Our Principal — Mr Matthew Thompson
Matt Thompson has been Principal of Whitfield State School since 2018 and has more than 20 years' experience in Queensland state school leadership. He also serves as Vice President of the Queensland Association of State School Principals (QASSP), and as a member of the National Council for Australian Government Primary Principal's Association (AGPPA), contributing to professional leadership and advocacy for primary education across Queensland and Australia.
Matt has a strong history in evidence-informed teaching, school improvement and developing the capability of teachers and leaders. At Whitfield, his focus is on ensuring every child benefits from high-quality teaching, rich opportunities and a school environment where they feel known, supported and challenged.
He believes primary schools should have children's success and experiences at the centre of their work, with both strong academic performance and their wellbeing underpinned by confidence, resilience and problem-solving skills being equally important.
Matt particularly values strong relationships with students and families and enjoys being an active and visible part of school life. He welcomes families to be an productive part of our school. For prospective families he welcomes you to join one of his Principal's Tours, to meet some of the people who make Whitfield special and to experience the school for themselves.
Our School Leadership Team
Whitfield State School's leadership structure ensures every child benefits from exceptional teaching, a strong sense of belonging and the support they need to succeed.
Our three Deputy Principals lead key portfolios while also having direct responsibility for the students and staff within their sectors of the school.
Deputy Principal Prep-2 and School Culture – Ms Rae-Ann Hollis
Every child connected, resilient and ready to learn
Leading Prep–Year 2, our Deputy Principal – School Culture leads positive behaviour, wellbeing, early-years transition and our approach to developing Resilient, Skilled Problem Solvers—building the confidence, independence and capabilities children need to thrive.
Deputy Principal Years 3/4 and Student Services – Mrs Megan Mitchell
Every child known, included and supported
Leading Years 3–4 and students with disability and additional needs, our Deputy Principal – Student Services coordinates inclusion, disability support, attendance and solution-focused case management, ensuring students receive the individualised support they need to participate, learn and succeed.
Deputy Principal Years 5/6 and Teaching & Learning – Mr Andrew Lamond
Every child challenged, achieving and prepared for the future
Leading Years 5–6 and specialist teachers, our Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning leads curriculum, evidence-informed teaching, structured literacy and teacher development. The portfolio also leads our World of Opportunities, including PEAK Academies and future-focused learning experiences.
Heads of Department – Teaching Excellence – Mrs Yolanda Alexander and Mrs Kate Wilkie
Supporting great teachers to become even better
Our two Heads of Department work directly alongside teachers to continually strengthen the quality of teaching across Whitfield.
Through collaborative planning, instructional coaching, classroom observation and feedback, demonstration teaching and professional learning, they help teachers translate evidence and curriculum into highly effective classroom practice.
This significant investment in teacher capability means our teachers are never expected to improve in isolation. They have expert colleagues working alongside them to plan, reflect, refine and continually develop their practice.
Our diverse staff team – ready to support and extend our children
In addition to our wonderful general classroom teachers, and specialist teachers our school employs: teacher aides to support our children; administration staff to keep our school well organised and functioning to a high standard; cleaning and grounds staff to ensure that the quality and high expectations of our learning programs are reflected in the quality of our facilities; tuckshop staff to provide nutritious lunchesl and a range of specialist support staff the provide specific extension and supports for children including a guidance officer, social worker, psychologist, behaviour support officers, intensive education teachers; a sports coach and a performing arts coach.
One Team. One Purpose.
Together, our leadership and staff team ensure children are taught well, feel they belong and receive the support they need to continually improve.
It is all focused on one goal: helping every Whitfield student strive for their peak and develop as a Resilient, Skilled Problem Solver prepared for the future.