Our principal and staff
Welcome from our principal
"Welcome to our school community. It is a privilege to lead a school where every child is known, valued, and encouraged to thrive. Over the past 20 years in education, I have had the opportunity to work as a classroom teacher, learning support coordinator, and curriculum and instructional leader. These experiences have shaped my belief that education is about far more than academic achievement alone — it is about nurturing the whole child and supporting every student to reach their full potential. At our school, we believe learning happens both inside and outside the classroom. Whether through academic learning, sport, the arts, leadership opportunities, or building positive relationships, every experience helps shape confident, capable, and compassionate young people.
We value the partnership between school and home and look forward to working together to provide the very best opportunities for every child. Thank you for visiting our website, and we warmly welcome you to our vibrant school community."
Mrs Laura Dowsetthill, Principal of Botany Public School
Our school staff
Meet our dedicated school staff — a team of passionate educators and support staff committed to creating a positive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment for every student. Through strong relationships, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence, our staff work together to support each child’s learning, wellbeing, and growth.
Principal
Mrs Laura Dowsetthill
Assistant principals
Mr Brendan Baxter (Learning Support)
Mr Kosta Dakis/Amanda Ligori (Stage 1)
Miss Yulia Tkachenko (Stage 2)
Ms Victoria Moore (Stage 3)
Classes
KT Ms Casey Trivas
K/1P Ms Tanya Philp
1/2D Mr Kosta Dakis
1/2L Miss Amanda Ligori
3/4B Miss Samantha Ligori
3/4T Ms Yulia Tkachenko
5/6GB Ms Kaiesha Gable, Mrs Shannon Bligh
5/6M Ms Victoria Moore
5/6R Mr Jason Ribar
Specialist teaching staff
AP Curriculum & Instruction Mr Brendan Baxter
Creative and Performing Arts Miss Samantha Doherty, Miss Niamh Lenane
Library RFF Mr John O'Connor
EALD Mrs Shannon Bligh
LST/HPGE Ms Sharon Schwartz
Administration team
SAM Mrs Sylvia Mula
SAO Mrs Marina Borg
SAO Mrs Michelle Donovan
SLSO Ms Bianca Frail
SLSO Mrs Lisa Outtrim
SLSO Ms Mardene Rolph
SLSO Mr Bailey Smith
GA Mr John Ledingham
GA Mr Christian Rodriguez
Our teachers make the difference
Committed to your child’s success
Our teachers are committed to helping every child succeed, using data and evidence-based strategies to tailor learning to each student’s needs.
Teachers who never stop learning
Our teachers are lifelong learners. Through Spirals of Inquiry and ongoing professional collaboration, we continually refine our teaching practices to better support student learning.
Teacher–family partnerships
Our teachers build trust through open, clear communication. Families feel confident knowing their child is supported and ready to learn.
Have a question for our principal or teachers?
Our friendly office team can help you get in touch.
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.