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
Welcome to Bundeena Public School
We are thrilled to welcome you and your family to the Bundeena Public School community. Thank you for choosing us to be a part of your child’s educational journey.
At Bundeena Public School, we are dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every student can excel academically, socially, and personally. Our passionate teachers and staff work together to inspire curiosity, encourage creativity, and celebrate each child’s unique strengths.
We know that strong partnerships between home and school are key to student success. We invite you to be actively engaged in your child’s learning and to become part of the vibrant life of our school. Together, we can foster a positive and enriching experience that supports your child’s growth and development.
Thank you for trusting us with your child’s education. We look forward to a rewarding partnership and many great achievements ahead.
Sally Kelly, Principal of Bundeena Public School
Our Staff
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.
Principal
Sally Kelly
Assistant Principals
Paula McAree - K - 2
Carlie Pack (Rel) - 3 - 6
Brenton Sweet - 3 - 6
Jodie Sheehy - Curriculum & Instruction
Paula McAree - Assistant Principal K-2
As the Assistant Principal K–2 at Bundeena Public School, supporting students and parents is at the heart of my role. With 40 years of teaching experience, I bring deep knowledge and commitment to nurturing and guiding our school community. Alongside my leadership responsibilities—including supervising K–2 staff—I teach K–2 classes, allowing me to engage directly with students and support their learning. I coordinate meaningful transition activities and provide guidance during kindergarten orientation, ensuring our youngest learners start their school journey with confidence. Through close collaboration with K–2 staff, individual learning needs are identified, student wellbeing is promoted, and a safe and supportive environment is fostered. Leading the Learning and Support Team, I advocate for tailored assistance that meets the diverse needs of our students. With a strong passion for literacy and numeracy, I am dedicated to supporting and enhancing student progress in these critical areas. By building positive relationships and encouraging open dialogue, I strive to create a welcoming school community where every child feels valued and parents are actively involved in their child’s education journey.
Jodie Sheehy - Curriculum & Instruction
As the Assistant Principal, Curriculum and Instruction, I am very lucky to have the opportunity to work with every student in our school. My job is to help make sure all students have the best possible learning experience. I work alongside teachers to plan exciting lessons that suit our students’ different needs and interests, making sure everyone has the chance to learn and grow. At the moment, our main focus in classrooms is on improving reading fluency, so students can become confident and enthusiastic readers. I also support our teachers with new ideas and strategies so they can do their jobs even better. My goal is to help every child feel motivated, confident, and supported, while making our school a place where learning is enjoyable for everyone.
Carlie Pack - Relieving Assistant Principal for Years 3–6
With 25 years of teaching experience in many different contexts, I feel truly fortunate to have landed here at Bundeena Public School. I bring with me a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and leadership experiences as Relieving Assistant Principal for Years 3–6 and Student Wellbeing Officer for K-6. As both an educator and wellbeing leader, I am deeply committed to creating a positive and supportive school environment where every student feels known, valued, and connected.
I work closely with classroom teachers, students, and families to support the wellbeing and success of every child across the school. I coordinate a range of wellbeing initiatives and programs, including whole-school wellbeing week activities, lunchtime “Mates” programs, and buddy reading opportunities that foster inclusion, leadership, and positive relationships among students. I am passionate about seeing every learner understand themselves and achieve their personal best as well as making our school safe, kind and welcoming to all.
Alongside these leadership responsibilities, I continue to teach Stage 3, maintaining strong connections with students and a passion for high-quality teaching and learning.
I believe strongly in the power of education, especially when it is delivered with a genuine connection and a smile.
Brenton Sweet - Assistant Principal for Years 3–6
As the Assistant Principal 3–6 at Bundeena Public School, I am committed to supporting students, staff, and families while fostering a positive and engaging learning environment across the upper primary years. Having been part of the school community for 12 years now, I value the strong relationships and sense of connection that make our school and community such a special place. I have developed and lead a wide range of connections between the school and community and value the special place our school has in Bundeena. Alongside my leadership responsibilities and support of Stage 2 and 3 staff, I coordinate technology across the school and lead our High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) teams, ensuring students are challenged, supported, and inspired in their learning. I have a particular passion for science, technology, and mathematics, and I enjoy creating opportunities for students to develop curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills in these areas. Through collaboration with staff and families, I strive to promote student wellbeing, academic growth, and a culture where every child feels encouraged to achieve their personal best.
