Meet Our Staff

Principal

Mrs Johanna Wain

I feel blessed to serve as Principal of St Mary’s. St Mary’s holds a special place in my heart, it’s where I began my permanent teaching journey on the Coast in 2006, after teaching in Melbourne.

I am passionate about Catholic education, and I am committed to fostering an educational environment where every member of our school community feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Away from my role as Principal, I find joy in spending time with my family, watching my children play sport, and taking relaxing walks with our dog.

Assistant Principal 

Ms Sue Heffernan

Religious Education Coordinator Acting 

Mrs Carla Durnan

I am honoured to be part of the dedicated and faith-filled community at St Mary’s. With teaching experience across three dioceses throughout Queensland and New South Wales, I have been privileged to work in a variety of roles during my time at St Mary's. These experiences have deepened my passion for creating inclusive and engaging learning environments that nurture the spiritual, academic, and personal growth of every child. I am especially committed to providing rich opportunities that support the whole child which helps all students discover and develop their unique gifts. At St Mary’s, our shared commitment to faith, excellence, and community makes it a truly rewarding place to teach, lead, and learn.

Finance Officer

Mrs Annette Hazell

I am delighted to be the school Office Manager and often the first point of contact when you call or visit the school, and I am here to help with any questions you may have - from enrolments and absences to finding lost lunch boxes.

I am passionate about creating a welcoming and organised environment where families feel supported and students can thrive. If there's ever anything you need, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm always happy to help.

Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs Alicia Hampson (Monday - Thursday) & Mrs Jessica White (Friday)

Year 1 Teacher

Mrs Rebecca Brady 

I am delighted to return to the warm and welcoming St Mary’s community this year. For over 15 years, the school and the Sacred Heart Parish have been a significant part of both my professional journey and family life. During this time, I’ve cherished many meaningful experiences—as both a staff member and a parent. The strong, genuine connections among students, families, staff, and parish make St Mary’s a truly special place to work, and I feel privileged to be part of it once again.

Year 2 Teacher

Mrs Genevieve Schofield

I have been a classroom teacher at St Mary’s for the past six years, though my connection to the school began much earlier when I chose to enrol my daughters here. They attended St Mary's from Kindergarten through to Year 6, and I experienced first-hand the nurturing, community-focused environment that makes our school so special. As a teacher, I am passionate about uncovering the unique strengths of every child and creating a classroom where each student feels valued and supported.  I strive to create learning experiences that challenge, inspire, and empower students to stretch beyond their perceived limits, building confidence as they grow. I am an avid reader who delights in nurturing a love of literature in the classroom, and particularly love making art with my students, as it fosters creativity and connection. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and going on running adventures that test my own physical and mental limits. I firmly believe that we are all capable of so much more than we think—a belief that underpins my teaching philosophy.

Year 3 Teachers

Mrs Carla Durnan (Monday - Wednesday)

I am honoured to be part of the dedicated and faith-filled community at St Mary’s. With teaching experience across three dioceses throughout Queensland and New South Wales, I have been privileged to work in a variety of roles during my time at St Mary's. These experiences have deepened my passion for creating inclusive and engaging learning environments that nurture the spiritual, academic, and personal growth of every child. I am especially committed to providing rich opportunities that support the whole child which helps all students discover and develop their unique gifts. At St Mary’s, our shared commitment to faith, excellence, and community makes it a truly rewarding place to teach, lead, and learn.

Mrs Alyssa Ziegler (Thursday & Friday)

I am excited to be continuing my journey as an early career teacher here at the wonderful Catholic school that is St Mary's. Over the past two years, I have truly enjoyed working with the students and becoming part of the close-knit community and meaningful relationships that make this school so special. I have a strong love for nature and the outdoors, which inspires me to bring curiosity and hands-on learning into our classroom. I'm passionate about educational equity and committed to using evidence-based teaching practices to create an inclusive and engaging classroom where every student can thrive in all aspects of school life. I look forward to continuing the learning of faith, and discovery with your children now and through their primary years here at St. Mary's.

Year 4 Teacher

Mrs Jessica Afflick (Monday) 

I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such a warm, supportive, and vibrant school community. What I love most about teaching is the opportunity to inspire and nurture young minds each day, helping students discover their strengths and grow in confidence. At St Mary’s, we value every child as an individual, and it’s hugely rewarding to work in an environment where faith, compassion, and a love of learning are at the heart of all we do. Having attended St Mary’s as a student, I feel a very deep connection to the school and Parish. The strong sense of community and teamwork among staff, students, and families makes this school a truly special place to teach and learn.

Mr James Campbell (Tuesday-Friday)

Year 6 Teacher

Mrs Allison Lock

Classroom Support Teacher

Mrs Jessica White 

Aboriginal Contact Teacher 

Mrs Rebecca Brady 

I am delighted to return to the warm and welcoming St Mary’s community this year. For over 15 years, the school and the Sacred Heart Parish have been a significant part of both my professional journey and family life. During this time, I’ve cherished many meaningful experiences—as both a staff member and a parent. The strong, genuine connections among students, families, staff, and parish make St Mary’s a truly special place to work, and I feel privileged to be part of it once again.

I love being part of our school community. Assisting with learning activities, student wellbeing and classroom routines. An extra pair of helping hands and a caring heart.

School Counsellor 

Mr Damian Gerber