Faculty Information
At WCS, we are fortunate to have a passionate and experiences PDHPE to have committed to developing the skills and knowledge of our students to help them live, happy and fulfilling lives.
Shannon Cameron – Head Teacher PDHPE
With over 20 years of experience, Shannon Cameron is a dedicated and passionate PDHPE educator and leader. Shannon brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to WCS, with experience leading innovative curriculum practices in public schools and leading independent schools, across NSW, QLD, ACT and In the UK.
Currently serving as Vice President (Conference) of the PDHPE Teachers' Association, Shannon plays an active role in supporting and advocating for the teaching community. She has attended the National HPE Curriculum Leaders Forum, and also presented at ACHPER NSW, Association of Independent Schools and PDHPE Teachers Association conferences, sharing her expertise on curriculum leadership, formative assessment, and future-focused teaching. Shannon has also consulted on consent education and curriculum reform, underscoring her commitment to meaningful and progressive education.
Shannon’s passion for movement and fitness was founded in her upbringing in the fitness industry. With experience as a Fitness Leader and Strength and Conditioning Coach, she advocates for integrating physical activity into daily life and particularly enjoys spending time in the outdoors with her family.
Deeply committed to social justice, Shannon values the critical role education plays in shaping young people into active, contributing members of society. A creative and forward-thinking leader, Shannon is dedicated to fostering a love of learning, supporting teacher collaboration, and preparing students for success in an ever-changing world. She holds high expectations for herself and others, encouraging excellence and growth in every aspect of education.
Zeke Newman – Targeted Sports Coordinator, Year 11 HMS Curriculum Leader, Head Teacher Administration
Zeke has been teaching since 2016 and joined the team at Wadalba Community School in 2017. With a deep passion for physical activity and health, Zeke teaches PDHPE to inspire students to embrace an active lifestyle and equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in our society.
An accomplished International Field Hockey and Indoor Hockey Umpire, Zeke has officiated at prestigious events, including Junior World Cups, Continental Championships, Olympic and World Cup Qualifiers, and the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Beyond hockey, Zeke enjoys running and leading by example when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
As the Tuggerah Zone Sports Association President and coordinator of the school’s exceptional Targeted Sports Program, Zeke is committed to fostering excellence in both participation and performance. In every lesson, Zeke hopes to instil in students the skills and values needed to contribute to the positive growth of their community and the world beyond.
Sharon Hodges – CHS Knockout Sport Coordinator, CAFS Curriculum Leader, Dance Curriculum Leader
With 28 years of teaching experience - Sharon Hodges is a dedicated PDHPE and CAFS teacher, committed to preparing students through authentic learning experiences. She is passionate about informing and educating students on health and physical activity, building their confidence, and providing opportunities to help them achieve their goals.
Sharon has a strong interest in health promotion and sports science, bringing a wealth of experience to her teaching. A highly accomplished athlete, she has competed at the State Championships in Touch Football, is an International Karate Champion, a qualified Touch Football referee, and has completed exams in ballet, tap, and contemporary dance.
As the CHS Knockout Sport Coordinator, Sharon loves offering a broad array of sporting opportunities to students at WCS and across the Tuggerah Zone. With a passion for extra-curricular opportunities, Sharon is also the school's Dance Coordinator, and leads Dance Festival and Schools Spectacular Troupes.
Jessica Burns – School Sport Coordinator, TSP Netball
With 14 years of teaching experience, Jessica Burns is passionate about health, fitness, and building strong connections with her students. She thrives on meaningful discussions in PDHPE, tailoring lessons to engage and support students in their well-being.
A dedicated netballer, Jessica played at a representative level and now focuses on coaching, leading Wadalba’s Under-15s to the NSW School Cup. She is also actively involved in her local community, volunteering with Wyong Leagues Football Club and supporting netball and golf.
As a Careers and Transition (CAT) team member, Jessica is committed to helping students succeed beyond school. She creates a safe, inclusive space where students feel heard, supported, and encouraged to push themselves. She lives by the belief: “You’ll never know what you’re capable of until you take that first step and just go for it.”
Jodie Walker – Year 7 Advisor 2025, CAFS Curriculum Leader
With a decade of teaching experience, Jodie is a dedicated PDHPE teacher and the Year 7 Advisor for 2025 at Wadalba Community School. Her passion for PDHPE stems from its connection to real-life situations, enabling her to guide young minds in becoming the best versions of themselves and positive contributors to society.
Jodie has a lifelong love for sport, particularly softball, and takes pride in sharing this enthusiasm with her students. Her teaching philosophy is centred on building strong relationships with students, showing genuine care for their learning and well-being.
Jodie hopes her lessons equip students with practical knowledge and skills that they can apply in real-life situations, fostering resilience, confidence, and lifelong health and well-being. Above all, she strives to be remembered as a teacher who truly cares about both the academic success and personal growth of her students.
Jason Brown – Outdoor Education Coordinator, Duke of Education Leader
With 13 years of teaching experience, Jason Brown is passionate about helping students build confidence, embrace challenges, and develop lifelong healthy habits. He has a particular love for athletics and racquet sports—especially Pickleball—bringing both energy and expertise to his teaching. A CHS Gold Medalist in the 100m sprint, he encourages students to push their limits and strive for personal growth.
Jason is known for his exceptionally creative and hands-on approach to teaching, particularly in Outdoor Education. He designs practical based, engaging lessons that inspire students to step outside their comfort zones, try new things, and develop a sense of adventure. His goal is for students to leave his classes feeling respected, supported, and excited to learn.
