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 Manning Gardens Public School I’m excited to welcome you to our school, where we create a supportive environment for every child to thrive. We value respect, curiosity, and teamwork. Our Core Values Respect: Every individual is treated with dignity and kindness, fostering a community where everyone feels safe and valued. Curiosity: We encourage a love for learning, inspiring students to explore and ask questions as they grow in knowledge and understanding. Teamwork: Collaboration is key. We emphasise working together, building strong relationships among students, staff, and families. Dedicated Staff and Strong Partnerships We’re proud of our dedicated staff and strong partnerships with families. Together, we ensure students feel valued and inspired to learn. Our educators are committed to providing personalised attention to each student, helping them achieve their fullest potential. Explore What Makes Us Special I invite you to explore and discover what makes our school special. You will find detailed information about our programs, extracurricular activities, and community events. We believe in creating enriching experiences both inside and outside the classroom. We look forward to welcoming you into our community.

Warm regards,

Mr. Paul Sortwell Principal of Manning Gardens Public School

Our school leaders

At Manning Gardens Public School, our leadership team is dedicated to guiding teaching, learning and wellbeing across the school. Each leader plays a vital role in ensuring our students are supported, challenged, and inspired every day.

Principal
The Principal is the overall leader of the school and is responsible for setting the strategic direction, fostering a positive school culture, and ensuring high-quality teaching and learning programs for every student. The Principal works closely with staff, parents, and the wider community to make sure our school is safe, inclusive, and focused on student growth and achievement.

Assistant Principals
Assistant Principals are classroom-based leaders who oversee specific stages of learning. They provide guidance and support to teachers, monitor student progress, and work with families to ensure the best outcomes for students. They also have a strong focus on wellbeing and engagement, helping to create a supportive learning environment where every child feels valued and connected.

Assistant Principals, Curriculum and Instruction (APC&I)
Assistant Principals, Curriculum and Instruction are specialist leaders who work directly with teachers to strengthen teaching practices across the school. Their role is to support evidence-based instruction, mentor teachers, and ensure consistency and quality in curriculum delivery. By focusing on literacy, numeracy, and effective classroom practice, the APC&I help ensure every student is given the opportunity to succeed and thrive academically.

Together, our leadership team works collaboratively to provide clear direction, strong support, and a shared commitment to student learning, wellbeing, and success.

Tracey Rutten, Deputy Principal

Tracey Rutten has been an integral part of our school community for over eight years, serving as Assistant Principal & Deputy Principal with dedication and professionalism. Her commitment to fostering an environment that nurtures both academic and personal growth has left an indelible mark on the students and staff alike. Passion for Education Tracey's passion for education is evident in her approach to leadership. She believes in creating a supportive and challenging environment that encourages students to reach their full potential. Her innovative strategies and unwavering support for both teachers and learners have contributed to the school's success. Beyond the Classroom: Love for Hockey Outside her professional responsibilities, Tracey has a deep-seated passion for hockey. Her love for the sport is not just a hobby but a testament to her belief in teamwork, discipline, and perseverance—values she consistently instills in her students. Whether on the field or in the school corridors, Tracey exemplifies the spirit of teamwork and leadership. A Role Model for All Tracey Rutten's dual dedication to education and hockey makes her a role model for students and colleagues. Her ability to balance these commitments showcases the importance of pursuing one's passions alongside professional duties. Tracey Rutten's contribution to our school is invaluable, and her presence continues to inspire those around her to strive for excellence in all endeavors

Jacob Easey, Assistant Principal, 3-6 Mainstream

A Passionate Assistant Principal Dedication to Education Jacob Easey is a dedicated Assistant Principal who has consistently demonstrated his commitment to fostering an enriching educational environment for students. With a strong focus on nurturing academic excellence, Jacob works tirelessly to ensure that every student receives a quality education tailored to their unique needs and potentials. . He believes that athletics play a crucial role in a well-rounded education, offering students valuable lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. Jacob advocates for comprehensive sports programs that encourage participation from all students, regardless of skill level, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and personal growth. Building a Balanced School Culture Jacob's unique ability to balance academic rigor with extracurricular activities sets him apart as a leader. Encouraging Student Engagement Jacob is known for his enthusiastic support of school sports events, often attending games and matches to cheer on students and celebrate their achievements. His presence at these events boosts morale and fosters a sense of community and school spirit. Jacob's dedication extends beyond the field, as he actively seeks opportunities to integrate sports into the broader educational experience, creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment.

