staff

Staff List

Kerry Poole, Principal I completed my initial teacher training at Sydney University, receiving a Bachelor of Education. I later completed my Master of Education degree part time at Charles Sturt University. I am a trained teacher mentor and I am currently using my skills as a mentor in the Targeted Principal Preparation Program. I am a presenter at the DET Principal Induction Conference organised through the Leadership and Professional Learning Directorate and I am an active member of the Leadership Alliance working with the LPLD Directorate, the Primary Principal’s Association and the Secondary Principal’s Council. I am the Western Sydney representative on the NSW Primary Principal’s Association Human Resources Reference Group and am a member of the NSWPPA Promoting Public Schools Working Party and Leadership Working Party at State level and at Regional level, and a member of the Leadership Development Group and Promotions Committee. In my 28 year teaching career, I have taught in a range of educational settings in Western Sydney. I have also worked as both a Western Sydney Disadvantaged Schools Program (DSP now PSFP) Consultant and Regional Professional Support Consultant. Ironbark Ridge PS is my second school as principal having been appointed as the foundation principal of this new school in October 2004. I am looking forward to leading the school as it continues to grow and take its place alongside the other excellent public schools in the Hills area.
Catherine Stokes, Assistant Principal
Judith Burns, Assistant Principal Attended Charles Sturt University, DipPrimary Teaching, GradDipEd (Leadership. Taught Richmond Public School, (Executive Teacher) 14 years while three daughters attended Freemans Reach Public School and Hawkesbury High. I was appoint Assistant Principal at Comleroy Road Public School in 2001 and then appointed Assistant Principal at Ironbark Ridge Public School in 2007. I love all sports and coach State League Netball as well as junior netball. Facilitated Tournament of Minds teams, Regional, State and National winners. I believe all students benefit from public speaking so I encourage competing in eisteddfods, debates and public speaking competitions.
Rebecca Adams, Class Teacher I completed a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) in 2003 at the University of Western Sydney. Since then, I have worked as a day-to-day casual teacher in various western Sydney primary schools. In 2004 and 2005 I worked at Plumpton Public School where I taught year 6 on temporary blocks. In 2006 I was lucky enough to get another temporary block on a 3/4 composite class at Ironbark Ridge Public School. Later that year, I was appointed permanently to Ironbark Ridge. This year I am teaching Kindergarten and I am loving every moment of it. It is wonderful to see how quickly each student progresses throughout the year. I believe the classroom should be a place where all students feel comfortable to "have a go" at various things. It should be fun and exciting as well as challenging.
Candice Aguilera, Class Teacher
Kerri Black, RFF Teacher I was appointed to Ironbark Ridge Public School part-time, two days a week in 2006. I completed my teacher training at USW Nepean, and have taught at several schools, including Colyton Public School for 8 years, before transferring to a part-time position at Ironbark Ridge Public School. I have experience on all grades K-6 as well as support. I have relieved as an Assistant Principal for an extended period of time and have extensive experience in all KLA's. I enjoy sports of all kinds and have an interest in the arts, especially dance and music. I am extremely fortunate to work in such a wonderful school community.
Natalie Childs, Support Teacher Learning Assistance I completed a BADip.Ed at Macquarie University in 1996. I worked at St Paul's Choir School at Bankstown for two years before moving to Tara Anglican Girls' School were I taught infants and primary children for nearly six years. Next I took up a position at Ironbark Ridge where I am currently working as the Support Teacher Learning Assistance and also relief from face to face (RFF) teacher with various classes.
Paul Cecil, Class Teacher Bachelor of Education (Primary) Hons, University of New England Armidale 2007. Interests: Sport; Technology; Bringing country to the city and giving children that experience. The basis of my teaching methods are the following indispensible guidelines. set high standards at the beginning and expect excellent work. Create a comfortable and friendly environment in which students are alwasy encouraged to ask questions and are praised for their efforts. Present new material with enthusiasm - make students laugh! Keep the students stimulated and respond to each and every indivudual need. Most importantly, a teacher needs to be human and treat students with respect. A teacher should never lose the confidence or the passion to teach and should never stop learning.