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.
- Paula McAree- K/1 Burra
- Lyn Pitt -1/2 Yaxa
- Helen Holloway/ Erin Hardaker- 2/3 Wulumay
- Karen Johnston - 4 Garawan
- Reece Sainsbury - 5/6 Burri Burr
- Brenton Sweet/ Carlie Pack - 5/6 Djungah
Contact our school to learn about our teaching team
Erin Hardaker - 2/3 Wulumay
With nearly 10 years of teaching experience, Erin Hardaker brings enthusiasm and dedication to her role. She teaches 2/3 Wulumay on Mondays, sharing the class with Helen Holloway, who teaches from Tuesday to Friday. Mrs Hardaker also provides RFF teaching and works closely with Paula McAree in K/1 Burra to give additional support to our Kindergarten and Year 1 students. Mrs Hardaker is passionate about encouraging children to value effort, embrace mistakes as opportunities for learning, and celebrates their creativity in a warm and nurturing classroom environment. Outside of school, she enjoys dancing, reading and spending time adventuring with her husband and three young children. This year, Mrs Hardaker is delighted to lead the Year 4 dance group, sharing her love of movement and performance with students.
Karen Johnston - 4 Garawan
I am a passionate Year 4 classroom teacher at Bundeena Public School with extensive experience across Stage 2 and Stage 3, as well as a background in special education behaviour. I have a love for teaching English literature and creative arts, particularly visual art, and enjoy inspiring students through creative and engaging learning experiences. With a keen interest in science, I also coordinate the school environment club and actively support student leadership by assisting Mrs Kelly with SRC meetings and activities. As a member of the sport committee, I love promoting physical activity and well-being among our students. As part of the High Potential and Gifted education team at Bundeena Public School, I am committed to identifying students’ strengths and providing enriching extension opportunities to help them reach their full potential. I am dedicated to providing children with a variety of enriching experiences that nurture their creativity, curiosity, and overall well-being
Lynette Pitt - 1/2 Yaxa
I have been teaching at our school since 2011 and am passionate about creating engaging and enjoyable lessons that cater to the diverse needs of all students. My approach balances active and written work, ensuring students have meaningful breaks from desk learning throughout the day. As a member of the HPGE team, I take great joy in identifying and providing opportunities for our high potential and gifted students to deepen their knowledge and develop their unique talents. I also love incorporating our beautiful bush surroundings into lessons across key learning areas, encouraging students to connect with nature and learn beyond the classroom. Being part of the K–2 team, I cherish witnessing our younger learners grow and thrive. What makes our school truly special to me is its warm, family-like atmosphere, where siblings and children of all ages play together, showing kindness, patience, and empathy towards one another.
Reece Sainsbury - 5/6 Burri Burri
Hello, I’m Mr Reece Sainsbury, the teacher of 5/6 Burri Burri, and this is my fifth year at Bundeena Public School. I am passionate about creating a positive and engaging learning environment where all students feel supported to achieve their best.
Alongside teaching, I am the school’s Sports Coordinator and work as the Technology Coordinator on Mondays and Tuesdays. I am also a proud member of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) team, helping to embed Aboriginal culture and perspectives across our school community. I have a particular passion for Mathematics and PDHPE and enjoy helping students grow in confidence both inside and outside the classroom.
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.
- Carly Pack - Wellbeing Officer
- Patty-Anne Westlake - SLSO
- Ashley Crumlin - SLSO
- Yuri Hromow- SLSO
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.
- Hope Tonna - School Administration Manager
- Alison Celarc - School Administration Officer
- Travis Farnell - General Assistant
Contact our school to learn about our administrative and operations staff
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
Discover clubs, sports and other activities your child can enjoy at school.