Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Community Service
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
Referees
Timeline
Generic
Catherine Sansom

Catherine Sansom

Zuccoli,NT

Summary

Dedicated and compassionate educational leader with more than 17 years of experience in primary education, specialising in inclusive, future-focused learning environments grounded in values of care, service, and faith. Proven expertise in supporting students with additional needs, managing learning support programs, and leading school-wide initiatives that foster wellbeing, cultural richness, and academic excellence. Passionate about creating nurturing and innovative school cultures while effectively coordinating operations, staff development, and strategic planning in alignment with Christian values.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience

Work History

Wellbeing Coordinator

Good Shepherd Lutheran College - Palmerston Campus
01.2022 - Current
  • Implement targeted wellbeing support programs for students, identifying those in need through close collaboration with classroom teachers.
  • Plan and deliver wellbeing lessons in partnership with teachers, ensuring a consistent approach to social, emotional, and personal development across year levels.
  • Lead and support the implementation of Restorative Practices school-wide, guiding both students and staff in approaches that build community, resolve conflict, and promote accountability.
  • Organise and run fortnightly school assemblies that foster a sense of community and celebrate student achievements.
  • Plan and coordinate annual Wellbeing Day events, engaging a range of community services and external providers to enhance student support and awareness.
  • Lead organization of key school events including Mother’s Day High Tea, Father’s Day BBQ, Community Fun Day, school discos, and colour runs, enhancing school culture and connection.
  • Monitor and assess the wellbeing needs of the school community through regular surveys, feedback collection, and scheduled meetings with staff and students, using this data to inform ongoing strategic planning.
  • Facilitate and lead staff professional development on promoting wellbeing and fostering an inclusive culture in educational settings.
  • Mentor and support Year 5 House Leaders in the planning and implementation of House games, building student leadership and school spirit.
  • These responsibilities demonstrate a strong blend of coordination, leadership, and practical hands-on involvement in the holistic wellbeing of students and staff, aligned with contemporary practices for inclusive, supportive, and connected school communities.

Learning Enrichment Teacher

Good Shepherd Lutheran College - Palmerston Campus
01.2017 - Current
  • Provide targeted one-on-one and small group instruction for students with learning difficulties, focusing not only on literacy and numeracy but also fostering social and emotional skills to support whole-child development.
  • Collaborate closely with classroom teachers to adapt and differentiate lesson plans, ensuring that learning experiences are tailored effectively to meet the individual academic and developmental needs of students requiring additional support.
  • Design, implement, and regularly review Educational Adjustment Plans (EAPs) and targeted interventions that promote students’ academic progress alongside their emotional wellbeing.
  • Establish and maintain open communication and collaboration with parents, carers, and multidisciplinary teams—including external specialists—to deliver coordinated, holistic support that enhances student learning and wellbeing.
  • Conduct systematic and ongoing assessments to monitor student progress, using data to inform and adjust teaching strategies that maximize learning outcomes and respond to individual student needs.
  • Work proactively with families and external professionals to ensure a cohesive support network for each student, facilitating smooth transitions and access to necessary resources.
  • Initiate and lead the development of effective classroom management strategies in partnership with teachers, promoting student responsibility, engagement, and a positive learning environment.
  • Collaborate with parents and staff to create and implement customized enrolment support plans that assist students and families in transitioning into the College community with confidence and clarity.
  • Facilitate and oversee standardised testing processes at the Palmerston Campus, ensuring compliance with relevant guidelines and providing assessments that inform teaching and support strategies.
  • Lead the management of Learning Support Officers at Palmerston, including scheduling, hosting regular team meetings, providing constructive feedback, and fostering their professional development to enhance the Learning Support program.
  • Coordinate and manage the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) process at Palmerston Campus, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with national reporting requirements.
  • This enhanced overview demonstrates strong leadership, operational management, and collaborative skills, all crucial for a senior role such as Deputy Principal – Operations and Culture. It emphasizes an approach that integrates pedagogical expertise with strategic organisation, staff supervision, and effective community engagement.

