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 Tacking Point Public School, a vibrant and well-equipped modern school located in the beautiful Lighthouse Beach area of Port Macquarie, proudly serving an enrolment of approximately 600 students. Our highly trained professional staff are dedicated to fostering an enriching educational environment that nurtures every child's potential.

At Tacking Point, we are committed to delivering strong literacy and numeracy programs embedded within the 'Quality Teaching Framework.' This approach ensures that our students build a solid foundation across all essential key learning areas. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our improving academic performance.

To address the diverse needs of our students, we supplement the core curriculum with a wide range of tailored learning experiences. We offer various activities designed for our High Performance and Gifted (HPGE) students. Additionally, we provide a variety of support programs, reading tutors, support teacher learning assistance, and counselling services, all coordinated by our effective Learning and Support Team (LAST) to meet individual student needs.

Our learning environment is further enhanced by an impressive technology program, featuring internet facilities, laptops, iPads and interactive screens in every room.

We take pride in our comprehensive transition programs, ensuring a smooth journey from Pre-school to Kindergarten, and we are refining our Year 6 to Year 7 transition process to facilitate an efficient entry into high school.

Tacking Point Public School boasts an exceptional performing arts program, with three choirs, including Bel Canto, which has performed at the Opera House for the past decade. Our school band, comprising over 190 students, benefits from individual tutorials, while our drama, dance, and other groups consistently perform with distinction at Eisteddfods, music festivals, community concerts, and various events.

In 2017, we were honoured to be designated a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Action School, one of only eight in NSW, highlighting our commitment to innovative education.

Our Sport and PDHPE (Personal Development, Health and Physical Education) program, has led to outstanding results in sports, with many students representing us in NSW Primary School Sports Association (PSSA) knockouts and progressing to state and national levels in individual sports, as well as in major PSSA events like swimming, athletics, and cross country.

We place a strong emphasis on student wellbeing, guided by our core values of care, courtesy, respect, and responsibility. Our recent work with Zones of Regulation and The Resilience Project programs underpin our approach to discipline, complemented by specific support programs and management plans tailored to individuals’ needs.

Student leadership is highly valued at Tacking Point, with our Student Representative Council (SRC) initiating various projects, fundraising for Year 6, producing STEM Expo and helping to host the Performing Arts Showcase.

We are fortunate to have a strong connection with our community, supported by an active parent group that plays a vital role in school life through the dedicated Parents and Citizens' Association (P&C).

Thank you for being part of our Tacking Point Public School community. Together, we are fostering an environment where every student can thrive and achieve their best.

Warm regards,

Mr. David Munday, Principal of Tacking Point Public School

Our Deputy Principal

Our Deputy Principal provides strong and compassionate leadership, fostering meaningful connections among staff, students, and families. Through her guidance, our school continues to uphold an enriched culture of wellbeing and support, where every individual feels valued and part of the Tacking Point family. This collaborative approach strengthens our warm community and ensures that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

Our school leaders

Our school leaders, including our deputy principal and principal, guide teachers and students. They help create a school culture where every child is supported to grow and thrive.

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

Kindergarten

  • KH: Mrs Katrina Harvey

  • KN: Miss Naomi Williams

  • KW: Mrs Kym Wignall

  • KT: Mrs Lucy Beard

    Year 1

  • 1K: Mrs Kate Jones

  • 1J: Mrs Lina Jackson

  • 1S: Mrs Leanne Smith

  • 1/2C: Mrs Sally Cooper

    Year 2

  • 1/2C: Mrs Sally Cooper

  • 2L: Mrs Tracey Lickess

  • 2M: Mr Matthew Bale

  • 2B: Mrs Lisa Barnett

    Year 3

  • 3H: Mr Robert Harris

  • 3O: Mrs Melissa Ostler

  • 3/4T: Mrs Hayley Sinclair

    Year 4

  • 3/4T: Mrs Hayley Sinclair

  • 4B: Mrs Megan Bryant

  • 4O: Mrs Nicole Osborne

  • 4M: Miss Molly Beaver

    Year 5

  • 5D: Mr Ben de Braun

  • 5L: Mrs Leah Bourke

  • 5/6B: Mrs Danielle Bussell

    Year 6

  • 5/6B: Mrs Danielle Bussell

  • 6M: Mrs Rebecca McCann and Mrs Megan Redman

  • 6G: Ms Susan Garratt

  • 6L: Ms Kerryn Lindley

    Library

  • Mrs Jordan Shields

    Release from Face-to-Face (RFF)

  • Mrs Shannon Hatton

  • Mrs Susan Curtis-Bianco

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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
  • Ms Davison, School Counsellor
  • Mrs Danielle Mifsud, School Psychologist
  • Mrs Rachael Spitzer, Learning and Support Teacher (M/T/W)
  • Mr Tyler Harris, Learning and Support Teacher (T, F)
  • Mrs Leanne Williams, SLSO
  • Mrs Lindell Bailey, SLSO
  • Miss Lara Tunbridge, SLSO
  • Mrs Sharron Leishman, SLSO
  • Mrs Kathy Simpson, SLSO
  • Mrs Alison Rolfe, SLSO

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.

Our administrative and operations staff
  • Mrs Kim Kennedy, Business Manager (BM)
  • Mrs Kate Gresswell, School Administration Manager (SAM)
  • Mrs Natalie De Braun, School Administration officer (SAO)
  • Mrs Sue Moore-Jones, School Administration officer (SAO)
  • Mrs Kathryn Smead, School Administration officer (SAO)
  • Ms Liana Laws, School Administration officer (SAO)
  • Mr Garry Simpson, General Assistant (GA)
  • Mrs Anna Linton, Canteen Staff
  • Mrs Amelia Browne, Canteen Staff

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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.