Our principal and staff
Our school team is committed to every student’s learning, wellbeing and sense of belonging. We work together to create a supportive and inclusive school where every child is set up for success.
Welcome from our principal
Lucas Gardens School is a School for Specific Purposes (SSP) located in Canada Bay. We provide high-quality educational programs for students aged 5 to 18 years with a range of complex learning and support needs. Many of our students present with multiple diagnosed disabilities, including moderate to severe intellectual disability, physical disability, sensory impairments, and complex medical and health needs.
Our dedicated and highly skilled staff bring extensive expertise in special education, supporting every student to access learning in a way that meets their individual needs. Teaching and learning at Lucas Gardens School is aligned with the NSW Department of Education curriculum and is designed to ensure equity, excellence, and engagement for all students.
We believe every student has the capacity to learn, grow and succeed. Our educational programs are differentiated and individualised, promoting access to all Key Learning Areas.
Learning is further enriched through access to a school-based therapy team including:
· Speech Pathologist - Jess Ellis
· Occupational Therapist - Sarah Ayoub
· Physiotherapist - Hayley Mills
· Music tutor - Rhythm Village
At Lucas Gardens School, students are encouraged to actively engaged with their learning, their peers, and the broader community. Our programs are designed to build functional life skills and foster a strong sense of agency and independence. Students are supported to transfer their learning beyond the classroom into real-world contexts, enhancing their confidence, resilience, and community participation.
A lifelong love of learning is instilled through the passion, professionalism and care demonstrated daily by our teachers, support staff, and school-based therapists.
The school’s Executive Team consists of the Principal and three Teaching Assistant Principals.
Our administrative and support staff play a critical role in the day-to-day operation of the school. This includes:
· Business Manager and School Administrative Officers (SAOs), who manage all administrative and financial operations
· A part-time General Assistant (GA), who maintains the school’s facilities and grounds
· A part-time School Psychologist, who provides assessment of learning and support needs for students.
We maintain strong partnerships with families, carers and the wider community. These relationships are central to our success. Community engagement and fundraising initiatives have significantly enhanced learning opportunities, providing access to additional resources, experiences, and programs.
Lucas Gardens School is proud to be part of the NSW public education system, committed to the values of equity, excellence, trust and integrity We work every day to ensure that every student is known, valued and cared for.
On behalf of our school community, I warmly welcome you to Lucas Gardens School.
Gianoula (Jenny) Zagas
PRINCIPAL
Students showcasing our wonderful school to Deb Summerhayes, the Deputy Secretary Public Schools.
Our school staff
Your child’s school experience is shaped by the people around them. 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. 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. 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. 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.
Lucas Gardens staff of 2025
