Our principal and staff

"It is my great honour to welcome you to our wonderful school community. At Berinba, our staff are focused on helping all of our students to reach their full potential. We have the great opportunity as educators, to walk alongside our students and prepare them to become globally minded individuals who contribute proactively and positively to the world. At Berinba, we are passionate about education, and hope that as you explore our website, Facebook page, and newsletter "The Berinba Broadcast - stories of the schoolyard" you gain a sense of the caring and child focused ethos we foster. It is an immense privilege and honour, as Relieving Principal, to work with such dedicated students and staff.

Everything we do at Berinba is underpinned by our schools motto of Caring, Sharing and Achieving. Values in which our whole school community is committed to and live by each day. We value positive partnerships between home and school and know that working together is one of the best ways to support student’s engagement and participation at school. I encourage all parents and carers to take an active role in your child’s learning journey. Primary school is a truly special time. Children are at the heart of all we do. Their social and emotional well-being are as important as their academic achievements.

I warmly invite you to visit our school, so that you too, can experience the laughter in the playground, the learning conversations happening in classrooms and the true magic that happens here at Berinba Public School each day".

Mr Brendon Wright | Relieving Principal

Mr Brendon Wright

Relieving 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.

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.

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.

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.

Ms Lisa Pumpa

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 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.