As an experienced Outdoor Education teacher and current WCS Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator, Jason is committed to providing students with opportunities for personal growth and leadership. Holding qualifications as a Canoe Guide and Snorkel Instructor, he is also a passionate surfer and rock climber, always seeking the next adventure—both for himself and his students.
Kurt Hartmann – Year 12 PDHPE Curriculum Leader, VET Fitness, TSP Footy Sports
With 7 years of teaching experience, Kurt is a dedicated PDHPE teacher inspired by the impactful teachers who supported him during his school years. He strives to give back to his students by helping them reach their potential and leaving a positive mark on their school journey.
Kurt has a strong passion for teaching Senior PDHPE and coaching Rugby League, Oztag, Mountain Biking, and Resistance Training. With over 20 years of Rugby League experience, 10+ years playing Oztag, and accomplishments such as captaining and coaching the Tamworth Taipans Oztag Men’s State Cup team, Kurt brings a wealth of knowledge to his students.
As a qualified coach, Kurt hopes to teach his students valuable skills, foster their confidence and self-esteem, and guide them to become positive contributors to their community.
Brendan Hodges – PDHPE Faculty Member, Head Teacher Administration
With an impressive 27-year teaching career, including 21 years at Wadalba Community School, Brendan Hodges is a highly experienced PDHPE teacher. Coming from a sporty family, Brendan has always been driven by a love for sport and the opportunity to inspire others to reach their potential through active learning.
A dedicated coach, Brendan has led over 200 knockout sports teams with great success, emphasising team cohesion and individual development. His coaching achievements span National, State, and Regional levels in Athletics, Rugby League, Touch Football, and Oztag. As a Life Member of both the Sydney North Sports Association and CHS Athletics, Brendan’s contributions to school and community sport are outstanding.
As an athlete, Brendan has represented Australia in Athletics and competed at the state level in Rugby League, Touch Football, Basketball, and Swimming.
In his teaching, Brendan aims to show students the significance of active learning and equip them with the knowledge to make informed life decisions. He understands not everyone loves being active but strives to cater to individual interests to engage and inspire his students.
Miranda Small – Year 7 Curriculum Coordinator
With 9 years of teaching experience, Miranda Small is a passionate and dedicated PDHPE teacher. Her enthusiasm lies in empowering students with the knowledge and skills to make informed health decisions and adopt a balanced lifestyle.
Miranda’s thrives on creating engaging and meaningful lessons that resonate with students, helping them retain important content. She also loves teaching students how to study, stay organised, and develop their writing and question-answering skills—tools that benefit them not just in school but throughout life.
A versatile sportswoman, Miranda has competed at a high level in horse riding since childhood and played Rugby Union for NSW Under-18s, as well as touch football and Oztag. Outside of school, she loves outdoor adventures, including bushwalking, snowboarding, and exploring the beach.
Miranda strives to make every lesson purposeful, ensuring her students feel understood, confident, and equipped to face real-world challenges. She values tailoring lessons to different learning styles and aims to teach life skills alongside PDHPE content, leaving students with a sense of achievement and enjoyment.
Kaelan Burke – Year 9 Curriculum Coordinator, Physical Activity 4 Everyone (PA4E1) Champion, TSP Soccer
Kaelan Burke is an enthusiastic young PDHPE teacher, bringing energy and a fresh perspective to his first full-time teaching role at Wadalba Community School. He was fortunate to begin his journey at WCS during his internship before graduating from university at the end of 2024.
Passionate about being active and self-improvement, Kaelan strives to make learning relatable and meaningful for his students. He loves seeing students walk into his classroom and leave with a new outlook on life, a newfound enjoyment for a sport or activity, and a smile on their face.
A talented athlete, Kaelan made his first-grade debut in the NPL NNSW at just 16, earning "Rookie of the Year" for the competition. By 18, he was a first-grade captain and later selected for the CCF North vs South match and the CCF All Stars game.
Kaelan hopes to create an environment where all students, especially those who may struggle in practical settings, develop a sense of enjoyment around movement and activity. He aims to help students navigate the challenges of adolescence with confidence, resilience, and a positive mindset.
Toby Williams – Year 8 Curriculum Coordinator
Emma-Kate Laird – PDHPE Faculty Member
With 5 years of teaching experience, Emma-Kate Laird brings her passion for health, fitness, and lifelong learning to her PDHPE lessons. She values the connections made with students and thrives on the challenges and opportunities the subject offers.
Emma-Kate has a particular love for basketball, including playing college basketball in the USA for four years and winning bronze in school basketball championships two years in a row. She also enjoys exploring new ways to stay active, including bushwalking and trying new activities.
In her lessons, Emma-Kate aims to instil the importance of persistence in skill development, the value of staying active for both physical and mental health, and the courage to step outside one’s comfort zone. She hopes her students leave her classes inspired to embrace challenges, care for their well-being, and make the most of life’s opportunities.
Josie Issa – PDHPE Teacher
In her first year of teaching, Josie Issa is excited to bring her passion for health and well-being to Wadalba Community School. Driven by the opportunity to inspire students to embrace an active and healthy lifestyle, she is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment where all students feel confident and motivated to participate.
Josie has a strong passion for physical literacy and believes in the importance of creating engaging, inclusive lessons that empower students of all abilities. With a background in dance and gymnastics, she has achieved national titles in both disciplines and hopes to share her love for movement by contributing to the extracurricular dance program at WCS.
She aims for her students to leave each lesson not only with a deeper understanding of the content