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.

Our expansive grounds and connection to nature provide students with valuable opportunities for play, movement, exploration, and wellbeing throughout the school day. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where students feel connected, challenged, and supported to grow. Strong values and a sense of community are at the heart of everything we do, with respect, responsibility, kindness, and collaboration guiding our daily work and helping to create a culture of belonging for students, staff, and families.

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.

Our teaching staff

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.

Contact us

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.