Our principal and staff

At the heart of our school is our dedicated team of educators and support staff who are committed to nurturing the academic, emotional and social development of every student, setting them up for success.

Welcome from our principal

Ryde Secondary College is a place of genuine care and belief in the power of young people to achieve their potential through education. The nature of our school means that we are truly representative of the rich diversity of the world beyond the school, instilling in our students ethical and empathetic values that prepare them to navigate the real world as young adults.

Our learning culture is one that is warmly demanding of student potential. Our teachers foster critical thinking and curiosity alongside socio-emotional development so that students approach new challenges with confidence and grit. Our focus on equity and excellence extends beyond the classroom, whether on the sporting field, in creative spaces, or through community pursuits.

We are guided by our core values of equity and excellence which are at the center of our educational decision-making, ensuring that every learner feels valued and supported, and ready to make a positive difference in the world.

Mrs Cassy Norris

Principal of Ryde Secondary College

School principal
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Our senior leadership team

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.

Principal
  • Mrs Cassy Norris
Deputy Principals
  • Mr Karl Berthold - Year 11
  • Mr Jake Tonkin - Year 7 and 12
  • Mr Americo Chisari - Year 8
  • Ms Christine Manning - Years 9 and 10

Our leadership team

Head Teachers
  • Ms Quyen Tran - English
  • Ms Bharti Sharma - Mathematics
  • Mr Timothy Bollard - Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
  • Ms Emma Mazzaferro - Creative and Performing Arts
  • Ms Susan Groth - Science
  • Mr Joseph Bowers - Social Sciences and Languages
  • Mr Ryan Park - History
  • Ms Deborah Marten - Technology and Applied Sciences
  • Ms Dianne Denton - Support Unit
  • Ms Ashleigh Baso - Secondary Studies
  • Ms Myfanwy Gough - Wellbeing
  • Ms Kylee Edwards - Wellbeing and Sport
  • Ms Chiara Viscontini - Learning and Support
  • Ms Vanessa Kong - Administration
  • Mr Karl Farag - Administration
  • Mr Mitchell Ha - Teaching and Learning
An educator at Ryde Secondary College
"Our school is a place of genuine care. Educators here act in kindness and through informed practice to warmly demand the best out of every student."
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Our learning and wellbeing teams

Our learning support and wellbeing teams drive the academic, social, emotional and physical development of students to achieve their learning goals. They guide student wellbeing, learning needs and inclusion, working 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.

Wellbeing team
  • Ms Myfanwy Gough - Head Teacher Wellbeing Years 9, 10, 11 and 12
  • Ms Kylee Edwards - Head Teacher Wellbeing Years 7 and 8
  • Ms Julia Maxwell - Year 7 Advisor 2026
  • Ms Michelle Parkhouse - Year 7 Advisor
  • Ms Jemma Young - Year 8 Advisor
  • Ms Constance McGilchrist - Year 9 Advisor
  • Mr Antonio Tarquinio - Year 10 Advisor
  • Ms Narelle Penrose - Year 11 Advisor
  • Ms Aggie Palu - Student Support Officer
  • Mr Daniel Han - Anti-Racism Contact Officer
  • Ms Belinda MacPherson - School Psychologist
  • Ms Sharon Taylor - School Counsellor
Learning support team
  • Ms Chiara Viscontini - Head Teacher Learning and Support
  • Ms Ashleigh Baso - Head Teacher Secondary Studies
  • Ms Kirsten Vella - Learning and Support Teacher
  • Ms Eileen O'Sullivan - Learning and Support Teacher
  • Ms Pamela Dowdy - Learning and Support Teacher
  • Ms Gwendolyn McGinn - English as an Additional Language or Dialect specialist
  • Ms Electra Kollias - Transition Advisor
  • Ms Narelle Penrose - Careers Advisor
  • Ms Karen Van Es - Careers Advisor
Support unit
  • Ms Dianne Denton - Head Teacher Support
  • Mr Evan Davis - Support Teacher
  • Ms Rachael Gordon - Support Teacher

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 ensures 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.

Community partnerships

Our teachers build trust through clear communication. Our families know that their child has support and is ready to learn.

Our 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.

Administrative team
  • Ms Diane Kuman - Business Manager
  • Ms Carolyn Hirsch - School Administrative Manager
  • Mr Robert Bugariu - Contracted Technology Support Officer

Have a question for our teachers?

Our friendly office team can help you get in touch.

Contact us

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Additional learning support

Find out how we support students with disability or additional needs.

Stories and highlights

Head about stories, wins and proud moments from our staff and students.