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

I am the proud Principal of Prairievale Public School, a vibrant and inclusive community where every child is known, valued, and supported to meet their potential.

At Prairievale, we believe all students can succeed when learning is engaging, challenging, and connected to their world. Our dedicated staff deliver high-quality, evidence-based teaching that inspires curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning.

We offer a strong High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) program that nurtures each student’s unique talents across creative, intellectual, physical, and social-emotional, encouraging every learner to achieve their best.

Student wellbeing is central to our approach, supported by our Diverse Learner Unit, Community Hub, and strong partnerships with families and local agencies. Together, we create a caring, connected environment where every student can learn, grow, and thrive.

I invite you to explore our website to discover what makes our school special. We look forward to welcoming you into our community.

Rebecca Challenor, Principal of Prairievale Public School

School principal Rebecca Challenor next to school sign

background

light

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.

Rebecca Challenor, Principal

Mary Loeung our Deputy Principal Wellbeing

Mary Loeung, Deputy Principal Wellbeing

Matthew Dibley our Deputy Principal for Inclusion and Support

Matthew Dibley, Deputy Principal Inclusion and Support

Jessica Borg our Assistant Principal Curriculum and Instruction and Stage 3 Leader

Jessica Borg, Assistant Principal Curriculum and Instruction and Stage 3 Leader

Maya Djuka our Assistant Principal Curriculum and Instruction

Maya Djuka, Assistant Principal Curriculum and Instruction

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 teaching staff

Leticia Duarte, Assistant Principal ES1, K/1D
Veronica Attard, KA
Jurjina Benyamin, KB
Hayley Smith, Assistant Principal S1, 1/2S
Selin Hasan, 1/2H
Helen Penman, 1/2P
Rita Yousif, 1/2Y
Courtney Rebeiro, Assistant Principal S2, 4R
Megan Nguyen, 3N
Maryam Raheem, 3R
Judy Jones, 4J
Cindy Nguyen-Le, 5N
Christopher Bugge, 5/6B
Krishma Gounder, 6G
Grant Norton, 6N
Rawand Zaidan, Assistant Principal Inclusion and Support, K-6Z
Amy Kelly, K-6C
Chloe Wills, K-6W
Nelly Badal, K-6B
Lisa Gauci, K-6R
Natasa Pupovac, K-6P
Silvano Pagano, K-6A
Fiona Barkho, Assyrian Community Language
Andrew Tang, Vietnamese Community Language
Rebecca Naim, Spanish Community Language

Contact our school to learn about our teaching team

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.

Our wellbeing and support staff

Pam Rajapakse, Library
Carol Jekki, EAL/D
Levantina Sipione, EAL/D
Stefanie Caristo, EAL/D
Sasha Numan, EAL/D
Natasha Warda, EAL/D
Usha Lal, Intervention/ LST
Andria Pagano, Intervention/ LST, Library
Stephanie Maycock, Intervention/ LST
Christine Alderson, Intervention/ LST
Chandra Harpalani, DL RFF
Mary Cotsios, SLSO
Yako Jabbo, SLSO
Leanne Rodham, SLSO
Chitra Lufor, SLSO
Seseel Al- Birbeg, SLSO
Nineveh Youkhanna, SLSO
Roxana Mimoso, SLSO
Isabella Formosa, SLSO
Cathy Cossetto, SLSO
Marrian Astley, SLSO
Peggy Nguyen, SLSO
Andrea Diaz Ocampo, SLSO
Therese Cash, SLSO
Savanna Raisa, SLSO
Tuvaka Palu, SLSO
Jacinda Ayoub, SLSO
Lulu Salameh, SLSO

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.

Our administrative and operations staff

Jan Watling, School Administration Manager
Suzy Culmone, School Administration Officer
Stephanie Bennett, School Administration Officer
Rayelean White, SLSO, SAM/SAO
Antoanet Warda, Community Liaison Officer, SLSO
Tony Cossetto, General Assistant
Shirley Lu, Counsellor
Nadia Brosque, Community HUB Leader

Community Liaison Officer

Our Community Liaison Officer supports families who speak a language other than English. She provides information, translation and connects families to extra services. Mrs Antoanet Warda speaks Chaldean, Assyrian and Arabic.

Community HUB Leader

A Community Hub Leader acts as the vital link between the school, families, and the wider community. They create a welcoming, inclusive space where families, particularly those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, can connect, learn, and access support services. Through partnerships, programs, and engagement initiatives, the Hub Leader strengthens family participation in school life and enhances student learning and wellbeing.