WAYS Secondary is a fee-free independent high school for students in Years 9 to 12. We offer an innovative, safe, and genuinely supportive learning environment for capable young people who have struggled to find their place in mainstream schooling.
Many of our students arrive with gaps in their learning, anxiety, or a complicated history with school. At WAYS, they find small classes, consistent teachers, and a calm environment where they are known, understood, and given a real chance to thrive.
Our approach is adolescent-centric, trauma-informed, and strengths-based. The results speak for themselves.
Consolidation and direction. Preparing for senior study with stability and structure.
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HSC preparation within a calm, contained and academically serious environment.
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Mainstream schools are built for the majority. They work well for many students. For the young person who needs something different, a smaller environment, a calmer classroom, or a team that truly knows them, WAYS was built with them in mind.
Our size and model give us the ability to do things that simply are not possible in a large school setting:
Dr Terri Said is the Principal of WAYS Secondary School and the Chief Executive Officer of WAYS Youth & Family. She brings extensive experience across education, youth services, and organisational leadership, with a strong focus on creating environments where young people feel safe, supported, and able to re-engage with learning.
At WAYS Secondary School, Terri leads a model that recognises many young people have not had a positive experience in traditional education settings. Her approach focuses on building trust first, then creating the structure and support needed for students to reconnect with education at their own pace.
She works closely with the teaching team, wellbeing staff, and external partners to ensure each student is supported both academically and personally. This includes integrating education with case management, therapeutic support, and pathways into further training or employment.
Terri also maintains strong relationships with families and carers, recognising the important role they play in each young person’s progress. Her leadership ensures that communication is clear, expectations are understood, and support is consistent across both school and home environments.
Under her leadership, WAYS Secondary School continues to strengthen its focus on practical outcomes, helping students build confidence, develop life skills, and move toward meaningful next steps in education, training, or work.
Leoni is often the first point of contact for both students and families at WAYS Secondary School. She plays a central role in the day-to-day experience of the school, ensuring that students feel supported and that families have a clear, responsive line of communication.
For students, Leoni provides consistent, approachable support throughout the day. Whether it’s helping with practical needs, checking attendance, or simply being someone to talk to, she creates a calm and welcoming presence within the school. Many students naturally gravitate to her as a trusted adult, particularly when they need guidance before being connected to the wider support team.
On the administration side, Leoni manages key communication with parents and carers. She is the first point of contact for enquiries relating to enrolment, attendance, excursions, and general school matters. She also liaises with external organisations, including other schools and education providers, to support student transitions and information sharing.
Leoni’s role sits at the intersection of care and coordination. She ensures that students are supported in the moment, while also keeping the broader systems of the school running smoothly.
Kate is a secondary teacher at WAYS, specialising in English and History across both junior and senior levels. Originally from Ireland, she brings over six years of teaching experience across a range of high school settings, including dedicated support environments for students with autism.
Kate is passionate about supporting young people to develop not only academically, but as well-rounded individuals. Her approach focuses on creating a supportive and inclusive classroom where students feel understood, capable and encouraged to engage with their learning and the world around them.
She values the role education plays in shaping confident, thoughtful members of society and works closely with students to support their growth both inside and outside the classroom.
Outside of school, Kate enjoys reading, staying active, and being part of the WAYS team.
Luke is a secondary educator at WAYS, specialising in English, Drama and Society and Culture. With a background in the creative arts, he brings a strong focus on storytelling, communication and critical thinking into the classroom, creating engaging and accessible learning experiences for students.
His approach centres on building genuine relationships and creating a sense of belonging. Luke works closely with students to help them develop confidence, independence and a deeper understanding of both themselves and the world around them. He is particularly focused on helping young people find their voice and express it with clarity and purpose.
Luke believes education should empower students to think critically, reflect on their experiences and engage with the world in a thoughtful and informed way. He creates a supportive environment where students feel safe to take risks, challenge ideas and grow into capable, self assured individuals.
Outside of school, Luke enjoys training at the gym and playing Magic: The Gathering.
Celina is an experienced secondary teacher with over 16 years in the classroom, teaching across Science, Mathematics and Food Technology. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Teaching (Secondary), and a Master of Education specialising in Mathematics, along with a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Before moving into education, Celina worked in hospitality, including running her own café. This practical, real world experience informs her teaching approach, helping her connect learning to everyday life and build strong, relatable relationships with students.
Celina focuses on creating a supportive and engaging classroom environment where students feel understood and capable. She takes a holistic approach, recognising that each young person has their own strengths, challenges, and pathway, and works closely with them to build both academic confidence and personal growth.
At WAYS Secondary School, Celina values the opportunity to work in a small, connected environment where meaningful relationships can be developed over time. She is committed to supporting students from Year 9 through to graduation, helping them grow in confidence and move toward positive next steps.
Outside of school, Celina enjoys music, hip hop dance, reading, and drawing.
Book a call or tour to find out if WAYS is the right fit for you.
Secondary School Enquiry Form
After School Care & Vacation Care · WAYS Youth & Family
Tell us about the care you need
Information about the child being enrolled
Primary contact details
Complete if there is a second parent or guardian — otherwise click Continue
At least one contact who is not a parent listed above
Final step — medical details, consents and declaration
An anaphylaxis management plan must be provided before enrolment is confirmed. Staff will follow up.
An asthma action plan will be required. Staff will follow up.
This serves as your digital declaration that all information provided is true and correct.
Thank you — we’ve received your enrolment for your child.
We’ll review your submission and be in touch within 2 business days to confirm everything is in order.
Questions? Call 0423 056 900 or email [email protected]
