Our 2026 Berinba team
At Berinba Public School, every member of our staff plays an important part in making our school the warm, welcoming and caring place that it is. From our classrooms and playgrounds to our office, library and learning spaces, we are one team, working together for our students and families.
Guided by our values of Caring, Sharing and Achieving, our staff bring kindness, dedication and a genuine commitment to every child who walks through our gates. We take the time to know our students, celebrate who they are, recognise their strengths and support them through every step of their learning journey.
Whether teaching, supporting learning, caring for wellbeing, welcoming families or working behind the scenes to keep our school running smoothly, every member of our team contributes to creating a place where children feel safe, known, valued and that they truly belong.
Above all, we are incredibly proud of our Berinba team and the care they show each and every day. Together, we create a school where children are surrounded by people who believe in them, encourage them and help them grow, because at Berinba, every child matters, every person contributes, and we flourish together.
It is my great privilege to welcome you to Berinba Public School. I am incredibly proud to lead our community where our children are at the heart of everything we do. There is something very special about primary school. These are the years when children begin to discover who they are, what excites them, what they are capable of and where they belong. They are years filled with firsts, friendships, challenges, laughter, discovery and those wonderful moments when a child realises, “I can do this.”
At Berinba, we want every child to experience those moments.
We believe education is about far more than what happens within the walls of a classroom. It is about nurturing curiosity, building confidence, developing character and helping every child recognise their own strengths and possibilities. We want our students to leave Berinba not only as successful learners, but as kind, courageous and compassionate young people who believe in themselves and know they can make a positive difference in the world around them.
Most importantly, we want every child who walks through our gates to feel that they belong here.
We want our students to be known, valued and cared for - to know that there are adults who believe in them, friends who stand beside them and a whole school community cheering them on. Whether it is celebrating a wonderful piece of writing, mastering a new skill, performing on stage, representing our school, showing kindness to a friend or simply having the courage to keep trying when something feels difficult, every child's growth matters.
I am enormously proud of our students. They bring our school to life each day with their personalities, ideas, humour, creativity, determination and wonderfully individual ways of seeing the world. Their voices matter, and we want them to play an active role in shaping their learning, their school and the community around them.
I am equally proud of the extraordinary team of people who surround them. Our teachers, support staff, administration team and school leaders bring enormous care, skill and commitment to Berinba each day. They know that great schools are built through relationships - through noticing children, listening to them, challenging them, encouraging them and celebrating the progress they make along the way.
Everything we do is grounded in our school motto: Caring, Sharing and Achieving.
These are much more than three words. They capture who we aspire to be as a school. We care for one another. We share our ideas, experiences, successes and challenges. And we achieve by setting high expectations, working hard, supporting one another and recognising that success looks different for every child.
Our families and wider community are an incredibly important part of this story too. Children thrive when the significant adults in their lives work together with trust, openness and a shared belief in what is possible. We warmly welcome parents and carers into our school and value the knowledge, perspectives and hopes they bring for their children. Berinba belongs to all of us, and our school is stronger when students, staff, families and community learn and grow together.
Of course, some of the very best parts of Berinba are difficult to capture in words.
They are found in the laughter across our playground, the excited conversations coming from classrooms, the pride on a child's face when they share something they have achieved, the older student helping a younger one, the teacher who notices when a child needs a little extra encouragement, and the many small moments of kindness and connection that happen across our school every day.
These are the moments that make a school a community.
I invite you to explore our website, Facebook page and our newsletter, The Berinba Broadcast – Stories from the Schoolyard, where we proudly share the learning, achievements, opportunities and everyday moments that make our school such a vibrant place.
Better still, I warmly invite you to come and visit us. Walk through our classrooms, meet our students and staff, hear the laughter in the playground and experience the warmth and energy of Berinba for yourself.
I feel incredibly fortunate to lead this school and deeply proud of the children, staff, families and community who make Berinba what it is.
Together, we are creating a school where children are encouraged to dream big, where they are supported to grow, where their individuality is celebrated and where they know that someone believes in them.
A school where every child has the opportunity to care, share and achieve.
Welcome to Berinba Public School. We are very proud of our school, and even prouder of the children who make it so special.
