Principal and staff profiles - Taparra Primary School

Welcome from our Principal

Mrs Caitlin Manser, School Principal

It’s an honour to be Principal of this inclusive, vibrant and welcoming school.

I love seeing our students grow and transform academically, socially and emotionally. Each day our dedicated team at Taparra demonstrate a deep commitment in shaping our student’s pathway and in helping them achieve the best outcomes.

At Taparra Primary School, we deeply value the principles of diversity, inclusion, and community. From the moment you step through our gates, these values are at the heart of everything we do. Our commitment is to provide a safe, positive and nurturing environment where every child feels encouraged to explore their creativity, spark their curiosity, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Our school community is united by a strong sense of belonging. This supportive environment creates a space where each individual is valued, where every student can thrive, and where collective success is celebrated.

We invite you to experience the unique spirit of Taparra Primary School firsthand. We would love to show you around and share with you the vibrant, supportive environment that defines our school. We look forward to the possibility of welcoming you to our school community and working together to support our your child’s growth and success.

Meet our leadership staff

James De Palma

Senior leader, Inclusion

I lead our disability unit and ensure all students with additional needs feel included and supported in the classroom. My favourite thing about Taparra Primary School 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

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

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 Taparra is the supportive culture and enthusiastic learners.

Aimee Cook, Senior leader, Wellbeing

Teaching staff

Reception/Year 1 teacher

Renae Nathanael

Year 2/3 teacher

Jessie Rook

Year 3/4 teacher

Emma Davidson

Year 5/6 teacher

Brooke McDonnell

AUSLAN and AET

Fiona Ratcliffe

Disability unit teaching staff

Primary teacher

Dimi Iaconis

Junior Primary teacher

Maddi Hancock

Primary teacher

Tayla Claridge

Primary teacher

Ella Goodwin

NIT teacher

Ella Smith

Support staff

Finance officer

Tracey Templeton

Admin officer

Jessica Crombie

SSO | Mainstream/Intervention

Lee Burdon

SSO | Mainstream/Library

Carron Beeching

SSO | Mainstream

Deb Wortmeyer

SSO | Mainstream

Rochelle Bragg

SSO | Mainstream

Matt Stevens

SSO | Disability unit

Peta Marschall

SSO | Disability Unit

Nathan Munder

SSO | Disability Unit

Erin Barrett

SSO | Disability Unit

Kayla De La Haye

SSO | Disability Unit

Lisa Cousins

SSO | Disability Unit

Alexis Duncan

SSO | Disability Unit

Christel Cooper

SSO | Disability Unit

Jaimee Coleman

SSO | Disability Unit

Bianca Hallam

SSO | Disability Unit

Mel England

Aboriginal Community Education officer

Casey Rix-Karpany

Groundsman

Dave Hockenhull