Our staff

​Leadership Team​​​

Amanda Hawkswell, Principal

A​manda is a proud educator who started her teaching career at Andergrove SS in Mackay more than 30 years ago.  She moved from the classroom into leadership in 2012, when she won a substantive Deputy Principal position.  Amanda has acted as Principal in other schools such as Salisbury SS, and was asked to step in as acting Principal at Sherwood in 2018.  In 2020, she was very fortunate to be made the substantive Principal here at Sherwood.  Amanda loves being part of the Sherwood school community. Working with staff, students and families to develop and grow our culture of 'paying it forward' at Sherwood brings her joy every day. 

Stacey Thomasen, Deputy Principal (P - 2)

Stacey has always been passionate about inclusive education, and graduated with a Major in Inclusive Education from university. She started her teaching career at Stretton State College, before transferring to Springfield Central State School in 2011. She was made a permanent Head of Curriculum in 2013, where she held various acting Deputy Principal roles. Stacey moved to Sherwood in 2019 and was appointed permanent Deputy Principal in 2020. She is particularly interested in Systematic Curriculum Delivery (assessment, reporting, pedagogy and curriculum), Student Services (inclusive education) and the Early Years. She says there’s so much to love about Sherwood SS, including the generosity of families and sense of community spirit, and being surrounded by kind students always striving to Aim Higher. She is also impressed by the high quality of learning evident in each classroom, which is reinforced at home by parents and carers. 

Eliza Borsht, Deputy Principal (3 - 6)

​Eliza commenced her career in 2011 teaching Prep at Indooroopilly State School. She then moved to Silkstone State School before accepting her first leadership position as Principal of Mount Marrow State School in 2016. In 2018 Eliza was appointed substantive Deputy Principal at Sherwood State School and has thoroughly enjoying being part of this great school and community ever since. Eliza's passion for education stems from a deep belief in children and the bright future they hold for our world. She is committed to ensuring every student has a great teacher not by chance but by design. Her number one priority is the wellbeing of all – students, staff and community. She is committed to ensuring that every day, each student is being academically challenged, emotionally supported and is developing a love of life long learning. ​​

Cara Middleton, A/Head of Department (Curriculum)

Cara has always been passionate about the children and creating a quality and engaging curriculum. She began her career in 2008 teaching in Ipswich schools for 10 years, before transferring to Jamboree Heights in 2018. Cara moved to Sherwood in 2022 and was appointed Head of Department (Curriculum) and has enjoyed the experiences and community spirit. She is committed to ensuring each educator is dedicated, motivated and goal-driven to commit to the social, emotional and academic growth and development of every learner. Cara loves being part of the Sherwood Community, being surrounded by the kindness of staff, students and families. ​

Key staff contacts 

​Our teachers 

​For your convenience, below is a list of email addresses for all classroom teachers at Sherwood State School in 2023. 

List of 2023 teaching staff emails​

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