Our principal and staff

Our school emphasises a holistic approach to education, and our breadth of curriculum, leadership, community partnerships and wellbeing programs prepare students for the opportunities and challenges beyond the classroom. Be Kind is a whole school initiative focussed on kindness and respect, linked to our annual WomenKind, MenKind, ParentKind and StudentKind events.

We are dedicated to enhancing outcomes for all students through a relentless focus on quality teaching and learning practices that increase student engagement, personalise learning experiences, and encourage the pursuit of personal and academic excellence. Our students consistently achieve strong academic results, as evidenced by our HSC outcomes, and excel in the creative and performing arts and on the sporting field. We also run an extensive outdoor education program which allows students to complete the Duke of Edinburgh qualification.

Katoomba High School is proud of our beautiful grounds and resources, including our new multipurpose facility 'Yanguu'; our Aboriginal bush space ‘Birriban’; ‘Binyang’, our purpose build inclusive education facility; a grow tunnel producing fresh food in partnership with Farm It Forward; a commercial kitchen; modern science labs; and a dedicated senior study space. These resources provide our students with the tools they need to thrive.

The Parents and Citizens Association (P&C) plays a vital role in the Katoomba High School community. This dedicated group works tirelessly to support teachers in delivering quality learning experiences in the classroom. Their outstanding loyalty and advocacy for public education have contributed to the confidence of the local community in our school.

Welcome from our principal

I welcome you to our website and hope that you will enjoy the information offered. Katoomba High School is a comprehensive secondary school on the traditional lands of the Gundungurra and Dharug people and we passionately serve the diverse community of the Upper Blue Mountains. We exist to inspire students to explore their potential and are committed to developing a culture of high expectations, high support and high challenge; values that nourish the development of creative, confident, accomplished young people.

I am so proud to have the opportunity to serve as Principal of this wonderful school, in this kind and engaged community.

Tess Devine, Principal

DA - Gallery Portrait - Gallery Block Template - Staff Portrait

Our deputy principals

Our school leaders help create a school culture where every child is supported to grow and thrive.

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.

Our teaching staff

HT = Head Teacher

CAPA

  • Melissa Grahovac (HT)
  • Courtney Brown
  • Robert Campbell
  • Julie Hiam
  • Melanie Ham
  • Robert Mattessi
  • Bradley McLeod
  • Michelle Paulley
  • Rebekah Williams

English

  • Renae Bystrzynski (HT)
  • Belinda Bower
  • Erin Cummings
  • Matthew Defina
  • Colleen Fliegner
  • Jane Hillsley
  • Anneliese Hoffmann
  • Jenni Kennedy

HSIE

  • Andrew Finlay (HT)
  • Emma Coco
  • Sam Hewett
  • Thomas Hoekstra
  • Caroline Jose
  • Amber MAH
  • Lorna Maher
  • Tracie McMahon
  • Marcus Philp
  • Jarrod Regan

Careers

  • Charmaine Tully

Languages

  • Amy Archer
  • Brigid Gibson
  • Natalie Graham

Library

  • Janelle Van Capelle

HT Secondary Studies

  • Belinda Bower

HT Learning and Support

  • Alicia Hopkins

Mathematics

  • Carolyn Jeffery (HT)
  • Merryn Bird
  • Elizabeth Daley
  • Tess Devine
  • Alicia Hopkins
  • Michael Jones
  • Sharon McCarthy
  • Susanne Stevenson
  • Steven West
  • Justin Zeltzer

PDHPE

  • Reece Boothroyd (HT)
  • Mark Baker
  • Matthew Everson
  • Morgan HUXLEY
  • Katie Luscombe
  • George McDonell
  • Ethan Simone
  • Dominic Tintner
  • Brooke Williams

Science

  • Taara Wilson (HT)
  • Sean Catterson
  • Josephine CRIMMINS
  • Elizabeth Glasscock
  • Amy Kiah
  • Miguel Pastore
  • Nadia Prazak
  • Rylan Simone
  • James Taylor

Binyang

  • Zoe Free (HT),

  • Sally Binet (T),

  • Rowan Cane (T),

  • Andrew Davies (Wed-Fri),

  • Megan Holz

  • Narelle Kathryn

  • Sheree Martin

  • Penelope Nash

  • Julia Pannell

  • Sam Travers

  • Katherine Woods

TAS

  • Louise Hanrahan (HT)
  • Jane Allen
  • Michele Draper
  • Marianne Harper
  • Nikolai Liu
  • Jock Mclaurin
  • Christian Meadth
  • Hamish Moulder
  • Peter Murray

ILC

  • Jan Mason
  • Sean Catterson
  • Caroline Jose
  • Lindsey Pacchini

SALT

  • Ashlynn Abrahams
  • Sean Catterson
  • Karl Erickson
  • Alicia Hopkins

WINGARA

  • Greg Brooks
  • Courtney Brown
  • Sean Catterson
  • Emma Coco
  • Claire Heenan
  • Jenni Kennedy
  • Katie Luscombe
  • Julia Pannell

HUB

  • Zoe Free
  • Dominic Tinter
  • Emma Coco
  • Josephine Crimmins

Contact our school if you need to get in touch with a particular teacher.

Year advisors
Year 7 Amy Kiah
Year 8 Amber Mah and Jarod Regan
Year 9 Elizabeth Glasscock
Year 10 Nikolai Liu and Marianne Harper
Year 11 Lorna Maher
Year 12 Janelle Van Capelle

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.

Wellbeing and support staff

Our wellbeing and support staff guide student wellbeing, learning needs and inclusion. They work with teachers to make personalised adjustments. This means each child can take part fully in school life. We make our school welcoming and accessible to every child.

Our wellbeing and support staff

SLSO

  • Felicity Anderson
  • Marina Brown
  • Carlo Formosa
  • Matthew Payne
  • Anna Snelling
  • Amanda Ward
  • Ruth Cayzer
  • Kay-Lee Howlett
  • Sarah Prophet
  • Sonja Evensen
  • Helen Flint
  • Georgia Galbraith
  • Oliver Gaul
  • Bonnie Gringhuis
  • Colleen McArthur
  • Daniel Rosewell
  • Angela Suckling

Counsellors

  • Julia O'Brien
  • Rebecca Patterson
  • Michael Vidler

Student Support Officer

  • Viktoria Gulabovski

Administrative and operations staff

Our administrative and operations staff keep our school running smoothly. They support students, teachers and families every day. You can find them in our front office or on the school grounds.

Our administrative and operations staff

Business manager

  • Louise Baker

School administrative manager

  • Sally Keogh

School administrative officers

  • Steph Tsai

  • Marie Byrne

  • Caitlin Hicks

  • Sophie Campbell

  • Kate Buckley

  • Kate Trevena

  • Sharon Schloeffel

  • Hollie Morrison

  • Jenny Vanderkyl

  • Kerry-Ann Cawthorne

  • Julie Polson

Library

  • Elizabeth Wilcox
  • Kim Quirk

Technical Support Officer

  • Dylan Koch

Community Liaison Officer

  • Nikki Boys

General Assistant

  • Brett Wilson
  • Paul Rattenbury

Have a question for our principal or teachers?

Our friendly office team can help you get in touch.

Contact us

Additional learning support

Find out how we support students with disability or additional learning needs.

Stories and highlights

Hear about stories, wins and proud moments from our staff and students.