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

"Bulahdelah Central School is situated on traditional Aboriginal Woromi land, and sits just under the scenic Alum mountain. BCS is a K-12 school and our vision is for all our students to ‘Strive to Achieve’ in a safe, supportive learning environment where all students develop knowledge and skills necessary to be self-directed and collaborative problem solvers in a global society. Underpinning this vision is the installment of strong core PRIDE values for all students of Participation, Respect & Responsibility, Integrity, Determination and Excellence.

Set on picturesque grounds, the school is adorned with artistic murals, a synthetic rubber-based playground in the Primary along, with a large gymnasium in the Secondary. We also have 2 grassed play areas surrounded by natural bushland.

Our school’s agricultural farm (1 of only 300 in the state) provides students with hands-on experience through VET Primary Industries, equipping them with real-world skills in animal husbandry, crop production, and sustainable farming practices. This unique program supports career pathways in agriculture while fostering responsibility, teamwork, and a strong connection to the land.

We invite you to visit our school and experience firsthand the warmth, dedication, and excellence that make Bulahdelah Central School a great place to learn and grow."

Michelle Archer, Rel. Principal of Bulahdelah Central School

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.

Deputy Principals

Primary Assistant Principals

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.

Secondary Head Teachers
  • Vanessa Shultz – English  (English, History, Visual Art)
  • Chris Gladys – TAS (Technological Applied Studies, Science, Geography, Careers & LOTE)
  • Warren Jones – Wellbeing/PDHPE (Counsellor, PDHPE)
  • Nadine Wilson - Multi-Category Team – MC Teachers, LaST, SLSOs

Our Year Advisors

Our Year Advisers are dedicated teachers who support the wellbeing and learning of each year group, acting as the main point of contact for students and their families throughout their high school journey.

Primary Teachers
  • Sofie Dorney – Teacher
  • Danielle Davy – Teacher
  • Alex Wills – Teacher
  • Ashleigh Pearson
Secondary Teachers

English/Visual Art Faculty:

  • Michelle Gray
  • Heather Moncrieff
  • Jackie O'Connell
  • Tara Smith
  • Samantha Woolnough

TAS/Science Faculty:

  • Georgina Cunich
  • Linda Drenkhahn
  • Jake Kinnear
  • Michael Kiernan
  • Melina Morrow
  • Wendy Parsons
  • Tarnika Wood

Wellbeing/PDHPE Faculty:

  • Emily Ballard
  • Colin Bray
  • Lyle Burdekin
  • Alycia Ferguson
  • Ashlee Styles

Multi-Category Faculty:

  • Dean Bellamy (MC3)

  • Lee-Anne Bramble

  • Ben Forsyth (MC1)

  • Grace Fray (LaST)

  • Courtney Rodger (LaST)

  • Karen Shead

Contact our school to learn about our teachers.

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.

If you need to contact someone about the wellbeing of a student, please contact the office on 04997 4329 and ask to speak with, or make a time to speak with our staff in the order below.

Primary
  • Class teacher
  • Assistant Principal
  • Deputy Principal
  • Principal
Secondary
  • Year Advisor
  • Head Teacher Wellbeing
  • Deputy Principal
  • Principal

If you need to talk to someone about a student's learning, please contact the office on 04997 4329 and ask to speak with, or make a time to speak with our staff in the order below.

Primary
  • Class teacher
  • Assistant Principal
  • Deputy Principal
  • Principal
Secondary
  • Classroom teacher
  • Faculty Head Teacher
  • Deputy Principal
  • Principal
Our wellbeing and support staff
  • Emily Ballard, Counsellor (Tues)
  • Colin Bray, Counsellor (Wed & Thurs)
  • Alycia Ferguson, Counsellor (Mon & Fri)
  • Tania  Stephens, Student Support Officer

Contact our school to learn about our wellbeing and support staff

SLSO (School Learning Support Officer)
  • Kristie Burdekin
  • Nicole De Pater (MC)
  • Brett Dixon
  • Quenorie Eades
  • Angela Montgomery (MC)
  • Nicole Pyniw
  • Shanelle Russell (MC)

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.

Melissa Smith, Business Manager
Our administrative and operations staff
  • Melissa Smith, Business Manager
  • Kathy Aquilina, SAS
  • Edwina Bidwell, SAS
  • Leanne Gooch, SAS
  • Erin Matheson, SAS
  • Ebony Mitchell, SAS
  • Julie Worth, SAS
  • Jay Jones, TSO
  • John Barry, General Assistant
  • Greg Minett, General Assistant

SAS - School Administrative Support

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.

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.