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
Our school is one of the state's academically selective high schools catering for highly gifted students. We were designated as a fully selective high school in 1989 after operating as a comprehensive high school since 1950.
Students at Penrith work alongside our very talented and hardworking staff with a strong cooperation and support from families. This partnership ensures a positive learning environment and an ongoing commitment to provide students and staff with high quality facilities and resources.
As a school community, we understand the needs of educating highly gifted learners, ensuring that they are well supported throughout the 6 years at school and equipped for the wider world beyond.
For over seven decades, Penrith students have lived the school motto of "Altiora Peto", serving and succeeding locally, nationally and globally across all fields of endeavour.
We are very proud to offer an evidenced based curriculum that challenges students. Our staff work alongside international experts in gifted education so that they can best support every student.
Our focus on a strengths-based education for all students, including our twice-exceptional (2e) students led the NSW Department of Education to ask the school to significantly contribute to the new High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) policy and associated resources as one of four early adopter schools across the state.
Please take the time to explore this site and discover how our 5–13 Wellbeing strategy, student leadership opportunities, and world-class co-curricular and enrichment programs foster meaningful connections among Penrith students, both within and across year groups. These connections enable students to collaborate with like-minded peers and pursue their talents, regardless of their age or stage of schooling.
On behalf of our school community of students, staff, alumni and parents, thank you for taking the time to learn more about our school.
Jaclyn Cush
Principal
BA Grad Dip Ed M.Ed (Lead)
Our school senior executive
Our school senior executive, includes our principal, three deputy principals and business manager. Together they guide staff and students. They set the vision and direction that ensures every staff member, child and community member feels known, valued and cared for.
- Principal: Ms Jaclyn Cush
- Deputy Principal : Ms Trang Lam (Years 9 & 12)
- Deputy Principal : Mr Anthony Vassallo (Years 8 & 11)
- Deputy Principal : Mr Grant Odei (Years 7 & 10)
- Business Manager: Mrs Maria Ryan
Our school leaders
Our school leaders, include our head teachers. Together, they help create a school culture where every child is supported to grow and thrive.
- Head Teacher English: Mr Steve Lidster
- Head Teacher Mathematics: Dr Anju Katyal
- Head Teacher Science: Ms Louise Holloway
- Head Teacher Social Sciences: Mr Michael Devine
- Head Teacher History: Mr Clark Stone
- Head Teacher Technology and Applied Studies: Mr Gary McGovern
- Head Teacher Creative and Performing Arts: Ms Gillian O'Connor
- Head Teacher PDHPE: Mrs Rebecca Smith
- Head Teacher Educational Achievement: Ms Dimity Scardanas
- Head Teacher Co-curricular Programs/LOTE: Ms Antoinette Pipio
- Head Teacher Administration: Mrs Bronwyn Martin
Our wellbeing and academic advisory team
Your child’s school experience is shaped by the people who support and guide them every day. Our Year Advisers, Academic Advisers, and other key teaching and support staff bring expertise, genuine care and a deep commitment to student growth. With a strong focus on wellbeing and success, they help every student navigate their journey and reach their full potential.
- Year 7 Adviser: Ms Sonia Kumar
- Year 8 Adviser: Ms Grace Guild
- Year 9 Adviser: Ms Annabel Goodman
- Year 10 Adviser: Mr Tim Bates
- Year 11 Adviser: Ms Zubaida Alrubai
- Year 12 Adviser: Mr Darwin Dos Santos
- Transition Adviser: Mrs Janine Fronczyk
- Stage 4 Academic Adviser: Mrs Teresa Battistella
- Stage 5 Academic Adviser: Mr Joseph Swinson
- Stage 6 Academic Adviser: Mrs Stephanie Micallef
- Stage 6 Academic Adviser: Mrs Mary Xiberras
- Learning Support Coordinator: Dr Ray Stathakis
- Psychologist: Ms Ali Smyth-King
- Psychologist: Ms Lisa Crooke
- Psychologist: Ms Peta Mills
- Student Support Officer: Ms Tiarne Verbeek
- Advocate for Female Students: Mrs Julie Letters
- Teacher Librarian/Distance Education Coordinator: Mrs Lisa Roberts
- Sports Coordinator: Mrs Rebecca Smith
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.
Have a question about our principal or staff?
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.