Brendon Wright | Proud Principal of Berinba Public School
Our school leaders
Our school leadership team lead with purpose, care and a deep belief in the potential of every child. Together, they inspire and support our staff to create a school where every student is known, valued and cared for, and where they are encouraged to grow, achieve and thrive.
Our leadership team works collaboratively to build a culture of high expectations, strong relationships and continuous improvement. Through visible and purposeful leadership, they empower teachers, champion innovation and ensure that the decisions we make remain centred on what will make the greatest difference for our students.
Our Assistant Principals also provide leadership across key areas aligned with the NSW High Potential and Gifted Education Framework, helping students discover and develop their potential across the intellectual, creative, social-emotional and physical domains. Through enrichment opportunities, targeted programs and high-quality differentiated teaching, they work alongside teachers to recognise strengths, nurture passions and extend every learner.
At Berinba, leadership is ultimately about creating the conditions for others to flourish empowering our people, inspiring excellence and ensuring every child has the opportunity to soar.
Mr Brendon Wright
Principal
At Berinba Public School, the Principal leads with honesty, kindness, and courage. Their role is to create a safe, positive, and supportive environment where every child can learn and thrive.
The Principal works closely with teachers, students, families, and the wider community to shape the school’s direction and keep us focused on what matters most helping every child reach their full potential.
They guide the school’s vision, support high-quality teaching, and build a strong, inclusive culture where everyone feels valued.
A Principal’s leadership has a lasting impact on student learning and wellbeing, and they make decisions with clarity, purpose, and the best interests of children in mind.
Most importantly, the Principal helps create a school where students and staff feel safe, supported, and encouraged to grow every day.
Ms Julie Thirlway
Assistant Principal
Infants & Whole School Creative and Performing Arts
Our Infants Assistant Principal (K–2 and Creative & Performing Arts) plays an important role in ensuring our youngest learners have a calm, nurturing and high-quality start to school. They work closely with teachers across Kindergarten to Year 2 to support strong classroom practice, engaging learning experiences, and routines that help children feel safe, settled and confident every day.
A big part of their work is building warm relationships with students and families. They take time to get to know each child, understand their needs, and support teachers to create classrooms where children feel happy, included and ready to learn. They also help guide our Creative and Performing Arts programs across the school, giving students opportunities to express themselves and build confidence through music, dance, drama and art.
Mrs Amber Gavidi
Assistant Principal
Curriculum and Instruction
And LST Supervisor
The Assistant Principal (Curriculum and Instruction) helps make sure every child at Berinba has the best possible learning experience. They focus on strengthening how we teach literacy and numeracy, supporting teachers in their practice, and bringing high-impact classroom strategies into all learning spaces.
They work closely with the principal and partner with teachers and middle-level leaders across the school, helping build confidence, skills, and consistency in teaching. By coaching staff, modelling effective approaches, and supporting classroom practice, they help create calm, engaging and successful learning environments where every student can grow and thrive.
Mr George Holm
Assistant Principal
Special Education
Our Assistant Principal (Special Education) works closely with students, families, and teachers to make sure every child with additional needs feels understood, supported, and able to succeed. They help build strong inclusive practices across the school, support teachers in meeting students’ needs, and create a learning environment where every child can grow academically, socially, and emotionally as part of our Berinba Enriched Learning team.
Mr Charlie Fairfield-Smith
Assistant Principal
Primary & Whole School Sport & Enrichment
Our Primary Assistant Principal (Primary/Whole School Sport & Enrichment) is a key leader who supports students and teachers across Years 3–6. Their role is all about helping our senior primary students feel confident, supported, and ready to learn each day.
They work closely with teachers to make sure classroom learning is high-quality, consistent, and engaging. They also help staff grow in their practice and ensure that our routines across the school are calm, predictable, and caring so every child feels known, valued and supported.
This role also leads whole-school sport and enrichment opportunities, helping students connect, grow their strengths, and enjoy a wide range of experiences.
Mr Christopher Bradley
Assistant Principal
Attendance and Behaviour
Our Assistant Principal for Attendance and Behaviour plays an important role in helping Berinba Public School remain a safe, supportive and consistent place for every child. Their work focuses on building strong relationships with students, families, teachers and school leaders so that every student feels known, valued and cared for.
This role helps promote regular attendance, supports positive behaviour, and strengthens wellbeing across the school by using restorative approaches that build connection and understanding.