Meet Rhiannon: The dynamic and dedicated Assistant Principal of Supported Learning at MGPS. Her deep commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment makes her an invaluable asset to our community. Background and Experience Rhiannon comes to us with a wealth of experience in education, having worked in various roles that champion diversity and inclusion. With a background in special education and a passion for student advocacy. Her expertise lies in creating tailored educational plans that meet the diverse needs of students, ensuring everyone has equal access to learning opportunities. Philosophy and Approach Rhiannon believes that every student deserves a supportive and nurturing educational experience. She is dedicated to removing barriers and creating pathways for success through: Individualised Support Plans: Crafting personalised learning strategies that cater to each student's unique needs and strengths. Collaborative Learning: Encouraging teamwork among educators, students, and families to foster a community of support. Innovative Teaching Methods: Utilizing cutting-edge educational tools and practices to engage students and enhance their learning experiences. Goals and Vision Rhiannon is committed to advancing our schools mission of inclusivity and excellence. This Will be Achieved by communication between families and the school to ensure a cohesive support network. Implementing new programs that promote social-emotional learning and well-being.
Meet Jason Taylor: Our New Assistant Principal for Years K to 2 We are thrilled to welcome Jason Taylor as the new Assistant Principal for grades Kindergarten through 2 at our school. With a wealth of experience and a passion for early childhood education, Mr. Taylor is poised to make a significant impact on our young learners and their educational journey. A Passion for Education Jason Taylor has dedicated over a decade to the field of education, specializing in the early years.His approach focuses on creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and empowered to achieve their best. His expertise in developing engaging and innovative curriculum tailored to young learners' needs is unparalleled. Jason is committed to fostering a love for learning through interactive and hands-on experiences that cater to diverse learning styles. Vision for the Future As the Assistant Principal for K to 3, Jason Taylor aims to enhance the existing programs and introduce new initiatives that support both students and teachers. His vision includes: Strengthening Community Engagement: Building strong partnerships with families to support student learning and well-being. Promoting Inclusive Practices: Ensuring every child has access to quality education, regardless of background or ability. Encouraging Professional Development: Supporting teachers with continuous learning opportunities to stay abreast of the latest educational practices and methodologies. He is always willing to listen and collaborate with both staff and families to ensure the best outcomes for students.

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
  • Patrice Chapman - Preschool Teacher
  • Jenna Collins - Early Intervention Teacher
  • Amy Deer - Kindergarten Teacher
  • Tammy Taylor K/1 Teacher
  • Abby Paskins K/1 Teacher
  • Peter Anderson 1/2 Teacher
  • Bec Stokes 1/2 Teacher
  • Jason Taylor AP & 2/3 Teacher
  • Hayden Corbett 3/4 Teacher
  • Jacob Easey AP & 4/5 Teacher
  • Sherrie Mentges 5/6 Teacher

Contact our school to to learn more about our staff

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.

  • Michelle Cole - SLSO
  • Angela Hain - SLSO
  • Sharon Prior - SLSO
  • Kerri Currie - SLSO
  • Alison Sheldon - SLSO
  • Amy Keelan - SLSO
  • Leanne Reid - SLSO
  • Mel O'Neal - SLSO
  • Sam Davey - SLSO
  • Dom Tag - SLSO
  • Sandra Kininjjew - SLSO
  • Ron Case - SLSO (Preschool)
  • Kim Hammond - SLSO (Early Intervention)

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

Meet Our friendly Office Staff

  • Nat Young - Admin Manager
  • Rachel Ross - Admin Officer
  • Janelle Bidner - Admin Officer

Welcome to Our Office, we pride ourselves on creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all our clients. Our friendly office staff are here to assist you with any needs you may have. We understand that navigating through various services and processes can sometimes be overwhelming, and we're here to make your experience as smooth as possible. How We Can Help, Our team is trained to provide excellent customer service and is ready to assist you in a variety of ways: Answering Questions: Whether you have inquiries about our services, policies, or procedures, our staff is here to provide clear and concise answers. Scheduling Appointments: We can help you find a convenient time for your appointments and ensure that your schedule aligns with our available services. Our Commitment to You, We are committed to providing a positive experience for each of our customers. Our staff is continuously trained and updated on the best practices to ensure that you receive the highest level of service. We believe in creating a friendly atmosphere where you feel valued and supported. Don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have. Our team is eager to assist and ensure that your experience with us is both pleasant and productive. We look forward to serving you.

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.