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 Kanahooka High School, a vibrant learning community situated on beautiful Lake Illawarra, proudly located on Dharawal country.
As the relieving Principal, it is my honour to lead a school where every student is encouraged to strive for their personal best. At Kanahooka High, we believe in setting high expectations and nurturing a supportive, dynamic environment that empowers students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to reach their potential.
Our focus on high academic outcomes is supported through targeted Literacy and Numeracy programs, a strong emphasis on Explicit Teaching, and dedicated opportunities for students through our High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) initiatives. Students are also supported through a range of interventions and care provided by our Wellbeing and Learning and Support Team, ensuring every learner has the help they need to succeed.
We value the meaningful connections we build with families, local industry, interagency partners, and our partner primary schools. These authentic partnerships are essential in providing a seamless and enriching educational journey for our students.
Kanahooka High is more than just a school; it is a community where students are challenged to achieve their personal aspirations within an inclusive and caring environment. We are proud of the culture we foster here and are excited to continue working together to support lifelong learning for every member of our community.
We invite you to learn more about what makes Kanahooka a special place for students and families.
Regards,
Anthony Kalsow
Relieving Principal
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.
Our Staff
Business Manager: Suzanne Richards
Administration Manager: Melinda Arrighi
Head Teacher Mathematics:
Adam Walton
Head Teacher Science: Marc Gunner
Head Teacher English:
Erin McKinnirey
HSIE Head Teacher: (Relieving) - Jeremy Wilson
TAS Head Teacher - Geoffrey Olsen
Head Teacher PDHPE - Anthony Steffanelli
Head Teacher Transition - Tom Curry
Director: Clontarf Foundation - Michael Montegue
General Assistant - Joe Floro
General Assistant - Russell Kent
General Assistant - Peter Gann
Educational Pathways Head Teacher: Grant Knowles
LaST / Wellbeing Head Teacher - Sarah White
Secondary Aboriginal Funding Head Teacher - Ben Rostron
Year 7 Advisor - Allison Hoyn
Year 8 Advisor - Melissa Farquhar
Year 8 Advisor - Tim Windsor
Year 9 Advisor - Amy Fenton
Year 9 Advisor - Chris Smith
Year 10 Advisor - Emilie Mallise
Year 10 Advisor - Wen Yu Chen
Year 11 Advisor - Andrew Edwards
Year 11 Advisor - Matt Rankin
Business Manager
Administration Staff
Administration Manager: Melinda Arrighi
Administration Officer - Office: Natalie Bazaz
Administration Officer - Office Stage 4: Sally Ayala
Administration Officer - Office Stage 5: Silvana Petrovski
Adminstration Officer - Office Stage 6: Jeanette Reed
Administration Officer - Office: Mary Loutas
Administration Officer - Transition Centre: Michelle Davies
Administration Officer - Science: Tracey Palmer
Administration Officer -Library: Tina Moore
Administration Officer - TAS: Renae Garrett
Administration Officer - TAS: Cathy Lodge
Administration Officer - Educational Pathways: Brianna
Reed
Technical Support Officer: Benjamin Harding
Mathematics
Head Teacher (Relieving) Adam Walton
Maths Faculty Staff
Teacher: Alice Heffernan
Teacher: Michelle Winwood-Smith
Teacher: Simon Swan
Teacher: Bryce Harper
Science
Head Teacher: Marc Gunner
Science Faculty Staff
Teacher: Daniel Arthur
Teacher: Christopher Smith
Teacher: Tim Windsor
Teacher: Georgia Blanch
Teacher: Bridgette Street
English
Head Teacher (Relieving): Erin McKinnirey
English Faculty Staff
Teacher: Isra Constantine
Teacher: Guy Francis
Teacher: Lizzy Cross
Teacher: Donald Edwards
Teacher | Dance: Annaleise Burnside
Teacher | Dance: Ann McClelland
Teacher | Music: Sharon Dedini
Librarian
Isra Constantine (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
Tess Hathway (Monday, Friday)
Human Sciences in its Environment
Head Teacher (Relieving): Jeremy Wilson
HSIE Staff
Teacher: Emily Mallise
Teacher: Matt Rankin
Teacher: Andrew Edwards
Teacher: Wen Yu Chen
Teacher: Karl Mathews
Teacher | LOTE: Allison Hoyn
Technological and Applied Studies and Visual Arts (TAS VA)
Head Teacher: Geoff Olsen
TAS Staff
Teacher: Jared Poppett
Teacher: Sharon Chambers
Teacher: Ben Howard
Teacher: Dean Invernon
Teacher | Art: Natalie Maples
Teacher | Art: Slavko Traicevski
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
Head Teacher: Anthony Stefanelli
PDHPE Faculty Staff
Teacher: Darren Nunn
Teacher: Amy Fenton
Teacher: Nicole Tate
Teacher: Dana Behan
Teacher: Caitlin Nastovski
Transition Centre
Head Teacher: Tom Curry
Transition Centre Staff
Teacher: Lauren Burns
Teacher: James Last
Teacher: Daniel Lozanoski
Teacher: Clayton Rugg
Teacher: Sandra Thatcher
Teacher: Lisa Baldwin
Teacher: Jamin Barrett
Teacher: Allen Rodrigues
Teacher: Drew Shaw
Teacher: Katrina Townend
Teacher: Samuel Charles
Teacher: Kirstie Barsby
Clontarf Foundation
Director: Michael Montague
Clontarf Staff
Steven Carlson
Zach Stewart
General Assistants
Joe Floro
Russell Kent
Peter Gann
Educational Pathways
Head Teacher: Grant Knowles
Teacher: Melissa Farquhar
Teacher: Randolph Mar
LAST / Wellbeing Faculty
Head Teacher: Sarah White
Head Teacher: Isra Constantine
LaST|Wellbeing Faculty
Teacher: Brooke Knox
Teacher: Joel Holland
Teacher: Kerrianne Lowis
Teacher: Paul Kipp
Teacher: Tim Cartwright
Student Learning Support Officers SLSO's
Wellbeing
Wellbeing: Jessica Buchanan
Wellbeing: Kathryn Bishop
Wellbeing - Kate Limon
Wellbeing - Nicole Bone
Wellbeing: Russell Carberry-Donovan
Aboriginal Education
Secondary (Aboriginal Education):
Tynella Garrett
Mavrick Waddell
Jordain-Rain Lightowers
Transition Centre
Transition Centre: Michelle Arkell
Transition Centre: Louise Burns
Transition Centre: Amanda Dean
Transition Centre: Skye Hassan
Transition Centre: Michelle Hogan
Transition Centre: Maree Markham
Transition Centre: Kristy Roth
Transition Centre: Luke Thurston
Transition Centre: Tabatha Walker
Transition Centre: Jordain-Rain Lightowers
Transition Centre: Russell Carberry-Donovan
Counsellors
Counsellor: Eleisha Benedetti
Counsellor: Rebecca Glover
Secondary Studies/Aboriginal Education
Head Teacher: Ben Rostron
Year Advisers
Year 7 Advisor - Allison Hoyn
Year 8 Advisor - Melissa Farquhar
Year 8 Advisor - Tim Windsor
Year 9 Advisor - Amy Fenton
Year 9 Advisor - Chris Smith
Year 10 Advisor - Emilie Mallise
Year 10 Advisor - Wen Yu Chen
Year 11 Advisor - Andrew Edwards
Year 11 Advisor - Matt Rankin
Year 12 Advisor - Simon Swan
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.
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.
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.