Our Staff

Our staff delight in the opportunity to work in such a professional, academic and friendly community. We recognise that it is vital for staff to cultivate positive relationships with the children and young people in our care; as well as with their families, so that our students can thrive.

Our School owes much of its success to the learning opportunities provided by our teachers who develop innovative and effective learning pedagogies in the classroom. We attract and retain exceptional staff who consider it an honour and a privilege to work with the children and young people of the school. Every teacher from ECEC to Year 12 is engaged in regular and rigorous professional learning to ensure that they are the best they can be, in the interest of enabling our students to be the best they can be, and in turn, considerably enhance student learning outcomes.

Teachers at Hills Grammar have the opportunity to:

  • Work with highly qualified, experienced and skilled colleagues in one of Sydney’s leading contemporary Independent Co-educational Schools.
  • Focus on the art of teaching, while they facilitate student learning in small classes.
  • Enjoy the challenges of innovative curriculum development and work in well-resourced learning environments.
  • Engage in teacher accreditation programs related to NESA and ISTAA requirements that are authentic and enriching learning and development opportunities, through a well-managed and clearly articulated process.

Support Staff contribute to the School’s educational program across Pre K-12 through providing operational, professional and para-professional expertise in positions covering a wide range of services. They have the opportunity to engage in professional learning and study opportunities that enriches their capacity to support those who are at the front line of student learning delivery. 

Employment 

To find out about employment opportunities at  Hills Grammar please visit our employment page.

Staff Profiles

Justine Zarebski

Assistant Head of English

Justine Zarebski is a scholarship fellow at the University of Sydney. Justine loves sharing her knowledge and believes Mary Wollstonecraft's words: “the companions of our childhood always possess a certain power over our minds.” Justine is an inspiring individual who values the powerful and lasting connections she makes with her students.

Praneetha Singh

Head of Mathematics

Praneetha is our Head of Mathematics. She enjoys representing Hills Grammar nationally and internationally as a presenter; talking about current mathematical topics. She often reminds her students that Maths is the only subject that counts! 

Geoff Gates

Director of Academic Programs

Geoff is our Director of Academic Programs, English teacher, published author and occasional guitarist. He is passionate about promoting a culture of thinking in the school, and treating each student with respect. Taking his cue from Dead Poets Society, he asks students to not only ‘seize the day’, but to ‘seize the lesson’. 

Kim Tegel

Head of the ECEC

Kim is the Head of the Early Childhood Education Centre. She has been teaching and lecturing in Early Childhood Education for over 20 years and is passionate and committed to delivering high quality Early Childhood Educational programs.

Owen Nelson

Head of Music

Owen is our Head of Music, with specialisations in choral conducting, voice and piano. He is passionate about engaging students in the full range of opportunities provided by the music department. Owen is an experienced HSC senior marker and organises festivals and performances that take our students ‘beyond the school gate’.

Fernando Mazzei

Junior School Teacher

Fernando has been a Junior School teacher at Hills Grammar for over 20 years. He revels in seeing his students’ joy and satisfaction when they discover and learn. “When I had long hair and played guitar we called it ‘Discovery Learning.’ Today, the IB PYP program offers children learning challenges through an exciting transdisciplinary approach."

 

James Muir

Head of PDHPE

James is our Head of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. He is passionate about movement and loves to surf and train in Mixed Martial Arts. He is a presenter at PDHPE conferences and arranges #TeachmeetPDHPE. He loves sharing his passion for health and wellbeing with students and staff.

Rosa Maria Sciacchitano

Junior Drama Teacher

Rosa is our Junior Drama Teacher. She is passionate about the Performing Arts and has been trained as a Director, Performer and Choreographer. Her goal is to encourage, support and promote expression amongst Hills Grammar students in order for them to flourish as young individuals.