Principal and staff profiles
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. Knowing our dedicated team has played an important part in shaping their pathway and in helping them achieve the best outcomes is a privilege and a joy.
We value diversity, inclusion and a sense of community – and that starts as soon as you walk through the gates at Taparra Primary School. We are committed to creating a safe, positive and nurturing environment that fosters creativity, curiosity and a love of learning.
The sense of unity and encouragement from our students, staff and families creates a space where everyone feels they can be themselves, where everyone belongs, and where every student thrives.
We would love to introduce you to our school.
Meet our leadership staff
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
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.
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 Taparra 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 Taparra is the supportive culture and enthusiastic learners.
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
Science and The Arts teacher
Tracy Carlisle-Smith
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
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Groundsman
Dave Hockenhull