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 to Jiggi Public School – Home of the Jiggi Gems
At Jiggi Public School, we are proud of our rich history of educating generations of families within a supportive and nurturing community. Our students, affectionately known as the Jiggi Gems, thrive in an environment where they are valued, respected, and inspired to achieve their best.
We foster a strong sense of belonging and wellbeing, where every child is supported by caring teachers and encouraged by their peers. Our school culture is built on shared values of respect, responsibility, care, and achievement—qualities our students demonstrate every day.
Jiggi Public is a vibrant and inclusive school, where innovative teaching practices and a broad, engaging curriculum empower students to become confident, capable learners. We are committed to excellence in both academic and sporting pursuits, while also nurturing the social and emotional development of every student.
Our dedicated staff take pride in recognising and celebrating the individuality of each child, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential—both in the classroom and beyond.
We warmly invite you to become part of the Jiggi Public School community. Let your child shine as a Jiggi Gem.
Michelle Stroud-Watts, Principal of Jiggi Public School
Our school leaders and teaching staff
Your child’s school experience is shaped by the people around them. 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.
Mrs Stroud-Watts has been the principal of Jiggi Public School since 2008. In that time, Jiggi PS has been recognised as a “Zooming” school with high levels of academic excellence and academic growth. Students at Jiggi PS enjoy a sense of comradery from their enthusiastic involvement and loving support in sporting pursuits, public speaking competitions and leadership programs. There is a true sense of team within the school where positive language, empathy and care for others is modelled and expected.
Mrs Stroud-Watts has expertise and experience in child development and learning disabilities with a Post Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood. She has had great success in teaching students with Autism, dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD and anxiety. She follows Dr Stuart Ablon’s theory that ‘Children will do well if they can’. Her Master of Education focused on student wellbeing and engagement, and targeted, professional teacher learning. Michelle believes that school should be a place where students feel safe, valued, cared for, and loved. She ensures lessons are fun and students look forward to learning in and out of the classroom, which is why there are chickens in the playground. She holds strong values in the pastoral care of her students and upholds high expectations for their learning and behaviour, guiding them into becoming lifelong learners with big dreams for their future.
Michelle lives with her husband of nearly 30 years and two teenage children. She also has two adult step children and is in love with her gorgeous granddaughter who has brilliant, bright red hair.
After graduating from my Bachelor of Education (special inclusive education) in 2004 I moved back to my family farm in the Northern Rivers and began a teaching career that has seen me teach both here and in England, The United States and Mexico.
Small schools sit in the heart of their communities, and having attended a small school myself, I deeply value the caring and nurturing environment we are able to create for our children, and believe these bonds are the foundation for amazing learning. As an educational leader I aim to create warm, inclusive learning communities where children and staff are encouraged to take risks and have autonomy over their learning.
At Jiggi I wear many hats, I am responsible for teacher curriculum instruction, digital technology innovation and student learning support.
Outside of school I am a horse rider, a mum to an incredible 7-year-old girl and am currently studying for a Master of Counselling.
Mrs Linton joined Jiggi Public School as the Opals (Years 3 to 6) teacher Previously, she had been at Lismore Heights Public School, for over 20 years, and prior to that, 3 years in a western school. At Lismore Heights, she was the sports coordinator and lead whole school Mathematics Initiatives.
Mrs Linton is a proud local, born in Lismore and completed all her schooling and university here. She loves sport, particularly netball and athletics. Camping, long walks on the beach and curling up with a book, are also valued pastimes.
For Mrs Linton, teaching is not a job, it is a passion. As such, she knows each student on a personal level, their strengths and weaknesses; their likes and dislikes, as this is a vital step in developing rapport with each student. Her teaching is differentiated to each student’s level. She forms groups based on each child's learning needs and not on the year they are in. This allows for high engagement and high expectations for each child.
Mrs Linton has considerable experience dealing with children with complex needs and utilises a wide variety of techniques to encourage them to engage in their learning. She believes empowering children to self-regulate, take responsibility for their own learning as well as their behaviour, is vital. This will set children up as life-long learners and well-adjusted citizens.
Mr Mitchell joined Jiggi Public School in 2024 after spending the previous 10 years in Casino as the school’s Sports Coordinator. He has a strong passion for sport, particularly Rugby League, Rugby Union and Cricket, which has always been a big part of his teaching journey. He also loves spending time at the beach and enjoying the outdoors. While much of his previous experience has been with older students, he has found working with younger students at Jiggi Public School to be both rewarding and fulfilling. He truly enjoys coming to work each day and feels privileged to be part of such a supportive school community.
Our teachers make the difference
Committed to your child’s success
Our teachers ensure every student can thrive. They use proven ways to teach and tailor learning support for their students
Expert, connected and accredited
Our teachers are part of a strong education network. They may hold advanced accreditation. This ensuring high-quality teaching for your child.
Teachers who never stop learning
Our teachers are lifelong learners. They stay current through regular training and keep improving how they teach students.
Teacher–family partnerships
Our teachers build trust through clear communication. Our families know that their child has support and is ready to learn.
Administrative and operations staff
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 or on the school grounds.
Mrs Cox has been working with The Department of Education for approximately 10 years. Mrs Cox has worked in other schools as a Teacher Aide and School Administration Officer before obtaining her current position as School Administration Manager at Jiggi Public School in 2020.
Mrs Cox is lucky to live in Jiggi and really enjoys working at Jiggi Public School and being part of the community.
Have a question for our principal or teachers?
Our friendly office team can help you get in touch.
Additional learning support
Find out how we support students with disability or additional learning needs.
Stories and highlights
Hear about stories, wins and proud moments from our staff and students.