Our principal and staff

Our team is committed to every student’s learning, wellbeing and sense of belonging. We work together to create a supportive and inclusive college where every child is set up for success.

Welcome from our college principal

"Welcome to Brisbane Water Secondary College (BWSC), located on Darkinjung Country. Our strength lies in our unique structure — two sites, one school — offering students the best of both worlds through two dynamic campuses: Umina Campus (Years 7–9) and Woy Woy Campus (Years 10–12), working together as one connected community.

As a college, we benefit from the economy of scale that comes from operating across two campuses. This model allows us to deliver a broad curriculum, specialised programs, and outstanding facilities that enrich student learning and wellbeing. Our shared resources and collective expertise ensure that every student has access to diverse opportunities — in academic study, the creative and performing arts, sport, and vocational education — all within a cohesive and caring school culture.

BWSC is a proud member of the Brisbane Water Learning Community, partnering with our five feeder primary schools through the innovative Futures Academy Program. We also maintain close relationships with the Koorana AECG, local businesses, and community organisations, ensuring that learning extends beyond the classroom and connects meaningfully to the world around us.

I invite you to explore our website and discover what makes Brisbane Water Secondary College such a special place to learn, grow, and succeed."

Marisha Blanco, College Principal

Brisbane Water Secondary College

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Our leaders

Our school leaders, including our principals, deputy principals, head teachers and year advisors. They help create a school culture where every child is supported to grow and thrive.

Principals

Kerrie Thomas, Principal

Umina Campus

Rebecca Cooper, Principal

Woy Woy Campus

Marisha Blanco, Principal

College

Umina Campus (Year 7-9) | Senior Executive Staff

Simon Warren, Deputy Principal

Year 7

Susannah Murray, Deputy Principal

Year 8

Jessie Heighington, Deputy Principal

Year 9

Kathleen Short, Deputy Principal

Inclusion and Support

Woy Woy Campus (Year 10-12) | Senior Executive Staff

Simon Madden, Deputy Principal
Nick Garnett, Deputy Principal

Umina Campus (Year 7-9) | Executive Staff

Sonja Stubbs-Mills, Head Teacher Mathematics
Rikki-Lee Kerr, Head Teacher English
Luke Webb, Head Teacher Science
Kylie Evans, Head Teacher Human Society and its Environment (HSIE)
Marc Vella, Head Teacher Technology Applied Studies (TAS)
Josh Ford, Head Teacher Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)
Matt O'Keefe, Head Teacher Support
Monica Pallas, Head Teacher Wellbeing
Illustration of teacher with students
Robert Nelson, Head Teacher Administration
Kristy Higgins, Head Teacher Teaching and Learning
Jessie Heighington, Head Teacher Transition and Community Engagement

Woy Woy Campus (10-12) | Executive Staff

Robert Brown, Head Teacher Secondary Studies (SS) & Head Teacher Creative & Performing Arts (CAPA)
Robert Brown, Head Teacher Secondary Studies & Head Teacher Creative & Performing Arts (CAPA)
Lisa Waite, Head Teacher Mathematics
Lisa Waite, Head Teacher Mathematics
Mariel Williamson, Head Teacher English
Mariel Williamson, Head Teacher English
Jamie Guthrie, Head Teacher Science
Jamie Guthrie, Head Teacher Science
Soraya Beyer, Head Teacher Human Society and its Environment (HSIE)
Soraya Beyer, Head Teacher Human Society and its Environment (HSIE)
Angela Cox, Head Teacher Pathways & Head Teacher Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Angela Cox, Head Teacher Technology Applied Studies (TAS)
Kate Rowell, Head Teacher Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)
Kate Rowell, Head Teacher Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)
Brody Palmer, Head Teacher Support
Brody Palmer, Head Teacher Support
Photograph of Roman Myszkowski, Head Teacher Wellbeing
Roman Myszkowski, Head Teacher Wellbeing
Sheree Gilchrist, Head Teacher Administration & Pathways
Patrick Crouch, Head Teacher Learning & Engagement
Patrick Crouch, Head Teacher Learning & Engagement

Umina Campus (Year 7-9) | Year Advisors

Alicia Maxwell, Year 7 Advisor
Lachlan Braddish, Year 7 Advisor
Aly Hull, Year 8 Advisor
Ben Detar, Year 8 Advisor
Shanelle Barnett, Year 9 Advisor
Lina Williamson, Year 9 Advisor

Woy Woy Campus (Year 10-12) | Year Advisors

Natalie Hammond, Year 10 Advisor
Luke Goodley, Year 10 Advisor
Steve Hopley, Year 11 Advisor
Jill Elliott, Year 11 Advisor
Leitesha Green, Year 12 Advisor
Mitchell Marlin, Year 12 Advisor

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.

Have a question for our principal or teachers?

Our friendly office team can help you get in touch.

Contact us

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Our wellbeing and support staff

At the Woy Woy Campus

Our dedicated support and wellbeing staff support all students in our college.

At the Umina Campus

Our dedicated support and wellbeing staff support all students in our college.