About Us

Mrs Penny Curran-Peters brings more than 30 years of experience in education to her role as College Principal and is a passionate advocate for independent education, particularly in regional communities. A proud Novocastrian, she has a deep understanding of the Newcastle and Hunter region and the families she serves.

Guided by her values of integrity, respect and inclusion, Penny is committed to creating a welcoming College community where every student is known, supported and encouraged to flourish. She works closely with staff to foster engaging learning environments that value curiosity, creativity and student voice from Preschool to Year 12.

Mrs Kira Lough is an experienced educator and leader with a strong commitment to supporting both students and staff to thrive. She brings extensive experience in coaching and mentoring teachers, strengthening wellbeing practices, and building positive partnerships across the College community.

Student-centred in her approach, Kira is passionate about creating learning environments where young people feel safe, supported and ready to learn. With a background as a literacy specialist and a strong focus on the middle years, she works to ensure best practice in teaching and wellbeing, believing that when students feel valued and cared for, they are empowered to achieve their best.

As Head of Junior School, Mr Mark Durie is deeply committed to supporting children during these important early years of learning and development. With over 20 years of experience in both specialised and mainstream settings, he focuses on creating positive, inclusive learning environments where students feel understood, confident and engaged.

Mark has a strong interest in positive behaviour support and helping students learn through their individual strengths and interests. He works closely with teachers and families to understand each child’s learning profile, believing that strong partnerships between home and school are key to helping students thrive.

Mrs Leah McNab leads the Middle School with a focus on creating an engaging, inclusive, and dynamic learning environment where young adolescents can thrive. She is passionate about helping students develop their strengths, explore new interests, and build confidence as they navigate these important years.

With over 20 years of experience across Independent and Public schools, Leah brings expertise in wellbeing, literacy, and teaching and learning. She values collaborative leadership, supporting staff and students alike, and has a particular interest in neurodiverse learners and fostering purposeful, contemporary learning experiences that meet the needs of every child.

Mr Mitchell Cummings leads the Senior School with a focus on preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of their final years of schooling. He is passionate about fostering independence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, helping students take ownership of their learning and personal growth.

With extensive experience across public and independent education, including Technology teaching and university lecturing, Mitchell brings a breadth of expertise in curriculum development, student wellbeing, and innovative learning practices. He works closely with staff to create engaging, real-world learning experiences that inspire senior students to thrive academically, socially, and personally.

Ms Michelle Treton brings more than 20 years of experience across early childhood education and disability services, with a strong focus on inclusion and early development. Her background spans early learning and specialist support, and she is currently completing a Master’s degree in Inclusion and Diversity.

As Preschool Director, Michelle is passionate about creating warm, nurturing environments where young children feel safe, confident and ready to explore the world around them. She works closely with educators and families to build strong relationships and supportive routines, ensuring every child is recognised, respected and encouraged to grow as their most capable self.

Mrs Emma Bennis is an experienced educator and strategic leader with a strong commitment to excellence in teaching and learning across Kindergarten to Year 12. She brings broad experience across diverse school contexts, including gifted and high-potential education, International Baccalaureate programs and curriculum advisory roles.

Passionate about strengthening the K–12 learning continuum, Emma is dedicated to ensuring each stage of a student’s journey builds purposefully on the last — from mastering foundational skills in Junior School to achieving success in the HSC and preparing for future pathways. With a background as a secondary English teacher and significant experience teaching HSC English Advanced, she combines curriculum expertise with data-informed practice to drive meaningful growth, believing every student can achieve progress that reflects their unique strengths and potential.

Mrs Shea Hafey joined Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College in 2021 and brings 20 years of senior management and executive experience across private, international, and not-for-profit organisations. Her expertise spans finance, strategic planning, governance, human resources, project management, and information technology, providing the foundation for the smooth and effective running of the College.

Shea is passionate about creating a well-organised and supportive environment where staff, students, and families can thrive. Working behind the scenes, she ensures the College has the systems, resources, and operational excellence needed to allow the community to focus on learning, growth, and connection.

Mrs Laura Clarkson provides essential support to the College Principal, ensuring the smooth operation of the Principal’s office and helping the leadership team stay connected and organised. With a focus on coordination, communication, and attention to detail, she plays a key role in keeping the College running efficiently.

Laura is committed to fostering a welcoming and approachable environment for staff, students, and families. Through her work behind the scenes, she helps build strong relationships across the College community, supporting the Principal and the leadership team in creating a connected, collaborative, and thriving school environment.