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
“Welcome to Dee Why Public School!
We are committed to providing a rich learning environment within a caring and friendly atmosphere where every student feels valued and supported. Our talented teachers and highly effective support staff work together to nurture each child’s unique abilities and help them achieve their personal best. We strongly believe in building partnerships with families to help every child shine.
At Dee Why Public School, we set high expectations for all students. We are focused on supporting each child’s ongoing development, encouraging them to reach their individual goals year after year.
I warmly invite you to explore our website to discover what makes our school a special place. We look forward to welcoming you into the Dee Why Public School community.”
Mark Chaffer, Principal of Dee Why 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. We also work with our families to help build connections and support our community.
Principal
Mark Chaffer
Deputy Principal
Skye Surrest
Assistant Principal, Curriculum & Instruction (APC&I)
Steph Mawbey
Assistant Principal, Learning & Wellbeing
Carmel Hillier
Assistant Principal, Stage 3 (Years 5 & 6)
Nicholas Pye
Assistant Principal, Stage 2 (Years 3 & 4)
Clare Tyson
Assistant Principal, Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2)
Maddison Sutton
Rel. Assistant Principal, Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten)
Kristin Bell
Staff Guide 2026
Our teaching staff
Your child’s school experience is shaped by the people around them. Our teachers are highly talented, working together to plan learning to support all students. With a focus on success, they help every child reach their full potential.
Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten)
KBC - Kristin Bell/Hayley Cullen (Wed)
KCT - Hayley Cullen (Mon-Tue)/Mrs Emma Tedesco (Wed-Fri)
KO - Joel O’Brien
Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2)
1SW - Ashley Watson (Wed- Fri)/Kimberley Scott (Mon-Tue)
1G - Mia Gollan
1RB - Sharon Raj (Mon-Thu)/Susan Barbour (Fri)
2SR - Maddy Sutton (Mon-Tues)/Kara Ritchie (Wed-Fri)
2F - Josh Freeland
2H - Joanne Huntley
Stage 2 (Years 3 & 4)
3G - Margaret Garcia
3JF - Kylie Jolly (Mon-Tue)/Monique Franks (Wed-Fri)
3P - Amanda Pearson
4TK - Clare Tyson (Mon-Wed)/Sarah Kline (Thu-Fri)
4C - Declan Cooke
4G - Melanie Gahan
Stage 3 (Years 5& 6)
5WC - Harriet Wickett (Mon-Thu)/Jenna Carnegie (Fri)
5/6PC - Nicholas Pye/Jenna Carnegie (Thu)
6C - Corinne Ceccato
6W - Saskia Windsor
Dani Olivey
English as an Additional Language/Dialect
Maddie Bennett
Wendy Ross
Yael Tocchini
Ilvira Safiullina-Groom
Kylie Jolly
Susan Barbour
Students receive lessons each week from specialist teachers.
Library
Lisa Clark
Wendy Ross
Music
Robyn Phelan
Dance
Heidi Owles
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.
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Learning and Support Teacher
- Dani Olivey
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School Counsellor
- Libby Egerton
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Student Wellbeing Support Officer
- Anna Tran
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SaCC Facilitator
- Marlaine Lingard
Please contact your child's class teacher or our Assistant Principal, Learning & Wellbeing, if your child needs extra support.
Maddie Bennett
Wendy Ross
Yael Tocchini
Ilvira Safiullina-Groom
Kylie Jolly
Susan Barbour
Karen Austin
Paula O’Donnell
Maria Bonser
Namgyal Dolma
Rose de Candia
Litea Sagoa
Caron Stevenson
Rexy Martinez
School learning support officers support teachers to help all students achieve their best.
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.
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School Administration Manager
- Kerry Crouch
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School Administration Officers:
- Jill Starr
- Caron Stevenson
- Natalie Leonard
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General Assistant
- Neil (Joey) Andrews
- Wayne Howard
Please contact our School Administration Manager if you need help with administration matters including accessing the parent portal or contact details.
Have a question for our principal or teachers?
Our friendly office team can help you get in touch. Please contact your child's class teacher for most queries; you can contact the Stage Assistant Principal, then the Deputy Principal or Principal for more serious concerns. Emails sent to the school will be forwarded to best staff member for your query.
Dee Why PS Communication Infographic
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.