Mrs Katie Gillespie - Head of Senior School
Katie brings extensive experience to her role as Head of Senior School. Prior to Inaburra she was Director of Wellbeing and Acting Head of Senior School at Mamre Anglican School where her focus was on strategic and relational wellbeing leadership and fostering strong, trust-based relationships with staff and families to support students’ holistic development.
Katie has a proven track record in leading strategic projects and comprehensive reviews of policy and curriculum, driving meaningful change in the classroom and strengthening engagement for both students and staff. She also brings valuable experience as a member of the school Executive, contributing collaboratively to strategic planning and the cultivation of a positive school culture.
Katie’s professional expertise is underpinned by a Master of Education (Leadership) and a background in classroom teaching with over 20 years of experience in both Christian education and pastoral ministry within the Sydney Anglican Diocese. Her background in church ministry, most recently at St Paul’s Castle Hill, informs her deep commitment to authentic Christian leadership. Katie is committed to collaborative leadership and diligent service, ensuring that every young person is supported through strong relational care and a vibrant school culture.
Senior School Curriculum
The formal curriculum at Inaburra follows the syllabi of the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) which culminates in the award of the HSC at the end of Year 12. Inaburra has a strong tradition of academic excellence with the vast majority of students completing Year 12 and earning a HSC and an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank.
Students have a varied program of learning in Years 7 and 8, where the following subjects are offered including English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Biblical Studies, Chinese (Mandarin), Indonesian, PDHPE, Information Technology, Technology subjects (covering food, wood, metal, design), Music and Art.
In Years 9 and 10 all students in NSW study the following mandatory subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Australian Geography Civics and Citizenship, Australian History Civics and Citizenship, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE), Computer Skills and Biblical Studies. These years provide the opportunity for students to choose from a wide range of elective subjects. For their HSC, students select a minimum of 12 units of study in Year 11, and a minimum of 10 units in Year 12.
Student Support
The transition from Junior School to Senior School can be a new challenge for students and families. Whilst having an integrated campus can assist in this transition, the school offers the following features to assist students to transition and build resilience throughout their Senior School years:
- School counsellors: Inaburra offers students the services of qualified counsellors.
- Welfare: Our welfare staff are committed to the general well-being of students and supporting families. This includes the Orientation Camp for Year 7 and parent seminars from well-respected speakers.
- Learning Enrichment: Inaburra provides a dedicated team who are committed to supporting, extending and enriching students through their learning.
- After School Study Centre: Study support is available to students in Year 6-12 in the ASSC held in the Learning Commons. The centre is open till 5:45pm, Monday – Thursday and until 4:00pm on Fridays. Tutors are on hand to support students with their classwork, home learning, assessments and exam preparation.
- Peer-to-peer leadership: Students are encouraged to actively support other students, regardless of whether or not they hold leadership positions. Some of their activities include assisting with Year 7 orientation and peer-to-peer tutoring.
The students can also experience support and care through their Home Group Leaders and Year Advisors.
After School Study Centre
We have an incredible academic support program for students in Year 6-12 called the After School Study Centre (ASSC). All students can choose to attend the ASSC after school until 5:45pm (Mon-Thurs) and 4:00pm (Fri) where they have access to tutors to assist them with any classwork, home learning, assessments and exam preparation. Students who have used this support, consistently report an improvement in their assessment outcomes and grades. This is a free service to Inaburra students.
Senior School Leaders
Students have leadership opportunities in Year 9, Year 10 and Year 12. Year 9 Leaders are selected after a poll of their peers and the input of staff. They support the work of the school with one of their most important roles being to assist the new Year 7 students with their transition to Senior School. They also serve as ambassadors for the student body at official events and occasions.
Year 10 have the opportunity to serve for 12 months as their respective House Captain for one of the four Houses – Gunaagan (Red), Galu (Yellow), Guriwala (Green) and Buriburi (Blue). Students are elected to these roles by their peers and staff.
Year 12 Prefects are elected by their peers and staff. In addition to the general responsibilities and opportunities that come with their leadership role, they coordinate the Year 12 community fundraising activities, determining which charity to support and how the funds will be raised.
Belle Jones and Jack Margetson have been appointed as the Inaburra School Captains for 2025–2026. In a first for Inaburra’s history, Sophia Whitbread and Nikolas O’Flynn were also announced as the Vice Captains.