Sarah Kline, Class Teacher
Rachel Short, Class Teacher I completed a Bachelor of Education at Macquarie University in 2000. I then worked in several schools during my first year of teaching including Kings Langley and Matthew Pearce Public Schools, working predominately on Stage 1 classes. The following year I received a temporary position at Beaumont Hills Public School where I spent the next four years teaching. During my time at Beaumont Hills I coached T-Ball and Netball teams and taught Kindergarten, Stage 2 and Stage 3. At the end of 2005 I applied for a permanent position at Ironbark Ridge Public School and after being interviewed I was lucky enough to be offered the position. Since starting at Ironbark Ridge I have spent the last two years teaching Kindergarten and have also taken on the role of Technology Coordinator. Last year I cooperatively choreographed a kindergarten dance group that performed at the Celebrating the Arts Festival and have also been involved in preparing the Kindergarten Verse Speaking choirs with my colleagues for the last two years. I have been very lucky so far in my teaching career to have had so many experiences in teaching on variety of grades and extra curricula areas.
Charlottte Thomas, Class Teacher I completed my BEd (Primary) at the University of Western Sydney in 2006. This is currently mty first temporary position. I have previously taught at Colyton Public School, Emu Plains Public School and Blaxland Public School. I have an active interest in the creative arts, with specific focus on dance. I have been dancing for many years and and enjoy teaching students of all ages. I have been involved in choreography the Senior Girls Dance Group and look forward to further projects. I am also interested in developing students dramatic skills in order to assist in their articulation, confidence and improvisations. I am very lucky to be at Ironbark Ridge and be part of a fantastic and supportive environment.
Judy Paton, Librarian I have been teaching for many years in a number of different schools. I worked full time before having my family and then returned to casual and temporary work in both Primary and Secondary schools. At the moment I am working 5 days a fortnight at Ironbark Ridge PS in the position of teacher librarian, while the other five days I teach at Northmead H S in the role of STLA/ESL.
Katrina Sexton, ESL Teacher Diploma of Teaching/Bachelor of Education UWS- Nepean. Previous experience: William Dean PS, Rouse Hill PS; Ironbark Ridge PS. Area of special Interest: Sport Education if the cornerstone of our society. It is a priviledge to be a part of helping today's children realise their potential.
Shauna McGill, Teachers Aide Shauna has many years of experience in schools as a teachers aid. She came to Ironbark Ridge from Beaumont Hills PS and has become an indispensible asset to our classrooms by providing learning assistance to students. Shauna has worked very closely with teachers in providing programs designed to help children with specific learning need. She is highly valued by staff and her efforts have made a significant difference in the academic performance of the children in her care. Shauna is also a member of the administrative team and uses her genuine and caring nature to provide support to staff and students, especially when dealing with children in our clinic. She is an important part of the mechinism that makes this school so respected in the community.
Therese Fox, School Administrative Manager I have worked in schools for approximately 10 years. My previous position was at Baulkham Hills High School, were I developed my understanding of school administration and the application of technology to school management. My early work experience was in tertiary education spanning nearly 20 years with various tertiary institutions. I have a keen interest in developing our school website and improving communication via this medium. I feel very proud of our school and its growing reputation for excellence.
Suzanne Belcher, School Administrative Assistant I have been working in schools for just over 10 years. I was employed at my previous school, Bligh Park PS, for 7 years. Starting out as a Teacher's Aid Special and then moving into the Admininistration area. I have extensive experience in classroom and office procedures and have brought that experience to my current position at Ironbark Ridge PS. I love interacting with the students and teachers and I'm proud to be a member of such a great team.
Paul Howe, Site Manager Ironbark Ridge Public School is fortunate indeed to have such a wonderful site manager as Paul. He keeps this school looking magnificent, while cheerfully dealing with the many requests for help from staff and student. Paul applies his many talents to such tasks as building gardens to fixing computers. Paul is a great favourite with all the children and has been a major contributor to the friendly, nurturing culture of the school.