Our Team
Our team is the heart and soul of our School, bringing passion, dedication, and expertise to every aspect of our learning experience. With a shared commitment to nurturing and empowering our young people, each member of our team plays a vital role in creating a warm and welcoming environment where every individual can thrive.
From our teachers who inspire and guide our young people to reach their full potential, to our support staff who ensure the smooth running of daily operations, every person contributes to the sense of unity and belonging that defines our School. Together, we embody the spirit of collaboration and care that makes our community truly special.
Our education team is led by our Head of Teaching and Learning. Each classroom has a Collaborative Education Team (CET) that comprises of the Teacher and an Education Support Officer (ESO). This team works collaboratively within their individual role descriptions to facilitate teaching and learning. In addition, we have several Specialist Teachers for subjects including Art, Music and HPE. We also have a dedicated team of relief staff.
To provide extra support to our young people we have our Specialist Support Team including a Behavioural Specialist, Behaviour Support Assistants, Social Worker and Chaplain.
Our Leadership Team include our Executive Principal and Head of Teaching and Learning. All areas of our School are supported by our dedicated Administration Team.
We foster a culture of continuous learning and development in our teaching staff; this is something we are proud of and instill in the culture of our School.
Leadership Team
Toni Banfield
Executive Principal
Toni brings extensive educational leadership experience across diverse school settings, including roles as Executive Principal in senior secondary, special assistance, vocational pathways, and P-12 environments. She has supported Queensland schools through her work with QCAA and Independent School Queensland.
Toni is committed to creating supportive, practical learning environments while ensuring compliance with educational standards. Her passion for inclusive education and leadership has led her to serve on various governance boards including The Sycamore School in 2025.
As Executive Principal of The Sycamore School, Toni draws on her experience to guide the school’s vision and continue to foster an inclusive, supportive environment where autistic young people can thrive.
Chantall Opperman
Head of Teaching and Learning
Chantall is a passionate and experienced educator who brings a deep commitment to inclusive, evidence-informed teaching practices. Chantall advocates for learning environments where every individual is recognised, supported, and celebrated for their unique strengths. In her role at The Sycamore School, Chantall leads teaching and curriculum development with a focus on high-quality pedagogy, curriculum design, and learner engagement, underpinned by the science of learning. She believes that all young people deserve access to meaningful learning opportunities that nurture their identity, encourages curiosity, and build confidence.