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
St Marys Senior High School is an academically comprehensive high school which enrols students in Years 11 and 12 in preparation for the HSC.
It has a long-standing charter of increasing the range of educational options available to Stage 6 students in Greater Western Sydney, as well as enhancing their educational outcomes. This is achieved through offering a broad range of senior curricula, which is supported by an ethos of adult learning. Student-teacher relationships are based upon mutual respect and partnership and serve to establish a positive and safe learning environment.
Our student population is diverse in terms of cultural background, educational experience and future aspirations. The common goal fostered by students and staff alike, is a positive commitment to learning and a desire to achieve and continually build upon their personal best. This same ethos underpins our entire school community.
As a school community we value inclusiveness and independent student learning as part of the life-long learning experience. We also value the strength of our celebratory school traditions, while embracing innovation, in our teaching practice as a 21st century future-focused learning community.
We’re proud of our dedicated staff and strong partnerships with families and our community. Together, we ensure students feel valued and inspired to learn.
I invite you to explore our website to discover what makes our school special. We look forward to welcoming you into our community.
Sally Smithard
Principal of St Marys Senior High School
Our Executive Team and 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 clear focus on success in Year 11 and Year 12, they help every child to reach their full potential. They maintain the highest integrity and concern for your child’s wellbeing and have embraced the ethos of a senior school environment.
The staff is a mix of those with many years of experience and those who are in the earlier stages of their teaching careers.
All staff members are focused on working in partnership with students to assist them to achieve their educational, vocational and personal goals.
Our staff regularly reflect on their teaching practice, which is informed by value-added and HSC data analysis, and are actively involved in their own professional learning.
Many staff members are experienced HSC Markers and Senior Markers, bringing a wealth of expertise to the core business of quality teaching and learning at St Marys Senior High School.
Each teacher is part of a faculty, led by an experienced member of our Executive Team. Please be sure to contact our school to learn about our teaching team.
- Sally Smithard, Principal
- Danielle Ervine, Deputy Principal
- Leah Havord, Deputy Principal
- Prithy Chaudhary, Head Teacher English (Relieving)
- Simone Pett, Head Teacher Mathematics
- Lidija Radovancevic, Head Teacher Science
- Salochna Reddy, Head Teacher Commercial Studies
- Sharon Francis, Head Teacher TAS/PDHPE
- Shara Walsh, Head Teacher HSIE
- Nicole Bonfield, Head Teacher CAPA
- Matthew Topp, Head Teacher TAS/Computing Studies
- Luigi Serra, LOTE Coordinator
- Melissa Jacka, Head Teacher Wellbeing
- Lucas Widdison, Head Teacher Secondary Studies
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 are focussed clearly on the curriculum offered to students in Year 11 and 12, helping to ensure high-quality, explicit 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.
Student-family-teacher 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.
- Melissa Jacka, Head Teacher Wellbeing
- Isidro Alfonso, Student Support Officer (Relieving)
- Tracey Axisa, School Psychologist
Student Advisers:
- Jacqueline Crawhall, Year 12 2026, Surnames A-G
- Wendi Kambolli, Year 12 2026, Surnames H-O
- Luigi Serra, Year 12 2026, Surnames P-Z
- Vanessa Brown, Year 11 2026, Surnames A-G
- Reuben De Rooy, Year 11 2026, Surnames H-O
- Karishma Kumar, Year 11 2026, Surnames P-Z
Contact our school to learn about our wellbeing and support staff
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.
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.
Stories and highlights
Hear about stories, wins and proud moments from our staff and students.