Our principal and staff
The passion of our West Wallsend High School staff and our commitment to operating as a professional and unified team is one of the greatest strengths of West Wallsend High School.
We are proud of our reputation for being a caring community that engages, supports, and challenges our students.
We work together to create a supportive and inclusive school where every young person is set up for success.
Welcome from our principal
West Wallsend High School is a proud school that celebrates every student’s pathway in a supportive and inclusive environment built on our core values of respect, responsibility and excellence.
Strong partnerships with parents, the P&C, the Kumaridah AECG, and the Sugar Valley Community of Schools strengthen our sense of community.
Our dedicated staff offer a range of academic, creative, sporting, and cultural programs, including opportunities for high potential and gifted students and strong vocational education pathways.
Together, we strive to nurture confident, creative, caring and resilient young people ready to contribute positively to their community.
Paul Gauci, Relieving Principal of West Wallsend High School
Our school leaders
Our school leaders, guide teachers and students. They help create a school culture where every young person is supported to grow and thrive.
Paul Gauci (Relieving Principal)
Michael Chandler (Deputy Principal - Yrs 7 & 9)
Shannon Sager (Deputy Principal - Yrs 8 & 11 + Birabahn)
Petula Lalor (Relieving Deputy Principal - Yrs 10 & 12)
Our teaching staff
Your young person'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.
Levina Abbo (Head Teacher Careers and Transition)
Amy Blakemore (Relieving Head Teacher TAS) - W
Daniel Dawkins (Head Teacher TAS) - M, Tu, Th, F
Jenna Hancock (Relieving Head Teacher CAPA/Teaching & Learning)
Leah Jarvis (Relieving Head Teacher Mathematics)
Mathew Jennings (Head Teacher HSIE/Languages)
Jacqui Jones (Relieving Head Teacher Wellbeing)
Allison Madden (Head Teacher Support)
Shayne Mason (Head Teacher PDHPE)
Janine McKenzie (Relieving Head Teacher Science)
Peter McPherson (Relieving Head Teacher Administration)
Jess Somner (Head Teacher English/Drama)
Jenna Hancock (Relieving Head Teacher)
Megan Bennett (Teacher) - M, Tu, W, Th
Drew Daniels (Teacher)
Eleanor Gould (Teacher/Aboriginal Education Coordinator)
Michael Leggett (Teacher)
Angela Tandy (Teacher)
Jess Somner (Head Teacher)
Rae Chambers (Teacher)
Stacey Cross (Teacher)
Amy Gordon (Teacher) - M, Tu, W, Th
Catherine Grace (Teacher)
Kirsten Meares (Teacher)
Ava Meyers (Teacher)
Hudson Pomroy (Teacher)
Mathew Jennings (Head Teacher)
Kurt Chambers (Teacher)
Emily Daddo (Teacher/Senior Hub Coordinator)
Linden O'Brien (Language Teacher/HPGE Coordinator) - M, Tu, W
Demelza Patterson (Teacher) - T, Th, F
Julian Pilgram (Teacher)
Anastasia Sager (Teacher)
Leah Zok (Teacher)
Leah Jarvis (Relieving Head Teacher)
Kye Abrahams (Teacher) - Tu, W, Th, F
James Archer (Teacher)
Allan Burns (Teacher)
Grace Hobbs-Haigh (Teacher) - Tu, W, Th, F
Holli Phillips (Teacher)
Jarrod Taylor (Teacher)
Shayne Mason (Head Teacher)
Clarise Di Claudio (Teacher)
Karlie Frankham (Teacher) - Tu, W, Th, F
Peter McPherson (Teacher/Sports Coordinator/HT Admin)
David Munro (Teacher)
Victoria Stanford (Teacher)
Beau Wilkins (Teacher)
Janine McKenzie (Relieving Head Teacher)
Glen Ballardie (Teacher)
Belee Kadmon-Jones (Teacher)
Mark Milat (Teacher)
Marcus Riley (Teacher)
Fiona Whalley (Teacher)
Daniel Dawkins (Head Teacher) - M, T, Th, F
Amy Blakemore (Relieving Head Teacher) - W
Georgina Britton (Teacher)
Michael Hartley (Teacher)
Mindy Jenkins (Teacher) T, W, F
Paul Johnson (Teacher)
Sam Leighton (Teacher)
Shaun Ley (Teacher)
Wellbeing and support staff
Our wellbeing and support staff guide student wellbeing, learning needs and inclusion. This means each young person can take part fully in school life. We make our school welcoming and accessible to every young person.
Jacqui Jones (Relieving Head Teacher)
Alissa Drew (Learning and Support Teacher)
Olivia Gardiner (Learning and Support Teacher) - Week A - Tu, W/Week B - Tu, W, T
Brooke McPherson (Learning and Support Teacher) - M, W, F
Hannah Chandler (Student Learning Support Officer)
Gabby Goninan (Student Learning Support Officer)
Paige Locker (Student Support Officer)
Michael Mandas (Student Support Officer)
Samantha Reeves (Student Learning Support Officer)
Debbie Shute (Aboriginal Education Officer)
The following staff work across our Birabahn and Kapara classes:
Allison Madden (Head Teacher)
Breanna Burgess (Teacher)
Breanna Burnes (Teacher)
Tara Katoa (Teacher) - M, Tu, Th, F
Luke Rayner (Teacher)
Melody Thorburn (Teacher)
Maddi Tolhurst (Teacher)
Rachelle Avery (Student Learning Support Officer)
Debra Beguin (Student Learning Support Officer)
Jennifer Hutchinson (Student Learning Support Officer)
Steven Malone (Student Learning Support Officer)
Leah McVey (Student Learning Support Officer)
Micheal Scholes (Student Learning Support Officer)
Katrina Schwager (Student Learning Support Officer) - M, Tu, F
Danielle Clydesdale - F Week B
Kyle Smith - W, Th, F Week A | Th, F Week B
Elysia Sproule - M, Tu
Beau Wilkins (Year 7 2026)
Kye Abrahams (Year 8 2026)
Holli Phillips (Year 9 2026)
Rae Chambers (Year 10 2026)
Breanna Burnes (Year 11 2026)
Kirsten Meares (Year 12 2026)
Jenaya Nagy (Mentor)
Emma Young (Mentor)
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.
Anne Jones (Business Manager)
Joanne Coyne (School Administration Manager)
Tracy Baker (School Administration Officer - TAS)
Janelle Barnsley (School Administration Officer - Purchasing)
Samantha Gray (School Administration Officer - Library/Print Room)
Samantha Harris (School Administration Officer - Attendance)
Ashleigh Lloyd (School Administration Officer - First Aid)
Lyn McGovern (School Administration Officer - Enrolments)
Ann Nosworthy (School Administration Officer - Science)
Jobe Callaghan (Technical Support Officer)
Paul Harris (General Assistant)
Averil Loades (Administration Support)
Melanie Mackie (Community Liaison Officer)
Matthew McGrirr (Farm Assistant)
Jennie Middlemas (Canteen Manager)
Kara Matthews (Canteen Assistant)
Samantha Robards (Canteen Assistant)
Key contacts for parents/carers
The following guide may be helpful when contacting the school for matters affecting your young person. All enquiries should be directed through our front office.