Principal and staff profiles

Welcome from our Principal

Mr Sam Griffith, School Principal

As the Principal of Mount Gambier North Primary School, I’d like to warmly welcome you to our school community.
At Mount Gambier North, we are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student is encouraged to thrive. We work together as a team—staff, students, and families—to ensure our school is a place where learning and development are nurtured every day.
I’m proud to lead a school recognised for its strong community connections and commitment to positive learning outcomes. We deeply value our ties to the local community and strive to ensure that our school is not only a place of learning but also a supportive network for families and carers. Our school values — Choose Kind, Work Hard, Be Safe — are reflected in our daily interactions and are celebrated across all areas of school life.
We value open communication and invite your feedback to help us best meet the needs of your child.

Meet our leadership staff

Meet our leadership staff

Lisa Tapp

Deputy Principal

I am passionate about learning inclusion, literacy and have a soft spot for Junior Primary. I am tuned into how children learn, not just what they’re taught. I mix academic insight with a creative heart, especially when supporting early learners and those with diverse needs. BTeach, BEd, BSpecEd, MAppLing, GradCertAccLit, GradCertDevTrauma

Lisa Tapp, Deputy Principal

I am passionate about learning inclusion, literacy and have a soft spot for Junior Primary. I am tuned into how children learn, not just what they’re taught. I mix academic insight with a creative heart, especially when supporting early learners and those with diverse needs. BTeach, BEd, BSpecEd, MAppLing, GradCertAccLit, GradCertDevTrauma

Arm Puangpaka

Intensive English Learning Program Leader

With over 20 years' experience in EAL/D across IELP and EALD, I support refugee, migrant, and multilingual students with a strong focus on culture, identity, and belonging. I foster a safe, respectful space where every learner feels valued. At our IELNAP, we balance academic learning with care and connection, working closely with families to build trust. When learners are ready, we proudly transition them to mainstream—confident and prepared, like birds ready to take flight. BA, GradCertTeach,

Arm Puangpaka, Intensive English Learning Program Leader

With over 20 years' experience in EAL/D across IELP and EALD, I support refugee, migrant, and multilingual students with a strong focus on culture, identity, and belonging. I foster a safe, respectful space where every learner feels valued. At our IELNAP, we balance academic learning with care and connection, working closely with families to build trust. When learners are ready, we proudly transition them to mainstream—confident and prepared, like birds ready to take flight. BA, GradCertTeach,

Simone Badenoch

Student Wellbeing Leader

I have been a Student Wellbeing Leader at Mt Gambier North PS for 15 years, with 32 years of teaching experience. My role supports students and families by providing advice and referrals to external services, encouraging school attendance, positive behaviour, and learning, and offering strategies for positive relationships. I assist in critical situations as part of the Emergency Response Team, maintaining confidentiality unless legally required or if safety concerns arise.

Simone Badenoch, Student Wellbeing Leader

I have been a Student Wellbeing Leader at Mt Gambier North PS for 15 years, with 32 years of teaching experience. My role supports students and families by providing advice and referrals to external services, encouraging school attendance, positive behaviour, and learning, and offering strategies for positive relationships. I assist in critical situations as part of the Emergency Response Team, maintaining confidentiality unless legally required or if safety concerns arise.

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Jo Hannan-Pink

Administration Manager

Jo Hannan-Pink, Administration Manager

Olu Lande

Finance Manager

Olu Lande, Finance Manager

Denise Mitselburg

Senior Administration Officer

Denise Mitselburg, Senior Administration Officer

Jacquline Templeton

Library Manager

Jacquline Templeton, Library Manager

Teaching staff

Foundation - Year 2 Special Options

Sue Shepherd & Jasmine Hurst

Foundation

Angela Warburton & Pam Telfer

Year 1

Meagan Baldwin & Rachael Byers

Year 2

Gemma O'Conner & Rachael Byers

Year 3 - 4 Special Options

Chris Humphries & Jasmine Hurst

Year 3

Bianca Jones & Miechel Lusty

Year 4

Natahsa Yeates & Miechel Lusty

Special Options Year 4 - 6

Sarah Cameron & Jasmine Hurst/Eoin McIlduff

Year 5

Luke Foran & Jennifer Miller

Year 5 -6

Julie Jones & Jennifer Miller

Year 6

Jordan Barss & Glenda Christian

Specialist Teachers

Physical Education

Melissa Russell

Aboriginal Educaiton Teacher

Trish Reppin

Autism Inclusion Teacher

Meagan Baldwin

Literacy Co-ordinator

Jordan Barss

Intensive English Learning Program

F - Year 2

Rosy Mancuso/Chetna Rambani

Year 4 -6

Vanessa Lassaline/Arm Puangpaka/Chetna Rambani

Instrumental Music Staff

Woodwind/Percussion

Geoff Stephens

Brass

Cameron Hoursburgh

Strings

Jane Van Eyk

Rhythm

Neil Bensted

Woodwind

Sonja Gooding

Support staff

Student Support Officer

Avin Anwer

Student Support Officer

Bronwyn Clode

Student Support Officer

Bronwyn Johsnon

Student Support Officer

Caryl Mansell

Student Support Officer

Chelsea Gabriel

Student Support Officer

Chloe Duryea

Student Support Officer

Cristan Smith

Student Support Officer

Danielle Casey

Student Support Officer

Daisy Yates

Student Support Officer

Hannah Whelan

Student Support Officer

Jason Dunn

Student Support Officer/Wellbeing

Jess McCracken

Student Support Officer

Jo Lindner

Student Support Officer

Kylie Hann

Student Support Officer

Leonie Newton

Student Support Officer

Moo Gay

Bilingual Support Officer

Olivia Wormald

Student Support Officer

Rizgar Hassanki

Student Support Officer

Sally Higgins

Aboriginal Education and Community Officer

Sally Work

Student Support Officer

Sharon Wilson

Student Support Officer

Sian French

Pastoral Care Worker

Trudy Shelton

Community Wellbeing Support

Julie Brooks