Our principal and staff
Our school team is committed to every student’s learning, wellbeing and sense of belonging. We work together to create a supportive and inclusive school where every child is set up for success.
Welcome from our principal
Galston High School is proud of its well-earned reputation as an outstanding school with strong connections to its local community. Our success is built on the quality of our academic and extra-curricular programs, our strong values and traditions, and the achievements of our students and staff.
At Galston High School, we are dedicated to delivering a high-quality education that nurtures the academic capabilities, talents, and interests of every student. Our vibrant learning environment is enriched by active programs in sport, debating, creative and performing arts, and leadership, offering students diverse opportunities to excel and reach their personal best.
Our school community is united by a shared commitment to excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We provide a supportive environment where students are encouraged to challenge themselves, embrace learning, and take pride in their achievements. Through engaging teaching and learning practices, we strive to inspire our students to become confident, capable, and compassionate individuals, well-prepared for future success.
At Galston High School, we cultivate lifelong values of respect, responsibility, and personal best, with an emphasis on embracing diversity and fostering resilience. We encourage our students to pursue their passions, develop self-discipline, and strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives. Our goal is to empower them to become future leaders and active contributors to their communities, both locally and globally.
I invite you to explore our website and follow our Facebook page or Instagram page to stay connected with our latest news and achievements. Our school newsletter, Grapevine, is published fortnightly, providing insights into school events and student successes. We value the partnership between school and community and warmly welcome your involvement in supporting the growth and success of our students.
Mrs Karen Shepherd,
Principal of Galston High School
Our school leaders
Our school leaders, including our principal, guide teachers and students. They help create a school culture where every child is supported to grow and thrive.
School Year Advisors
Year Advisers play a key role in supporting the wellbeing of students and ensuring it positively impacts their learning. They work closely with the school’s wellbeing team and classroom teachers to monitor and assist students in their year group. Year Advisers are often the first point of contact for parents regarding any concerns or issues related to a student.
Our teaching staff
Your child’s school experience is shaped by the people around them. Our teachers bring experience, care and a passion for learning to every lesson. With a focus on success, they help every child reach their full potential.
- Katrina Andrus, Head Teacher Secondary Studies, Music Teacher
- Aleesa Coghlan, Visual Art Teacher
- Anna Engesser, Visual Art Teacher
- Lis Freer, Music Teacher
- Cathy Saxby, Visual Art Teacher
- Tim Stevens, Music Teacher
- Kathryn Thomas, Drama Teacher
- TJ Ruckendorfer, Head Teacher
- Jake Allen, Teacher
- Lucy Anderson, Teacher
- Ching-Wen Gamble, Language Teacher
- Taylor Shaw, Teacher, Year 9 Advisor and 2IC Welfare
- Tilly Shephard, Teacher
- Evonne Sciberras, Head Teacher
- Rob Hitchcock, Teacher
- Belinda Small, Teacher
- Rebecca La Plume, Teacher
- Alison Meadows, Teacher
- Lea Smith, Teacher
- Kath Ballinger, SLSO
- Beth Billington, SLSO
- Fran Campbell, SLSO
- Adrienn Hevesi-Nagy, SLSO
- Kalicia Small, SLSO
- Sally Wagschall, SLSO
- Fiona Lamont, Head Teacher
- Jack Bird, Teacher & Year 7 Advisor
- Chris Lanske, Teacher
- David Lawrence, Teacher
- Fiona MacDonald, Teacher & Year 11 Advisor
- Lara Somerville, Teacher
- Sharon Johnston, Head Teacher
- Kylie Blarasin, Teacher
- Aparna Garg, Teacher
- Victoria Gonzalez-Fernandez, Teacher & Year 10 Advisor
- Miranda Hong, Teacher
- Lindsey Price, Teacher
- Chloe Anjoul, Teacher
- Michelle Smidt, Teacher
- Jade Ward, Teacher
- Claire Watt, Teacher & Year 8 Advisor
- Craig Whiteman, Teacher
- Troy Bishop, Head Teacher
- Lauren Bates, Teacher
- Debbie Bunn, Teacher
- Andy Dargan, Teacher
- Luke Ede, Teacher
- Raven Evans, Teacher
- Rachel Fernandez, Teacher
- Monica Holden, Teacher
- Riley Stevens, Science SASS
- Brett Draper, Head Teacher
- Sarah Byfield, Teacher & Year 12 Advisor
- Eric Date, Teacher
- Wendy Pike, Teacher
- Kiren Sandhu, Teacher
- Mel Tallon, Teacher
- Adrienn Hevesi-Nagy, SASS
- Mitchell Johnston, FA
- Janine O’Connell, Kitchen SASS
- Jake van Baarle, Head Teacher Welfare and Learning & Support, PDHPE Teacher
- Lachlan Gage, Student Support Officer
- Madeleine van Baarle, Welfare SLSO
- Annette Fraietta, Waddell Café
- Milena May, Careers Advisor
- Tanya Cooper, Counsellor
- Miro Zivanovic, Counsellor
- Karina Old, Wellbeing Nurse
- Cassandra Batey, LaST
- Fiona Hanks, LaST
- Lucy Anderson, SLSO
- Emily Ballinger, SLSO
- Carol Barlow, SLSO
- Matt Botoulas, SLSO
- Luraan Lucas, SLSO
- Irene Michas, SLSO
- Jacqueline Reeves, SLSO
- Amelie Stuut, SLSO
- Paul El Chaar, SRE
- Ms Maddison Murrell, Teacher Librarian
- Donna Binns, SAO
- Nicole Fox, SAM
- Timothy Hood, IT
- Namz Ginwala, SASS
- Louise O’Rourke, SASS
- Bre Parsons, Front Office, SASS
- Dave Roberts, GA
- Caitlin Shepherd, SASS
- Darren Small, BM
- Kelly Turnbull, Attendance SASS
- Catherine Waters, SASS
Our teachers make the difference
Committed to your child’s success
Our teachers ensure every student can thrive. They use proven ways to teach and tailor learning support for their students
Expert, connected and accredited
Our teachers are part of a strong education network. They may hold advanced accreditation. This ensuring high-quality teaching for your child.
Teachers who never stop learning
Our teachers are lifelong learners. They stay current through regular training and keep improving how they teach students.
Teacher–family partnerships
Our teachers build trust through clear communication. Our families know that their child has support and is ready to learn.
Have a question for our principal or teachers?
Our friendly office team can help you get in touch.
Additional learning support
Find out how we support students with disability or additional learning needs.
Student opportunities and activities
We offer a variety of programs in the classroom and across the school to help students build new skills, make friends and explore new interests.