Our Leadership Team
David Raphael
Principal
David holds a Bachelor of Arts with the Diploma of Education, Master of Letters, Masters of Educational Administration, Management Certificate and Coaching Certificate. He has had 22 years of experience being a Principal of both mainstream and special needs schools. David has been Principal of St Lucy’s from 2017 to date.
“I simply love seeing the progress and happy smiles of achievement amongst the students as they learn with the help of our amazing staff here.”
Susan Jones
Deputy Principal
Susan holds a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Special Education. She has over 25 years experience in the disability sector. She has specialist knowledge in education of students with disabilities through positive behaviour techniques. She has been the Deputy Principal at St Lucy’s from 2011 to date.
Lisa Grimmond
Head of Curriculum and Pedagogy K-6 I Satellite Classes Facilitator -
Reading Program Co-ordinator
Lisa holds a Diploma of Primary Education and a Bachelor of Special Education. She has over 28 years of experience educating students with disabilities and has specialist knowledge in educating students in both reading and mathematics. Lisa has been co-ordinating the Reading Program for 15 years and lead the development of our Mathematics with Meaning Program. Lisa is currently Head of Curriculum and Pedagogy K-6 and works closely with the Deputy and Stage Learning Facilitators, innovating and adjusting the NSW Curriculum for our young learners.
Kirstin Willis
Head of Curriculum and Pedagogy Years 7-12
VET and Workplace Coordinator
Kirstin holds a Diploma in Education (Primary) and a Masters of Special Education. She began her career in mainstream education before joining St Lucy’s in 2015 in the Primary school as a casual teacher. In 2016 she moved to a part time role before joining in a full-time capacity in 2017. In 2021, Kirstin moved across to the high school to deliver the Vocational Educational Training courses.
“I always assume competence; each young person has different talents and skills, and it is my duty as an educator to support them in developing these and preparing them for post school life and in becoming valued and active members of their communities.“
Michelle Le Patourel
Head of Wellbeing
Michelle holds a Bachelor of Education and a Graduate Certificate in Counselling. She began her career in mainstream education holding the positions of both Religious Education Co-ordinator and Wellbeing Co-Ordinator before joining St Lucy’s as a classroom teacher in 2022. Michelle has been the Head of Wellbeing at St Lucy’s since 2023.
“St Lucy’s is a place like no other. Possibility surrounds us as each of our students are given opportunity to share their voice, develop their knowledge and build resilience to create a safe and vibrant place of belonging.”
Alessandra Picone
Head of Creative Arts
Alessandra holds an Advanced Diploma of Acting (Theatre). Ali is a drama specialist and she leads a team of professional artists , who teach Visual and Performance Arts to all St Lucy’s Students. Ali has been at St Lucy’s since 2006.
“When the students do something for the first time, say something for the first time or take on a character for the first time, it is in those moments you really see their lights shine.”
Kerrie Dietz
Enrolments Manager
Kerrie has been part of the St Lucy’s community since 2014 and was appointed as Enrolments Manager in 2022. She has lived experience with a child who attended the school for 7 years. Kerrie has been an active volunteer in the reading and maths program for many years as well as President of the P&F. Prior to St Lucy’s, Kerrie’s career included recruitment, facilities management and administration roles.
Caroline Fowler
Business Manager
Caroline holds a Bachelor degree in Accounting and Business/Management and has worked in a range of industries. Caroline has worked for St Lucy’s School for the over 6 years and is responsible for the Development Office including school finances, HR and fundraising
“In my role I really get to make a difference in the students lives by developing the facilities for our amazing education, and seeing the smiles on the students faces makes it all worthwhile.”
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