Our principal and staff

Tamaryn Ryan (Curry) - Assistant Principal, Relieving Principal Thurs/ Fri & OC Wolombai

Every day I feel lucky to work alongside our wonderful students, families and staff at Biraban, where I’ve been part of the community for the past three years. I am proud to serve as Assistant Principal and, on Thursdays and Fridays, relieving Principal, while also teaching in the Opportunity Class.

I have 17 years’ experience teaching and leading in primary schools across Newcastle and the Hunter. I am passionate about creating safe, fun and challenging learning environments for students and ensuring equitable access to quality education for all children, as well as supporting and empowering teachers in their work.

Before becoming a teacher, I worked as a journalist and editor, so it will come as no surprise that I love words – reading, writing, talking and storytelling! I hope to foster that same love of reading, learning and curiosity about the world in my students.

When I am not at school, I enjoy reading, cooking, going to the beach and spending time with my husband, my two sons, and our gorgeous doggo Phantom.

Jacqui Watsford - Assistant Principal (Special Education) & Yimaliko.

My name is Jacqui Watsford and I have been proudly teaching for over 25 years.  In that time, I have taught a variety of settings including mainstream classes from kinder to year 6, in support teacher roles, as an early intervention teacher both for not for profit organisations and with the Department of Education. For the past 8 years I have been fortunate to teach students in support classes and lead special education staff in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter Valley.  I have been fortunate in gaining a role at Biraban Public School to co-teach Yimaliko with Mr Sparkes, and to guide the special education stage as the Assistant Principal for Special Education.

Wellbeing and emotional regulation, neuro-diverse learners and students that learn best a little bit out of the box is my passion.  I truly believe that for students to learn they need to be able to regulate and build relationships before they can reason and become engaged in their learning.  Assisting students to develop their own toolbox of strategies to assist them be in a state where they are ready to learn underpins my education beliefs.  It impacts how I set up my classroom, the style in which I deliver and guide learning content and how I encourage students to have high expectations of themselves.

Behind the scenes I have lived in the Lake Macquarie area for 28 years,  with my very supportive family – my husband and our 4 children, who have all grown up understanding that it is important to have a passionate teacher to help individual students reach their best potential. I love how they all will ask me around the dinner table how my day was, and that I can genuinely say that I am so lucky to be part of the Biraban Public School team.

Miss Melissa Anderson - Relieving AP (K-2) /APCI

My name is Melissa Anderson. I spent my childhood telling everyone that I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up so it was no surprise when I graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Teaching (Primary). After working at Tuggerah Public School for a year, I decided it was time to pack my bags and move to the UK (another lifelong dream). I spent 5 years teaching in London and travelling around Europe every chance I could before making the choice to return to Australia in 2020.

I am excited to be working at such a positive and inclusive school like Biraban PS. At the weekend, you will find me taking a relaxing stroll with my dog, Molly, or curled up with a good book, a habit that I plan on passing to all of my students. ​

Mrs Erin Bellwood - Assistant Principal Attendance/Support class Malang

My name is Erin Bellwood and I have been at Biraban Public School for 3 years. I grew up, and still live, on the Central Coast with my 2 children.

I completed my Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) at the University of Newcastle in 2009 and began working at Tuggerah Public School as a temporary teacher on Kindergarten for 4 years. From there I was lucky enough to gain a permanent position at Hornsby South Public School for 7 years where I worked on Grades 1-3 and then moved into the role of Learning and Support Teacher for the last 3 years. I have also studied a Food Science and Nutrition degree.

At Biraban I work in the Support unit teaching students with various disabilities. I absolutely love my job and come to school everyday ready for a challenge.

In my spare time I enjoying running, camping, going to the beach, playing footy and spending time with my family and friends.

Michael Kelly - 5/6 Nupaliko

My name is Michael, I have lived in the Newcastle area for most of my life. I graduated from The University of Newcastle in 2022 with a Bachelor of Education (Primary). I was lucky enough to accept a full-time position as a teacher at Biraban at the end of the same year. I am a passionate teacher who is enthusiastic about helping students in all areas of school life.

Through university I worked casually in a variety of jobs, including an OOSH educator, a bartender and a labourer. I worked full time on Newcastle’s beaches as a lifeguard for three years, and still work casually there.

I love to play sport and be outdoors, which is something that I try to involve in my lessons. I also love to learn and try to encourage my students to have the same positive outlook on their learning. To do this, I emphasise fun engaging lessons so that students get the most out of their learning. I make an effort to build and maintain positive respectful relationships with individual students so that they enjoy coming to school and feel connected in my classroom.

Oscar Shearman - 5/6 OC Wolombai

My name is Oscar Shearman, I grew up in Newcastle and graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Education (Primary). I am very fortunate to be working with the OC Class this year and have a passion for pushing students to reach their full potential. I’m super excited to be working in this classroom Implementing Maths, HSIE, CAPA and Physical Education. I love all things sport and am thrilled to be working with the sport team to help organise carnivals, events and knockout competitions throughout the year.

