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 pride that I welcome you to Austral Public School, a school that has been at the heart of this community for 133 years. Our school carries a rich history of generations of learning, with many families continuing to choose Austral as the place where their children can thrive. Over the past five years, we have experienced significant growth in our student population, and we continue to evolve as a vibrant, dynamic learning community.
At Austral Public School, we are committed to supporting every child academically, socially, and emotionally. We believe that each student is unique, and we work in partnership with families to nurture their individual strengths and talents. Our dedicated teachers deliver high-quality programs that not only promote academic excellence but also develop resilience, curiosity, and a love of learning.
We are proud to offer a broad range of opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. From sporting activities that encourage teamwork and healthy lifestyles, to our High potential and gifted education (HPGE) programs that extend and challenge students, we ensure that every child can shine. Equally, we provide strong learning support for students who require additional assistance, ensuring that no child is left behind.
Our focus on wellbeing underpins all that we do, as we know that when students feel safe, supported, and valued, they are able to achieve their very best. We celebrate diversity and inclusivity, fostering a school culture where respect, kindness, and belonging are at the core.
Austral Public School is not just a place of learning—it is a community. We deeply value the partnerships we have with parents, carers, and the wider community, and together we continue to shape a school that honours its history while embracing the future with optimism and confidence.
I warmly invite you to be part of our school journey as we continue to grow, inspire, and empower every student to reach their potential.”
Khaled Elhage, Principal of Austral 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.
Austral Staff, 2025
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 One
Katie Gaut - R/AP (K Wombat)
Lisa Pellegrino (K Platypus)
Sarah Maday (K Possum)
Tamica Raju (K Bilby)
Anne Bittner (K Sugar Glider)
Avary Li (K Emu)
Caitlyn Little (K Gecko) Mon - Wed
Tania Palackovic (K Gecko) Thurs & Fri
Stage One
Kirsty Kellaway - AP (1 Dugong)
Tahmina Nishat (1 Cassowary)
Mary Molloy (1 Koala)
Michele Carter (1 Dingo) Mon - Thurs
Isabella Petrovski (1 Dingo) Fri
Alyssa Marsili (1 Eucalypt)
Holly Saunders (1 Lyrebird)
Ashwindar Kuar (1 Wattle)
Hannah Tran (1 Waratah)
Maria Kearney (2 Bottlebrush)
Elizabeth Nurthen (2 Quokka)
Wijdan Khan (2 Goanna)
Mohammed Eid (2 Kangaroo)
Laura Roberts (2 Kookaburra)
Sirine El Mir (2 Echidna)
Stage Two
Anh Pham - AP (3/4 Crocodile)
Kim Nyul (3 Rosella)
Emma Mayorga (3 Wallaby)
Katrina Kanga (3 Cockatoo)
Laura Golcman (3 Blue Tongue)
Maddison Phillips (4 Quoll)
Sophia Mushi (4 Bandicoot)
Navrita Chandra (4 Lorikeet)
Allison Brancati (4 Lilly Pilly) Mon - Wed
Maree Costantini (4 Lilly Pilly) Wed - Fri
Stage Three
Mark Yanni (5 Potoroo)
Jake Marurai (5 Banksia)
Vi Nguyen (5 Gymea Lily)
Samantha Renzi - R/AP (6 Numbat)
Stephanie Perras (6 Magpie)
Stefani Rnjak (6 Galah)
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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.
Stephanie Walker (LST/Wellbeing)
Bianca Davis (LST) Mon - Wed
Omar Obeid (EAL/D)
Katrina Pauk (EAL/D)
Marie Palmano (EAL/D) Mon - Wed
Elizabeth Gardicotis (EAL/D) Thurs
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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.
Business Manager
Janise Williams
School Administration Manager
Tracey Carlsson
School Administration Officers
Donna Jackson
Sue McCann
Ashleigh Robson
Jo-Anne Reardon - Fridays
General Assistants
Kim Croucher - Wednesday
Keith Xerri - Tuesday & Thursday
Rick Faulkner - Monday & Friday
Contact our school to learn about our administrative and operations staff
Community Language/RFF/QTSS staff
Our Community Language experts support students and teachers every day. You can find them in our front office or on the school grounds. They allow for each child to take part fully in school life. We make our school welcoming and accessible to every child.
Silvana Cordi (CL)
Ester Prada (CL) Tues - Thurs
Despina Soulos (RFF) Wed - Fri
Martina Stojceska (RFF) Thurs & Fri
Isabella Petrovski (RFF) Mon - Wed
Angel Sharouk (RFF) Wed & Thurs
Michelle Tabbouli (RFF) Mon - Wed
Tori Barillaro (RFF)
Contact our school to learn about our Community Language/RFF/QTSS staff
School Learning Support Officers (SLSO) 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.
Sonia Comin, Tues - Thurs
Lisa Grima, Wed & Thurs
Katherine Baloglow, Mon - Wed
Basma Matti, Tues - Thurs
Sogna Vozzo, Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri
Jesse Williams, Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri
Natalja Jeremtsuk
Loretta Libro, Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri
Isaiah Kellaway
Stella Comin, Mondays
Amrin Firdos
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Other staff
Our school has many other important staff that help keep our school operating smoothly, ensuring students receive the best that they deserve.
School Counsellor
Lauren Goldring - Monday & Tuesday
Jeremiah Perrine - Thursday
Teacher Librarian
Ashrafi Pogalva
Library Administration
Jo-Anne Reardon
Austral Community Preschool - Phone 9606 0753
Daniella Macri - Interim Director
Canteen
Nicole Carrasco
Rosa Curtis - Thursday & Friday
WHOOSH
Libby - Director
Community Hub
Ms. Julie Rae - Leader
IT Consultant
Nebraz Aziz - Mondays
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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.