Our principal and staff

Welcome from our principal

It is my honour to be Principal at Fort Street High School. It goes without saying that it is also an incredible responsibility to lead a school with such a history in nurturing and producing so many great Australians.

Fort Street High School is a co-educational, academically selective, public high school with a long and proud history. Established in 1849 as a Model school, it is the oldest government high school in Australia.

All students at Fort Street are encouraged to reach their full potential and enjoy a dynamic and rich school experience. The school fosters an environment where intelligent young men and women can express both their individuality and develop a strong sense of belonging and a commitment to social justice.

Ms Juliette McMurray, Principal of Fort Street High School

Fort Street High School offers a broad curriculum and an extensive range of co-curricular programs to challenge and inspire all students.

We have a strong focus on student leadership, on promoting positive values and developing a sense of global citizenship.

The school community truly represents multicultural Australia, and is a harmonious community which respects each individual. Students come from 100 suburbs of Sydney.

Our students speak about 40 different languages and enrich the life of this great school, a school which is known for tolerance and acceptance.

It is my privilege to work with the wider community, parents, P&C, the Fort Street Foundation, the School Council and the Fortians Union to maintain the important traditions and ensure that the school is a leader in education in the twenty first century.

Our alumni continue a deep connection with our community and have extensive involvement in the life of the school which is evidence of their rich and significant educational journey and the Fortian pride that has been fostered.

Ms Juliette McMurray, Principal of Fort Street High School

School Staff for 2025

Teachers at Fort Street are committed to helping our gifted students reach their academic potential by creating programs which build on the learning continuum, promote creative and critical thinking and incorporate differentiation to give them challenging and meaningful learning experiences.

Our staff come from a wide range of backgrounds themselves, and bringing a diverse range of talents and skills, teachers celebrate the diversity found in the classroom.

Executive staff

Senior Executive

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.

Principal
Ms Juliette McMurray
Deputy Principal (Years 7, 9 and 11)
Mr David Sherwin (Relieving)
Deputy Principal (Years 8, 10 and 12)
Ms Carolyn Mattick (Relieving)

Our executive team

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.

Head Teacher – Administration
Ms Manar Hussein
Head Teacher – English
Mr Edmund McMahon
Head Teacher – Mathematics
Mr Ali Razzaghi
Head Teacher – Languages
Ms Melinda Wark
Head Teacher – History
Ms Melinda Wark
Head Teacher – Science
Mr Brian Webb
Head Teacher – Social Science
Mr Garth Chapman
Head Teacher – Creative and Performing Arts
Ms Elizabeth Propsting
Head Teacher – Wellbeing
Mr Hugh O'Neill
Head Teacher – Technology
Mr Dai Dong
Head Teacher – Teaching and Learning
Mr Michael Galvin

Our Year Advisors

Year Group
Adviser
Assistant Adviser
Year 7
Ms Angelica Catalan
Mr Andrew Tennent
Year 8
Mr Ben Clark
Ms Fiona Richards
Year 9
Mr Rod Carritt
Ms Maddy Cove
Year 10
Ms Amelia Lawson
Mr Arkady De Jong
Year 11
Mr David Latimer
Ms Hyun Cho
Year 12
Mr Derek Patulny
Ms Helen Thompson

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

Expert, connected and accredited

Our teachers are part of a strong education network. They may hold advanced accreditation. This ensuring high-quality teaching for your child.

Teachers who never stop learning

Our teachers are lifelong learners. They stay current through regular training and keep improving how they teach students.

Teacher–family partnerships

Our teachers build trust through clear communication. Our families know that their child has support and is ready to learn.

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.

Head Teacher - Wellbeing
Mr Hugh O'Neill
SPE - Senior Psychologist Education Department
Ms Jean Kidd
School Counsellors
Ms Miori Shino
Student Support Officers (SSO)
Ms Rose Dooley
Learning Support
Ms Jill Ryan and Ms Alissa Tan

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.

School Administration Manager
Ms Kirrily Druery
School Business Manager
Ms Vivien Davies
Assistant to the Principal
Ms Kellorin Long
Teacher Librarian
Ms Donna Page / Mr Paul McDonald
School Counsellor
Ms Miori Shino
Careers Adviser
Ms Kylie Salisbury
Sports Coordinator
Mr Edmund Feng
Sports CHS Knockout Coordinator
Mr Bradley Sarif
Instrumental Music Program Director
Mr Matt Manchester
Technology Technical Support
Mr Zerly Nazar
Anti-Racism Contact Officer (ARCO)
Ms Jenny Xu
SRC Coordinator
Mr Bambul Shakibaei
Debating Co-ordinator
Mr Andrew Tennant

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.