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

High school is a crucial time for all students as they follow a path of continuous learning and work towards being prepared for a world outside of school. It is during these important years of Secondary Education that students learn valuable skills in a range of fields including academic, sporting and social.

Melville High School is a comprehensive 7 -12 school, located on Dunghutti land in the Macleay Valley, Kempsey Shire on the Mid North Coast of NSW. In 2021 Melville High School was included in the Connected Communities strategy. The school provides opportunities in academic, sporting, cultural, creative and technological learning areas and implements programs to develop social and vocational skills.

Image of Andrew Ryder - Executive Principal

All students at the school are encouraged to work towards positive post-school pathways ranging from completing their Higher School Certificate to following a vocational pathway which may lead to further study or employment. All classrooms have a strong focus on individualised student learning where, in the junior years, students follow a prescribed pattern of study with elective classes becoming available for students in Stage 5 and Stage 6 as they take ownership over their own learning journey.

Over the years many Melville students have demonstrated high levels of achievement in all areas of student life. Students are encouraged to experience all that High School has to offer through a broad compliment of extracurricular activities and excursions to ensure education is enjoyable, challenging and engaging.

Student support structures emphasise effective learning, student welfare and discipline, and student success is widely recognised and publicly celebrated. Our school values are, ‘Respectful, Responsible and Resilient’ and our Culture for Consistency team focuses on developing skills in Restorative Practices in all students and staff.

Our School Excellence Plan aims to drive student achievement through challenging all students to continually improve. Alongside this is a target towards improved transition programs within both middle school and post-school areas. Improving relationships and communication with our local school community is also a key focus as a school can only thrive with the full support of its community.

Andrew Ryder, Executive Principal of Melville High School

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.

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.

Contact our school to learn about our teaching team

Senior Leader Community Engagement
  • Kayla Clark
Aboriginal Education Officer
  • Aunty Jacqui Welsh
  • Aunty Polly Taylor
Head Teacher Mentor
  • Luke Smith
English
  • Karlie Rumbel, Head Teacher
  • Nick Domenicos
  • Felicity Harley (Year 10 Advisor)
  • Emily McLeod
  • Linda Shepherd
  • Kieran Wicks
HSIE
  • Jacqueline Richmond, Head Teacher
  • Sarah Daley (Year 11 Advisor)
  • Rohan Kallmier
Mathematics
  • Stephanie Crawford, Head Teacher
  • Matthew Dennis
  • Debra McLaren
  • Zara Phillips
PDHPE
  • Jeremy Gray, Head Teacher
  • Eryn Dorman
  • Nat Fullbrook (Year 8 Advisor)
  • Shannon Hoy
  • Kimberley James
Science
  • Ian Mavin, Head Teacher
  • Ethan Caldwell (Year 7 Advisor)
  • Shannyn Hodge
  • Jackie Kemp (Year 9 Advisor)
  • Ashleigh Newman (Year 12 Advisor)
  • Daisy Ratatagia
Supported Learning
  • Natalie Hurlston, Head Teacher
  • Kerri Allen
  • Wendy Arnell
  • Susan Elgar
  • Rose Emerton
  • Gemma Fox
  • Benjamin Jackson
  • Sharyn Keirouz
  • Allison Kirk
  • Rhiannon Lister-Edwards
  • Georgina Markovich
  • Meredith Norris
  • Jennifer Ritchie
TAS & CAPA
  • Bronwyn James, Head Teacher
  • Lance Arvidson
  • Brittany Bosseler
  • Shantell Byron
  • Teva Evans
  • David Lickess
  • Joanne Loechel
  • Steve Ravoul
  • Fiona Stuart
Careers
  • Belinda Lord
Learning & Support
  • Kelly Ryder, Head Teacher Teaching & Learning
  • Cicily Goodwin
  • Gabriela Guimaraes
  • Bee Perusco
Library
  • Jackie Gibson
Senior Tutor
  • Kieran Wicks

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.

Contact our school to learn about our wellbeing and support staff

Wellbeing
  • Bryony Wiseman, School Counsellor
  • Toby Coleman, School Counsellor
  • Holly Sutherland, Student Support Officer
  • Kristy Leonard, Wellbeing and Health In-Reach Nurse (WHIN)
School Learning Support Officers
  • Ashley Allman
  • Melanie Arvidson
  • Sam Ashworth
  • Teresa Baldwin
  • Chereyll Beard
  • Minna Blackwell
  • Carolyn Brambley
  • Sherree Brenton
  • Drew Doevendans
  • Karen Dufty
  • Richard Fleisher
  • Emma Germany
  • Thomas Goodwin
  • Alana Harvey
  • Bianca Kahler
  • Charmaine Kennedy
  • Blair McPherson
  • Chris Nincsics
  • Charntaye Ritchie
  • Louise Roberts
  • Grace Slater
  • Indrani Smith
  • Tenealle Sutherland
  • Bobbi-Lea Sutherland
  • Corey Tampion
  • Anna Thompson
  • Tamara Thurling-Herr

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
  • Lisa Simpson, School Administration Manager
  • Donald Anderson, General Assistant
  • Anna Bolton
  • Ricky Bourne, General Assistant
  • Timothy Castle, General Assistant
  • Rachel Fuller
  • Gayle Keast
  • Sally Knoechel
  • Julie Mainey, Science Assistant
  • Kim Moore
  • Michael Ruyter, Farm Assistant
  • Lynne-Dell Sant
  • Nicole Schofield, Kitchen Assistant
  • Phyllis Taylor
  • Jenifer Towle
  • Cindy Woods

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.