Randwick Public School

Principal – Mel Duke

Mel has a Bachelor degree in Law & Education, as well as a Diploma in Business studies. She is a qualified primary school teacher and has been teaching both adults & children for over 20 years. During this time Mel has also taught Information technology, sport, gymnastics, drama, dance, speech & personal development courses. She brings a wealth of experience to the academy.

Mel started working as a teacher with O’Grady Drama back in 2006, She fell in love with the unique and inspiring program that after a year Mel became the Principal of Sydney East & Inner West Academy.

“I feel very passionate about helping children gain confidence, communication skills & self-esteem. My career is very rewarding, I get see shy & timid children come to class & then to see those children blossom into a confident & articulate students performing on stage. It’s a privilege to be part of their personal development journey. I have the best vocation in the world!!”

Teacher – Tim Sneddon

Tim has been working with children for 8 years and is passionate and enthused about every child he works with. Tim has a Bachelor of Arts and during the school holidays, he is a solo performer, touring internationally as a professional clown and puppeteer. Tim has previously worked as a children’s party facilitator, as well as a freelance director, actor and sound designer.

His international tours have allowed him to work in an education program where he conducts workshops for children of all ages. He believes that OGD upholds the values of the importance of drama education as a necessary experience to help encourage strong social development and feels very humbled to be able to teach every child who enrols with OGD.

Teacher – Bonnie Cowan

Bonnie has previously worked with Helen O’Grady before in the Northern Beaches, so she is no stranger to the OGD team.  Previously, Bonnie has been a part of several productions and theatre companies Australia wide, by directing, performing and devising various plays over the last 9 years.  Bonnie also has exceptional experience as a children’s entertainer and teacher.  This experience has given her a bubbly and engaging attitude towards children of all ages and a fun-loving energy she expresses to everyone.

Teacher – Morgan Junior-larwood

Morgan has been tap dancing & studying acting since he was a young child. He attained an Associate Diploma in drama speech and performance with the AMEB; and has been teaching children for 8 years. He graduated from the Actors centre Australia since then he has also been working as a professional actor. He is passionate about performance, he wrote and starred in his first one man show last year. He looks forward to teaching the next generation of actors, to help them build their confidence & creativity and enjoy the possibilities that acting has presented to him.