Our principal and staff
Our school team is committed to every student’s learning, wellbeing and sense of belonging. We work together to create a supportive and inclusive school where every child is set up for success.
Welcome from our principal
At Rooty Hill High School we learn, lead and work together on the lands of the Darug people who have walked these lands for generations.
We are proud that the school continues to be known widely as a very successful, co-educational, comprehensive community school in Western Sydney where students can achieve their best academically, in sport and the arts and in civics, citizenship and entrepreneurial learning.
While we are based in a community experiencing rapid demographic change, the values and culture of the school and the commitment to helping each student to do his or her best have been built over generations. Our school motto #PERSIST is at the heart of how we work each day.
As a result of our success, the school is at the centre of this community, and our students, staff and alumni describe being at the school as belonging to #TeamRootyHill.
With over 55% of students coming from non-English speaking backgrounds, including families from Asia and the Pacific, and a significant enrolment of Aboriginal students (6%), the school is committed to promoting its cultural and linguistic diversity, engaging with families and buildings its partnerships with the AECG, community elders, universities, and not-for-profit organisations.
Some of our students enter high school with more challenges than students from more advantaged backgrounds and there is a carefully planned equity program of support for students, including those with disabilities and additional learning needs.
There is a strong demand from families for enrolment in the school and also for the school to provide multiple pathways and transitions in the senior school.
Over the last 5 years the school has been recognised for its achievements and innovation in over 20 case studies and invitations to present at conferences, host external delegations and partner with leading business and community organisations to benefit students.
The school has received state and national awards for our work in giving students the opportunity to do their best through personalised learning and a focus on student agency. In addition, the school has received multiple awards for the professional practice of teachers and non-teaching staff.
The school has its own Professional Practice website, sharing its work nationally and internationally. It features a series of high-quality videos showcasing our work, including our work in vocational and entrepreneurial education.
During the year, students are given the opportunity to do their personal best and explore their potential through extensive and expansive curricular, co-curricular and extra-curricular programs, underpinned by the school's wellbeing initiatives, strength-based approaches and Choice Theory.
A focus on student progress and agency combined with academic goal setting and personalised pathways has been critical to improving student academic progress and performance. In addition the school offers students the opportunity to participate in a range of programs developing talent and potential including opportunities to perform at the elite level in sports, the arts, and citizenship.
Parent and community support of the school is strong and working parents have valued both the use of social media, electronic communications and the positive contact approach used by the school in personalising feedback.
Every student has access to an electronic device for their own use and all lessons can be accessed face to face and/or online.
The school has strong academic and socio-cultural platforms that are enhanced by high quality relationships between staff and students. A strong, positive student culture is reflected in the data from the Public School surveys where the school is above state average on the key measures of connection, belonging, and advocacy as well as in the number of opportunities students have to demonstrate engagement and pro-social behaviours beyond those of peers in other schools.
The school values, ACARA capabilities and explicit teaching of literacy, numeracy, ICT and creative & critical thinking are embedded in all learning programs, policies and practices. The school's results on external measures of performance demonstrate that our students perform better when their learning is focused on progress, and many students do their best in subjects with major works, performances and/or work placement.
Ms Christine Cawsey AM, Principal of Rooty Hill High School
Our school leaders
Our school leaders, including our principal, guide teachers and students. They help create a school culture where every child is supported to grow and thrive.
Ms Melanie Douglas, Deputy Principal
(Year 7 2026, Year 9)
Ms Caroline Vuki, Deputy Principal
(Year 7 and Year 11)
Ms Conny Mattimore, Deputy Principal
(Year 8, Year 10 and Year 12 2025)
Year Advisers
Our head teaching staff
Your child’s school experience is shaped by the people around them. Our teachers bring experience, care and a passion for learning to every lesson. With a focus on success, they help every child reach their full potential.
- Ms Melissa Scerri, HT CAPA
- Ms Shauna Pollard, HT English
- Ms Kate Kennerson, HT HSIE
- Ms Megan Varley, HT Learning Support
- Ms Lauren Doidge, HT Maths/LOTE
- Mr Andrew Fowler, HT PDHPE
- Ms Tanya Newsome, HT Secondary Studies
- Ms Clare King, HT Science
- Ms Alysha Rowley, HT Relieving TAS
- Ms Sarah Andrews, HT Junior School
- Miss Kylie Munzenberger, HT Senior School
- Miss Joanna Wilkins, HT Administration
- Ms Nellie Harb, HT Teaching and Learning
Contact our school to learn about our head teaching team
Wellbeing and support staff
Our wellbeing and support staff guide student wellbeing, learning needs and inclusion. They work with teachers to make personalised adjustments. This means each child can take part fully in school life. We make our school welcoming and accessible to every child.
- Ms Megan Varley, Head Teacher Learning Support
- Mr James Le, School Psychologist
- Mr Bryce Thompson, School Psychologist
- Ms Latu Samuel, Student Support Officer
- Ms Susana D'Ermilio, EALD Teacher and Coordinator
- Ms Deborah Cunningham, Careers Adviser
- Ms Jeanette Camillos, Careers Adviser
Contact our school to learn about our wellbeing and support staff
Administrative and operations staff
Our administrative and operations staff keep our school running smoothly. They support students, teachers and families every day. You can find them in our front office or on the school grounds.
- Mrs Janice Stuart, School Administrative Manager
- Mrs Karen Morris, Relieving ACIP School Administrative Manager
- Miss Kaitlyn Morris, Junior Attendance Officer (Years 7 - 9)
- Mrs Veronica Tollefsen, Senior Attendance Officer (Years 10 - 12)
- Mrs Tracey Mercieca, Enrolments Officer
- Mr Frank Movia, Technical Support Officer
- Mr Muhammad Ali Raja, Technical Support Officer
- Ms Sonam Verma, Technical Support Officer
Contact our school to learn about our administrative and operations staff
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. Our teachers are part of a strong education network. They may hold advanced accreditation. This ensuring high-quality teaching for your child.
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.
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.