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
Mount Colah Public School is a co-educational school where excellence and equity go hand in hand. We are committed to ensuring every child is known, valued and challenged, and that each student leaves our school confident, capable and prepared for the next stage of learning.
Situated on Dharug land in the leafy suburb of Mount Colah, our school is proud of its beautiful grounds, strong sense of community and rich history since 1952. While we honour our past, our teaching practices are grounded in contemporary, evidence-informed approaches that maximise both student growth and wellbeing.
Our core business is teaching and learning. Through explicit instruction, high expectations and careful use of data, we ensure strong progress in literacy and numeracy for every student. We complement this with rich opportunities in sport, creative and performing arts and student leadership, recognising that learning is both academic and personal. Our internal and external data consistently demonstrate the positive impact of this disciplined and focused approach.
At Mount Colah, excellence is built on relationships. Our dedicated and experienced staff foster a culture of collaboration, professional learning and shared accountability. Students are respected as individuals with both rights and responsibilities, and our values of integrity, excellence, respect and responsibility guide our daily work.
Student wellbeing underpins academic success. We maintain clear behaviour expectations, structured routines and proactive support systems to ensure a safe, orderly and inclusive environment. Our uniform code promotes equity and school pride, and our wellbeing processes are consistent, transparent and aligned with Department of Education policy.
Technology is thoughtfully integrated across the school. Students access iPads and Chromebooks to enhance learning, collaborate and create. We are deliberate about responsible device use and managing screen time, ensuring technology strengthens teaching rather than replacing it. Digital citizenship and safe online practices are explicitly taught so students can participate confidently and responsibly in the digital world.
We value parents and carers as genuine partners in education. Our highly active and supportive Parents and Citizens Association plays a significant role in strengthening our school — contributing to governance discussions, fundraising for major improvement projects and enhancing facilities for students.
We are also fortunate to have an exceptional independent Before and After School Care provider operating onsite. While the service is not managed by the Department of Education, we work in close collaboration to ensure consistent expectations, strong communication and a seamless experience for children and families across the school day.
Starting school is a significant milestone for families. We recognise the trust you place in us and are committed to building a strong partnership with you. Together, we will nurture your child’s curiosity, capability and character, ensuring they leave Mount Colah Public School not only ready to succeed, but ready to contribute.
Mrs Clare Davidson, Acting Principal
Mount Colah Public School
Our school leaders
The principal is responsible for the educational leadership and management of our school. If you would like to speak to the principal, please contact us to make an appointment.
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: Mrs Clare Davidson (Acting)
- Assistant Principal – Early Stage 1 – Mrs Maxine Basili (Relieving)
- Assistant Principal – Stage 1 – Mrs Belinda Skyring-Deans
- Assistant Principal – Stage 2 – Mrs Jane Grimshaw
- Assistant Principal – Stage 3 – Ms Katrina McGuire
- Assistant Principal – Curriculum and Instruction – Mrs Jilliann McLean
- Assistant Principal - Welfare - Mrs Maxine Basili* (Relieving)
Our teaching staff
Our professional, university-educated teachers encourage students to develop a love of learning and a desire to succeed. They maintain the highest integrity and concern for your child’s wellbeing.
Teachers
- Class KF – Mrs Claire Fenton
- Class KMJ – Mrs Jane Lee (Term 1)
- Class K/1D – Miss Dante Duru
- Class 1/2J – Miss Tayla Jackson
- Class 1/2M – Mr Scott Macey
- Class 1/2R – Mrs Robyn Reinhardt
- Class 1/2SC – Mrs Belinda Skyring-Deans & Mrs Meg Carroll (Thursday/Friday)
- Class 3/4AS – Mrs Abbey Buwalda (Monday/Tuesday & Odd week Wednesdays) and Mrs Stephanie Spooner (Thursday/Friday and Even week Wednesdays)
- Class 3/4GK – Mrs Jane Grimshaw & Mrs Lydia Kopse (Wednesday/Thursday)
- Class 3/4N – Miss Lucy Neville
- Class 3/4OJ – Mrs Cheryl Oliver & Mrs Jilliann McLean (Friday)
- Class 5/4B – Miss Jess Butler
- Class 5/6K – Ms Katrina McGuire & Miss Karina Elliott (Wednesday/Thursday/Friday)
- Class 5/6L – Miss Liesl Behrens
- Class 5/6P – Mrs Tanya Perring
- Class 5/6S – Mrs Sally Elliott
- Librarian - Mrs Ishbel Murray
- PE - Mr Steven Paterson
- Science - Mrs Scott Morris
School Administrative Staff
Our school office is open Monday to Friday and is staffed by our administration team:
- School Administration Manager – Mrs Naomi German (Monday–Friday)
- School Administration Officer – Mrs Michelle Pauly (Monday–Wednesday)
- School Administration Officer – Mrs Lerna Evanian (Tuesday–Friday)
- School Administration Officer – Mrs Melinda Crocker (Monday, Thursday and Friday)
Learning and Support Staff
- Mr Anthony Lai - School Counsellor
- Alison – Monday, Wednesday–Friday
- LiLi – Monday–Friday
- Seb – Monday, Tuesday and Friday
- Neve – Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
- Erika – Thursday and Friday
Other Staff
- Mr George Chorobik - General Assistant
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.
Highlighting MCPS
Hear about stories, wins and proud moments from our staff and students.