primary teaching. Away from school I love spending time with my granddaughter, studying and walking my dog.

I find it an enjoyable privilege to be supporting the wellbeing of the students, staff, and community here at Mount Ousley. I completed my Social Work degree in 2021. Previous to retraining as a Social Worker, I was an Early Childhood Educator, in Wollongong for 16 years. You can find me at Mount Ousley every Wednesday and Thursday. Outside of Chaplaincy, I am a mother to three children, have two cats, and am eagerly awaiting adding a puppy to our family before Christmas. I am an active member of my church community in Corrimal. I love to quilt, swim at the beach, laugh, read, and watch movies.

I first started teaching at Mount Ousley Public School in 2023.  This year I am teaching the amazing Kinder Muruduwin. I love the energy, enthusiasm and excitement in our room as our youngest students grow in confidence and achieve their goals!

I am also a keen artist and enjoy leading our extra-curricular Art Club every Tuesday lunchtime. 

I joined the Mount Ousley staff in 2024 and love being part of this wonderful school community. This year, I am teaching 5/6 Djungah and am proud of the way they take on so many responsibilities and tackle every task with enthusiasm. 

MEMBERS OF STAFF NOT PICTURED

Teachers - Laura Drysdale and Kourtney Chappell (on maternity leave in 2024)

Student Learning Support Officer - Liz Murphy

School Administration Officer - Lily Cergovski

General Assistant - Gareth (Stork) Quin

I really enjoy teaching and learning at Mount Ousley Public School. My teaching philosophy aims to create a learning environment where students feel safe, valued and heard. Our classroom culture values mistakes, celebrates grit, and encourages empathy for others. Students are encouraged to explore their passions and reflect on their learning, daily. I aim to instil a lifelong love of learning in all students and a respect for themselves, each other and the environment. Relationships are the foundation to our classroom culture; relationships between students, teacher and students and relationships between home and school. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, bushwalking, swimming, gardening and hanging out with my family and our new puppy.

I am proud to be the longest serving member of staff, having begun my teaching career here in 1992. I am now teaching the children of some of my earlier students - which, I have to confess,  does make me feel a little bit old!  I always strive to connect the library with the classroom, and consider it a privilege to introduce students to the world of storytelling. I’m also a published author and love to create imaginative worlds of my own. Away from school, I enjoy both watching and performing in theatre productions, music, photography, crafts and Pilates, as well as spending time with family and friends. 

I’m excited to be part of the learning journey of the students  in 3/4 Bunya from Monday - Thursday.  My classroom is a fun and nurturing environment where the students are encouraged to take risks with their learning, follow their passions and achieve their individual goals.

As the President of the Central Wollongong district PSSA, I am passionate about providing opportunities for children to be active, work as a team and support each other through sport.

New to Mount Ousley Public School in 2022, I work as an RFF and casual classroom teacher. Before retraining in education 8 years ago, I worked in advertising and marketing for both retail and non-profit organizations. I am thoroughly enjoying my time at Mount Ousley, working alongside supportive staff and wonderful students and their families! When I am not at school, you will find me spending time with my family, enjoying the beach or running.

I feel very lucky to be part of the Student Learning Support team.  I am privileged to work with some amazing students, and my favourite moments are when students achieve goals they work hard to achieve. There’s nothing better than seeing their excitement when they realise they can achieve their goals. When I’m not at school you will find me with family, keeping busy with my four children.  I love to spend time at the beach, baking and I have a passion for learning. 

Vanessa: I was lucky to become a member of the Mount Ousley Public School staff back in 2010 which has been very rewarding. Prior to coming to Mount Ousley I started my permanent employment with the Department back in 2002.

 I love travelling in my caravan and seeing our beautiful country and am looking forward to continuing this with my husband. I love spending time with my family and will be retiring at the end of term 2. 

Meg: I am thrilled to join the Mount Ousley team as Administration Manager from semester 2 onwards. 

I joined the wonderful Mount Ousley Public School two days per week in the office in 2014. I have enjoyed watching the positive changes being implemented at the school by the staff who value the students and their learning. I have worked for the Department since 1990 at a number of schools and have also worked in corporate for EDConnect for two years.

I have three amazing children who are all married and lucky to have six gorgeous grandchildren who I spend a lot of time with watching them play sports and dancing. I love to travel, especially to Queensland where the youngest of my grandchildren lives every holiday.

I am the cleaner here at Mount Ousley and I love it. I pride myself on ensuring the school is clean and fresh for the students and staff each day.  I am very proud of my Italian heritage. I am also a passionate gardener and when I'm not here at school, you might find me in my greenhouse! 

I began teaching at Mount Ousley Public School  in 2023 and enjoy working with the wonderful students, staff and families in our school community. I believe that we all learn from each other through collaboration and team work. I strive to do my best in giving students the support and tools they need to be successful learners. In my spare time I love going swimming and to the beach with my husband and daughter, walking my cavoodle (Luna), reading and playing netball. 

I am so privileged to work alongside the dedicated and inspiring team at Mount Ousley Public School. This year I am proud to be teaching our amazing 3/4 Gurawara students on their learning journey. I believe in the capacity of each individual to reach their own unique potential and I endeavour to create a happy and motivating learning space where every student can have a voice and grow a love for learning with confidence. When I am not teaching, I enjoy exploring our great outdoors and relax by reading, cooking, going to the theatre and spending time with my family, friends and cheeky pup. 

I’m so excited to be part of the wonderful team at Mount Ousley Public School. I started my teaching career 5 years ago and previously taught at Miranda North Public school and other schools in the Sutherland shire area, before joining the Mount Ousley staff last year. I am passionate about sport, creative and performing arts and embedding future focused learning and technology in my classroom. I strive to create an environment where my students feel happy, confident, heard and have a love for learning.  In my spare time I enjoy travelling, cooking, exercising and going for long walks with my dog, Zen!