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

“I have had the privilege of serving as Principal at Fennell Bay Public School since October 2018. With a career in education spanning thirty years, I have held various leadership positions from preschool to Year 10 across Department of Education schools and corporate offices, including a guest lecturer role at The University of Newcastle for international teachers. I am particularly passionate about inclusive education, talent development, Aboriginal Education and culturally responsive instruction.

As Principal, I prioritise distributed leadership, student voice, and family/community partnerships as key vehicles for empowerment and success. I believe that every child enriches the world with their unique personalities and abilities, and as educators, we serve not only as teachers but also as custodians of the future. At Fennell Bay, our staff are selected for their positive attitudes, diverse skill sets, and unwavering commitment to personalised learning and excellence for all students.

Our vision and strategic directions for the 2024-2027 School Excellence Plan provide a clear framework of who we are and what we strive to achieve."

Lenise Hollis, Principal of Fennell Bay Public School

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Our Executive Team

Mrs Kath Parker

Kath is the Assistant Principal for Years 3-6 at FBPS, bringing 20 years of dedicated service to the school community as of 2026. Well-known and highly valued by students, staff, and families, Kath’s long-standing commitment has made her a trusted leader and mentor within FBPS. She draws on her extensive expertise in curriculum development to deliver high-quality learning experiences and supports the diverse academic needs of all students. Kath’s strong focus on wellbeing ensures that every child feels safe, seen, and supported, fostering a caring and inclusive environment where students are empowered to reach their full potential. Her collaborative approach, warm presence, and deep ties to the community make her an invaluable part of FBPS.

Mrs Janet Howard

For more than 25 years, Janet has been a cherished part of Fennell Bay Public School, shaping generations of young learners with her gentle guidance and lifelong passion for education. With over two decades as a devoted Kindergarten teacher, Janet brings a blend of expertise, kindness, and calm steadiness to every classroom she steps into. She leads the school’s Kindergarten Transition program with heart, ensuring every child and their families feel welcomed, supported, and ready to shine. Deeply loved by families and the wider community, Janet is known for her rich curriculum knowledge and her unwavering belief that all children can succeed in their own unique and wonderful ways. Her impact is felt far beyond the classroom, woven into the story of the school itself.

Ms April Dent

Ms April Dent serves as the Assistant Principal Curriculum and Instruction at Fennell Bay Public School. With a broad background spanning secondary, primary, and special education settings, April brings extensive experience and expertise to her role. April is the visionary behind the innovative nature-based learning 'bush school' program at Fennell Bay PS, which immerses students in experiential outdoor education through the ‘nature connection’. She also undertakes relieving principal responsibilities, supporting the school community during these times ensuring a continuity of practice. Guided by a moral purpose to be child-centred, curious, and to maintain high expectations, April is dedicated to creating a supportive, engaging learning environment that empowers every student to thrive.

Mrs Rachael Valentine

Rachael is the Assistant Principal for Inclusion and Support at FBPS, bringing dedicated leadership and a passion for student success. Having been a valued teacher at FBPS since 2015, Rachael has extensive experience in creating inclusive learning environments that celebrate diversity and promote equity. She is deeply committed to helping every student reach their individual potential by implementing tailored support strategies and fostering partnerships with students, families, staff and external support providers.

Mr Wes Cameron

Wes is the K-2 Assistant Principal at FBPS, bringing a wealth of experience since first joining the school community in 2016, and then returning to work with us as a full-time classroom teacher in 2021, before becoming our permanent Learning and Support Teacher in 2023. As an Aboriginal man, he is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment that ensures opportunities for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to thrive and for community voice to be heard. He holds a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood & Primary) and recently completed a Graduate Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education.

The School 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

Mr Joel Iles, Classroom Teacher
Mr Gary Hughes, Classroom Teacher
Mrs Susan Bishop, Classroom Teacher
Mr Tyce Fitzgerald, Classroom Teacher
Miss Sarah Buckingham, Classroom Teacher
Miss Skye Southam, Classroom Teacher
Mr Koby Dunlap, Classroom Teacher
Mrs Kathy Duncum, Classroom Teacher
Miss Sophie Newman, Classroom Teacher
Mrs Bethany Baidya, Itinerant Support Teacher Hearing

Our Aboriginal Education Officer

Annissa Harwood

Aunty Annissa Harwood is a well-respected figure in the community, proudly serving as the president of the Mankillikan AECG and a valued Elder of Westlakes. She has dedicated almost a decade to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and families at Fennell Bay Public School, where her guidance and connection make a real difference every day. Aunty Annissa’s passion for culture, education, and community shines through in everything she does.