Our principal and staff
Welcome from our principal
“Botany Public School is a vibrant, community-focused school in the heart of Sydney, where every child is known, supported, and inspired to thrive. Our students enjoy the best of both worlds - an expansive natural setting filled with native flora and fauna, and a strong sense of connection within our diverse school community.
With small class sizes, a dedicated Learning Support Team, and a wide range of enrichment programs, we ensure that every student can succeed. Our curriculum is broad and engaging, with specialist teachers, creative arts, sport, excursions, and extra-curricular opportunities that cater to all interests.
At Botany Public School, we believe positive relationships form the foundation for deep learning. From Kindergarten buddies to restorative practices and social-emotional learning programs, our inclusive culture supports strong connections and high expectations.
We are proud to have a highly engaged parent community, whose ongoing support through our P&C, fundraising efforts, and community initiatives strengthens the fabric of our school and enriches the experience of every student.
Our unique grounds are home to long-necked turtles, rainbow lorikeets and our resident chickens, Matilda and Sooty. Through initiatives like our Gardening Club, Yarning Circle, and P&C Gardening Bees, students learn firsthand about caring for Country and environmental stewardship.
We invite you to explore our school and discover what makes our community so special.”
Mrs Heather Strachan, Principal of Botany Public School
Our school staff
Get to know our school staff. We're all here to help.
As lifelong learners, our highly qualified and dedicated teachers and staff work collaboratively to provide every student with the highest quality education, grounded in the latest research and guided by a student-centred approach.
In 2024, our Kindergarten team received a Department of Education Network Award, recognising their outstanding commitment to delivering high-quality early years education.
Principal
Mrs Heather Strachan
Assistant principals
Mrs Laura Dowsetthill (Early Stage 1 and Learning Support)
Mr Kosta Dakis (Stage 1)
Mr Brendan Baxter (Stage 2)
Ms Victoria Moore (Stage 3)
Classes
KT Ms Casey Trivas
K/1P Ms Tanya Philp
1/2D Mr Kosta Dakis
1/2L Ms Amanda Ligori
3/4B Mr Brendan Baxter
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 Mrs Laura Dowsetthill
Creative and Performing Arts RFF Ms Rebecca Ligori
Library RFF Mr John O'Connor
EALD Mrs Shannon Bligh
LST 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.