Rather than supervising a particular team, the Assistant Principal for Attendance and Behaviour works alongside teachers and school leaders to improve communication about attendance and behaviour, ensuring everyone is supported and working together. They advocate for teachers and help guide school-wide behaviour processes so that expectations are clear, fair and aligned with our school procedures.
Our Teaching Team
Our Teaching Team is at the heart of learning at Berinba. Every day, our teachers bring passion, care and high expectations to their classrooms, creating engaging learning experiences where every child is encouraged to grow, achieve and shine. They take the time to know each student as an individual, celebrating their strengths, supporting their needs and inspiring curiosity, confidence and a love of learning. Together, our teachers are committed to ensuring every student feels known, valued and cared for, while providing the challenge and support they need to reach their full potential.
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Mrs Fiona Northey
KN Classroom Teacher
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Mrs Tara Verma
KV Classroom Teacher
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Ms Julie Thirlway
1T Classroom Teacher &
Assistant Principal Infants & Whole School Creative and Performing Arts
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Christine Burke
1B Classroom Teacher
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Miss Hollie Williams
2W Classroom Teacher
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Mrs Belinda Leitch and Mrs Tracey Leggett
3L Classroom Teachers
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Mrs Brydie Blake
4B Classroom Teacher
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Mr Christopher Bradley
3/4B Classroom Teacher &
Assistant Principal Attendance and Behaviour
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Mrs Tessa Elvin and Mrs Kelly Facer
5/6FE Classroom Teachers
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Mr Charlie Fairfield Smith
5/6F Classroom Teacher &
Assistant Principal Primary & Whole School Sport & Enrichment
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Mr George Holm
MH Classroom Teacher &
Assistant Principal Special Education
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Ms Belinda Porter
MP Classroom Teacher
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Mrs Kristy Serafin and Mrs Amanda Cooke
MCB Classroom Teacher
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Mrs Lillian Dickson
Learning and Support
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Mrs Lisa Skelton
Learning and Support
- Aunty Audrey Ward
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Ms Penny Scown
Teacher Librarian
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Mrs Barbara Rayner
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Library Assistant
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Mrs Belinda Griffiths
Science Specialist Teacher
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Mrs Ruth Reynolds
STEM Specialist Teacher
School Learning Support Officers
Our Student Learning Support Officers (SLSOs) are an important part of the Berinba team, working alongside teachers to help every student feel known, valued, supported and successful. They provide caring, targeted support in classrooms, playgrounds and across school programs, helping students build confidence, independence and a strong sense of belonging. Through their patience, encouragement and strong relationships with students, our SLSOs help ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
- Mr Lachlan Elderton
- Mrs Andrea James
- Mrs Tanya McPherson
- Miss Rebecca Tuiti
- Mr Callan Kemp
- Mr Darcey Coates
- Mrs Leisa Doggett
Administrative and operations staff
Our Administrative and Operations Staff play an essential role in keeping Berinba running smoothly each and every day. Often the first friendly faces to welcome students, families and visitors, they provide care, support and assistance across all areas of school life. From helping families and students to managing the many important tasks behind the scenes, their organisation, dedication and commitment help make Berinba a welcoming, connected and caring place for everyone.
- Mrs Angela Parker
- Mrs Marianne Wright
- Mrs Kelly Puckett
- Mr Lachlan Elderton
- Mr Barry O'Marra
School Counsellor and Wellbeing
Our School Counsellors are a caring and valued part of the Berinba team, supporting our students to feel safe, understood and confident as they grow and learn.
Working gently alongside children, families and staff, our School Counsellors takes the time to listen, understand and provide support when a child may be experiencing challenges with their learning, friendships, emotions or wellbeing. Through trusted relationships and thoughtful support, they help children build confidence, develop strategies and recognise their own strengths.
- Ms Angie Van Hagen
- Mrs Kristy Barber
Have a question? We’re here to help.
Our friendly office team and Principal are always here to help. Whether you have a question, need support, or simply want to connect, we are only a phone call, email or visit away.
At Berinba Public School, we value strong relationships with our families and community, and believe open communication is an important part of helping every child feel known, valued and cared for. We warmly encourage you to reach out at any time. We are always happy to assist and support in any way we can.