Principal and staff profiles
Welcome from our Principal
Mrs Caitlin Manser, School Principal
As Principal of this inclusive and welcoming school community, I am honoured to be leading a team of dedicated staff who are committed to providing the best possible learning outcomes for our students.
Our school values diversity, inclusion and a sense of community.
We are committed to creating a safe, positive and nurturing environment that fosters creativity, curiosity and a love of learning.
Together, we can create an environment in which every student thrives.
Meet our leadership staff
Meet our leadership staff
James De Palma
Senior leader, Inclusion
I lead our SDPS Disability Unit and ensure all students with additional needs feel included and supported in the classroom. My favourite thing about SDPS is the care and support of our school community. I’m extremely lucky to be working with such kind and inclusive students.
James De Palma, Senior leader, Inclusion
I lead our SDPS Disability Unit and ensure all students with additional needs feel included and supported in the classroom. My favourite thing about SDPS is the care and support of our school community. I’m extremely lucky to be working with such kind and inclusive students.
Kurt Ferguson
Senior leader, Curriculum and Pedagogy
I ensure we provide consistent, high-quality teaching that continually develops according to evidence-based initiatives. I manage our key data sets and whole-school administrative tasks that ensure our crucial learning programs run smoothly. I enjoy the collective drive for inclusion in our school.
Kurt Ferguson, Senior leader, Curriculum and Pedagogy
I ensure we provide consistent, high-quality teaching that continually develops according to evidence-based initiatives. I manage our key data sets and whole-school administrative tasks that ensure our crucial learning programs run smoothly. I enjoy the collective drive for inclusion in our school.
Aimee Cook
Senior leader, Wellbeing
I work in partnership with students, parents, teachers and our community to support the social and emotional wellbeing of all students and create a safe and secure learning environment. My favourite thing about South Downs is the supportive culture and enthusiastic learners.
Aimee Cook, Senior leader, Wellbeing
I work in partnership with students, parents, teachers and our community to support the social and emotional wellbeing of all students and create a safe and secure learning environment. My favourite thing about South Downs is the supportive culture and enthusiastic learners.
Teaching staff
Reception/Year 1 teacher
Renae Nathanael
Year 1/2 teacher
Jessie Rook
Year 3/4 teacher
Fiona Ratcliffe
Year 5/6 teacher
Amanda Elliott
Year 5/6 teacher
Julie Maier
Science and Cultural Studies teacher
Tracy Carlisle-Smith
NIT PE & DU 1:1 teacher
Brooke McDonnell
Disability Unit teaching staff
Primary teacher
Dimi Iaconis
Junior Primary teacher
Cassie Corbo
Junior Primary teacher
Laura Liddell
Primary teacher
Ella Goodwin
NIT teacher
Christelle Pleasance
Support staff
Finance officer
Tracey Templeton
Admin officer
Jessica Crombie
SSO | Mainstream/Intervention
Lee Burdon
SSO | Mainstream/Library
Carron Beeching
SSO | Admin
Maddi Hancock
SSO | Mainstream
Deb Wortmeyer
SSO | Mainstream
Jazmin Johnston Kenyon
SSO | Mainstream
Matt Stevens
SSO | Disability unit
Peta Marschall
SSO | Disability Unit
Ella Smith
SSO | Disability Unit
Brooke McDonnell
SSO | Disability Unit
Kayla De La Haye
SSO | Disability Unit
Jayde Mulcahy
SSO | Disability Unit
Erin Barrett
SSO | Disability Unit
Alexis Duncan
SSO | Disability Unit
Christel Cooper
SSO | Disability Unit
Deb Collins
Aboriginal Community Education officer
Chris Penrose
Groundsman
Dave Hockenhull