Lara Dorey - 3/4/5 Kaiyaba

My name is Lara Dorey, and I have been working at Biraban Public School since the beginning of 2023. I grew up on the Central Coast and graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Education (Primary) degree with distinction.

I have a background in dancing and spent 13 years of my life competitively dancing. I was able to travel to America, perform on X-Factor in 2015, and competed regularly in eisteddfods. Later, I became a dance teacher, instructing students from 2 years old to 13 years old. I look forward to instilling a love for the creative arts in my students.

I have always wanted to be a Primary Teacher for as long as I can remember. I have a passion for equitable education for all students, and I hope to inspire my students to pursue their dreams, showing them that anything is possible.

Outside of school, I enjoy walking my Great Dane puppy, reading, and spending time with my husband, family, and friends.

Ethan Perrin - 1/2 Milaba

My name is Ethan Perrin, and I have lived in Lake Macquarie my entire life. I graduated from Newcastle University in 2024 with a Bachelor of Education (Primary) and began my teaching career at Biraban Public School. Before becoming a teacher, I worked in various roles at Officeworks and later gained experience as a casual School Learning Support Officer (SLSO), which first brought me to Biraban Public School. I have participated in organised sport since the age of six and enjoy a variety of sports and games. I am passionate about fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment for my students and enjoy incorporating physical activity into the school day. I am excited to continue being part of the Biraban community.

Cameron Sparkes - AU Yimaliko

My name is Cameron Sparkes, and I am passionate about creating a supportive and engaging learning environment where all students can succeed. Having grown up in the Lake Macquarie area, I feel a strong connection to the community and am excited to be teaching at Biraban Public School.

My journey into teaching began through coaching soccer, where I discovered my love for working with children. That passion led me to pursue a career in education. I am currently in my final year at the University of Newcastle, set to graduate with a Bachelor of Education (Primary) at the end of the year.

I have a strong interest in special education, inspired by my mum, who is a special education teacher. I am committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable classroom where all students, regardless of their learning needs, feel supported and valued. I believe that every achievement big or small is worth celebrating, and I strive to help my students build confidence in their abilities.

Outside of the classroom, staying active is a big part of my life, and I enjoy playing soccer, exploring nature, and making the most of everything life has to offer.

Jodi Williams - ED Booran (Thursday & Friday) & RFF Support Unit (Wednesday)

My name is Jodi Williams and I am excited to join the team at Biraban Public School.

I grew up in beautiful Lake Macquarie, enjoying the beaches and lake it has to offer.

In 1995 I graduated from Newcastle University with a Bachelor of Teaching (Special Education). The following year in 1996 I began my career as a permanent full-time Special Education Teacher in a Support Unit on the Mid North Coast at Kempsey West PS. The last 3 years were spent as relieving Assistant Principal until I decided to move back home in 2024. During my time at KWPS I have had extensive experience teaching students with a wide range of disabilities, catering to the various needs of students.

I am very resilient and familiar with all the challenges associated with teaching a diverse range of children with special needs. I remain positive under times of stress or conflict. I foster strong relationships with staff, parents and carers, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student needs are accommodated for.

I am passionate about creating safe, fun and challenging learning environments for students and ensuring equitable access to quality education for all children. I love working at Biraban PS where the staff and students make it enjoyable every day.

Jodi Hardy - AU Booran (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday)

Hi. I’m Jodi Hardy. I come onto the Biraban Public School staff in my 30th year of teaching.

I have taught in Sydney South West, the Northern Rivers and the Central Coast. Recently I have chosen to take Leave Without Pay to teach as a casual teacher in the Lake Macquarie region. However, I fell in love with the Biraban staff and students, and when asked to teach on a class in the support unit, there was no way I could say no.

Throughout my career I have taught Kindergarten-Year 6, trained as an explicit reading teacher, was an Early Numeracy trainer, and transitioned into Special Education 8 years ago. I love my job. Watching little light bulbs turn on… seeing the pride in a child’s face when they have mastered a new or challenging skill… fuels my soul.

I’m a born and bred Central Coast girl, growing up in Woy Woy Bay and Woy Woy. My passion for fishing began when I grew up on the waterfront in Woy Woy Bay. Whenever the weather permits, you will find me on the back of my partner’s jetski fishing. And if I’m really lucky, we will be camping in a National Park while we aren’t fishing.

Throughout high school, I was a competitive ballroom dancer. I still love music and wiggling on a dancefloor whenever I can. You may even find me busting out the moves with the kids during a brain break!!

Mrs Alison Brigden - RFF /Intervention Teacher

After graduating from Charles Sturt University with a Bachelor of Education in 1989 I accepted my first permanent teaching position at Brewarrina Central School in 1990. In 1994 a received a transfer to Eleebana Public School where I taught for some time before taking some time away raising our three children. During this time, I spent some time in private industry running a ‘kindygym’ before deciding to return to the teaching that I love.

I’m so pleased to be part of Biraban Public School this Year.