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 Bowral High School. We are dedicated to delivering exceptional learning opportunities for all students. As a proud High Potential and Gifted Education partner school, we responsibly identify and develop high potential and talent in all students, underpinned by strong equity principles, ensuring every student receives the support and challenge needed to take their learning to the next level.

Guided by our core values of respect, responsibility, and fairness we hope all students experience a safe and inclusive learning culture to realise their personal best. We prepare young people for future study and work, helping them become confident, ethical citizens.

We invite you to discover the wide range of opportunities available at our school and see first hand how we support every student to connect, thrive and succeed.

Safija Bristina, RIPrincipal of Bowral High School

background

light

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.

Safija Bristina, R I Principal

Proud advocate for public education

Angie Harmey, DP I&S

Year 9 and 12

James Strachan, Deputy Principal

Year 8 and 11

Jay Short, A I Deputy Principal

Year 7 and 10

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.

Teaching staff

English - Sam Schroder (Head Teacher):

Angela Nicholl
Fausto Centurion (Languages)
Jayden Martin (ARCO)
Ryan Kriss
Stephanie Garner (Year 7 Adviser I 2026)

Mathematics - Ben Hewitt (Head Teacher):

Annabelle Liesert (A I HT CAPA)
Cameron Crisafi
Kim Hol
Sarah Smith (Year 7 Adviser)
Sharon Brown

Science - Tim Flaus (Head Teacher):

Andrew Hawker (Year 12 Adviser)
Kristy McCann
Laura Purches (Year 8 Adviser)
Rachel Ford (R I Year 10 Adviser )
Yarran Cox
Zenobia Katrak (Year 11 Adviser)

HSIE - Tara Claire (Head Teacher):

Catherine Johnson
Geoff Andrew
Jay Short (A I Deputy Principal)
John Raison
Rudi Kolednik

TAS - Scott Rabbidge (Head Teacher):

Christine Sands
Diane Samulski
Emily Millan (Year 9 Adviser)
Erin Shanks
Ling Billet
Rebecca Fieldhouse

CAPA - Annabelle Liesert (A I Head Teacher):

Felicity Billington
Lynn Cohn
Mark Morgan
Polly Karakasch-Hawker

PDHPE - Carl Davey (Head Teacher):

Damon Myyrylainen
Hayley Reeves
Josh Perizzolo (R I Head Teacher T&L)
Lara Halls-Smith
Rand Hennessy

Support - David Verdejo (A I Head Teacher):

Grant Franklin (ARCO)
Jacinta Purcell-Hancock
Jenny Hook
Nathaniel Camarsh
Nicole Ottosson
Stewart Chappelow

Year advisers

2025:

Year 6 - Stephanie Garner
Year 7 - Sarah Smith
Year 8 - Laura Purches
Year 9 - Emily Millan
Year 10 - Rachel Ford
Year 11 - Zenobia Katrak
Year 12 - Andrew Hawker

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.

Our support staff

Our extensive team of support staff are the engine room for our school. They provide the administration for our school to run smoothly and operate effectively - supporting our teachers to do what they do best.

Specialist staff enable our students to engage in learning and other opportunities in the classroom and beyond.

Our specialist staff

School Counselling and Psychologist Team:

Belle Donachie
Fiona Batty
Sharni McGee

Student Support Officer (SSO):

Bronwyn Woodward

Student Learning, Support & Pathways:

Carolyn Evans - Careers Advisor, NESA Coord. and VET Coord.

Library:

Caroline Worner - Teacher Librarian, DE/Aurora Coord. and Daily Organisation

Learning and Support:

Nelle Porter-Renwick - LaST
Patricia Lee - HSC Hub Coordinator

School Learning Support Officers:

Karen Geer
Leanne Flaus
Marissa Carlon
Michelle Hore
Melissa Buckley
Wendy Holt
Stacey Vernon
Stacey Whatman
Tiffany Sands
Trudy McCallum

School Administration and Support Staff:

Deborah Gray - Business Manager
Kristi Barr - R I School Administration Manager
Brad Johnson (TSO)
Deb Velthuis (TAS Prep Room)
Donna Franolic (Front Office)
Kaili Lehtsalu (Front Office)
Mark Stephenson (General Assistant)
Mary Zink (Front Office)
Michelle Carlon (Finance)
Skye McManus (Front Office)
Tanya Beattie (Front Office)
Victoria Nicholson (Science Lab Tech)

Who would be the best point of contact?

We are here to help. Request the person in the role that has the delegated authority to assist you best.

Year adviser

Year Advisers act as the first point of contact for parents/carers and students with non-academic concerns. They can assist with matters related to the general wellbeing of students. Their role is to provide support and guidance with:

transitions (Year 6 - 7, 8 - 9, 10 - 11)
organise year group events
monitor student progress, behaviour and attendance
coordinate support services
liaise with other teachers and support staff
provide adult advocacy and pastoral care

Class teacher

Class teachers are the first point of contact for parents/carers and students with academic concerns. They can clarify anything related to their subject and class such as:

classwork
assessments and/or assignments
homework
extracurricular activities related to their subject
class excursions
class competitions

Head teacher

Head Teachers are responsible for the leadership and management of subject areas aligned to faculties. They are responsible for leading and supervising their faculty with:

curriculum delivery

student behaviour support

A parent can contact a Head Teacher if they have worked with their child’s classroom teacher and feels that an issue requires further clarification, support or attention.

Deputy principal

A parent/carer and students should contact the Deputy Principal of their Year Group for support with any major concerns related to: