I have been part of the Plympton Primary School community since 2009 and, during that time, have had the opportunity to work with our students and families in a variety of roles. I am proud of the strong relationships I have developed across our community and of the part I have played in seeing our school grow and evolve over many years.

As Deputy Principal, a significant focus of my role is leading curriculum, teaching and learning across the school. I work closely with our teachers to strengthen classroom practice and ensure that our students experience high-quality, evidence-informed teaching from Reception through to Year 6. I am particularly passionate about literacy and numeracy and supporting teachers to use evidence, assessment and student learning data to identify what students need next and continually improve the impact of their teaching.

I believe that every student should be both supported and challenged to achieve their best. An important part of my role is working alongside teachers to develop consistent approaches to teaching and learning across the school, while ensuring that we remain responsive to the different strengths, needs and interests of the children in our classrooms.

Digital technologies are another longstanding area of interest for me. I enjoy exploring how technology can enhance teaching and learning and helping students develop the knowledge and skills they need to use technology effectively, creatively and responsibly.

One of the things I value most about Plympton is the breadth of opportunities we provide beyond everyday classroom learning. I enjoy creating opportunities for students to challenge themselves, pursue their interests and discover new strengths through experiences such as ICAS competitions, Write a Book in a Day, the Australian Maths Challenge and out-of-hours school sport.

Student voice and leadership are also particularly important to me. Through our Student Representative Council and Year 6 Ambassador program, I work with students to develop their confidence as leaders, contribute ideas and take an active role in making our school an even better place. It is always rewarding to see students recognise that their ideas matter and that they can make a genuine contribution to their school community.

After many years at Plympton, I continue to love being part of a school where I know our students and families so well. I am proud of the learning, opportunities and sense of community we provide and remain committed to ensuring that every student is supported to learn, grow, participate and achieve.

I am passionate about creating an inclusive school where every child feels known, understood and valued, and where all students are supported to experience success. I believe that learning and wellbeing go hand in hand — children are best placed to learn when they feel safe, connected and that they genuinely belong.

As Assistant Principal (Inclusive Education), I lead our work in inclusive education, personalised learning and student wellbeing. I work closely with students, teachers, support staff, families and external professionals to understand the strengths and needs of individual learners and develop meaningful goals, adjustments and supports that enable them to engage successfully in learning and school life.

Student wellbeing is a significant focus of my role. I work directly with students who may need additional support with their wellbeing, relationships, engagement or regulation, while also supporting staff to create safe, predictable and positive learning environments. I am committed to strengthening approaches across the school that help students develop resilience, build positive relationships, manage challenges and feel connected to the people and community around them.

An important part of my role is also building the capacity of our staff to continually strengthen their inclusive practice. I particularly enjoy working alongside teachers to deepen their understanding of neurodivergent learners and to develop practical, evidence-informed approaches that respond to the needs of the child in front of them. This includes supporting students with a wide range of learning, communication, regulation, social and wellbeing needs.

I believe strongly in taking the time to understand what may be happening beneath a child’s behaviour. By approaching students with curiosity, consistency and compassion, we can support them to develop the skills they need while maintaining safe, respectful and engaging learning environments for everyone.

Strong partnerships with families are central to this work. Families bring invaluable knowledge about their children, and by listening, communicating openly and working together, we can develop a shared understanding of each child’s strengths and needs and provide more consistent and effective support.

Alongside my leadership role, I value opportunities to remain connected to classroom teaching and learning. Working directly with students and alongside staff helps ensure that my leadership of inclusion and wellbeing remains grounded in the everyday experiences of our students and teachers.

What I value most about Plympton Primary School is our commitment to ensuring that every child belongs. I am proud to be part of a team that sees difference as a strength, prioritises wellbeing while maintaining high expectations for learning, and works together to help every student feel safe, connected, capable and successful.