Acting Head of School

Good Shepherd Lutheran College - Palmerston Campus
  • Organised and administered the daily operations of Palmerston Campus, ensuring smooth functioning including scheduling, logistics, and the supervision of both teaching and support staff.
  • Provided strong leadership and support to staff during challenging situations, fostering a culture of open communication, collaboration, and professional resilience.
  • Coordinated and arranged relief cover for staff absences, developing systems to efficiently manage and allocate short- and long-term relief requirements.
  • Led the integration and support of new students and families entering Palmerston Campus, managing the enrolment process and facilitating their transition into the school community.
  • Facilitated effective parent–student meetings, ensuring clear, responsive communication and supporting students’ academic and social progress through partnership with families.
  • Created and managed rosters for playground duties, Learning Support Officers (LSOs), and school events, optimising staff deployment and promoting a safe, well-supervised environment for students.

Classroom Teacher - Transition, Year 1 and Year 3

Good Shepherd Lutheran College
01.2008 - 01.2016
  • Created a safe and welcoming classroom environment that supported students’ emotional wellbeing, enabling them to flourish academically and socially.
  • Planned and delivered engaging lessons aligned with the IB and Australian Curriculum, utilizing a range of teaching methods to cater to diverse learning styles and student needs.
  • Implemented inclusive education strategies through differentiated instruction, tailoring content, process, and environment to ensure all students could access and engage with learning.
  • Conducted regular assessments, analysed results, and provided targeted feedback to maximize student learning outcomes and help students achieve their fullest potential.
  • Actively participated in curriculum planning and school-wide initiatives, contributing to collaborative efforts that promoted innovation and consistency in educational programs.
  • Engaged in ongoing professional development to continually refine teaching practice and remain current with best-practice pedagogies and curriculum requirements.
  • Built strong, collaborative relationships with parents, maintaining clear communication about student progress and working jointly to support each learner’s success.

Education

Bachelor of Education -

University of New England
01-2007

Diploma of Leadership and Management -

AISNT

Skills

  • Inclusive Education & Wellbeing
  • Strategic Leadership & Operational Oversight
  • Learning Support & Adjustment Planning
  • Christian Education & Pastoral Care
  • Event Coordination & Community Engagement
  • Behaviour Management & Restorative Practice
  • Data-Informed Decision Making
  • Educational Policy & Program Design
  • Effective communication

Community Service

  • Netball NT - Chair 2014- Current
  • Top End Calisthenics NT, committee member, 2024 - Current
  • Palmerston Netball Association, President 2009 - 2014
  • Manager of Netball NT representative teams, 2011 - 2014

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

  • Restorative Practices
  • Sue Larkey – Teaching students on the Autism Spectrum
  • Positive Partnerships
  • Soundswrite phonics program
  • EQUIP
  • OLT courses
  • Inspire software
  • MacqLit – Literacy intervention
  • International Baccalaureate – PYP
  • Making the PYP Happen
  • PYP Developing your Learning Community
  • PYP Teaching and Learning
  • Reading and Writing through Inquiry
  • Making the PYP happen: Implementing agency
  • First Aid certificate

Referees

Matthew Qualischefski

Principal

Good Shepherd Lutheran College

matthew.q@ntschools.net

Rachel Boyce

Deputy Director AISNT

0409 074 192

rachel.boyce@aisnt.asn.au

Penny Shearer

CEO - Netball NT

0475 825 864

manager@netballnt.org.au

Timeline

Wellbeing Coordinator

Good Shepherd Lutheran College - Palmerston Campus
01.2022 - Current

Learning Enrichment Teacher

Good Shepherd Lutheran College - Palmerston Campus
01.2017 - Current

Classroom Teacher - Transition, Year 1 and Year 3

Good Shepherd Lutheran College
01.2008 - 01.2016

Acting Head of School

Good Shepherd Lutheran College - Palmerston Campus

Bachelor of Education -

University of New England

Diploma of Leadership and Management -

AISNT

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Catherine Sansom