About Us
Allegra School is where individual strengths are celebrated and learning is tailored to foster resilience, belonging, and transformative growth.
Mission
Creating Supportive and Transformative Learning Experiences
At Allegra School, our mission is to cultivate an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and inspired to thrive. We believe that true learning happens when students are encouraged to embrace their unique strengths and are empowered to overcome challenges with resilience and confidence. Our dedicated staff collaborate with families and the wider community to create personalised learning journeys, ensuring that each student’s experience is both educational and transformative.
This commitment to supportive education is reflected in our approach to fostering meaningful connections. We celebrate diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every learner feels seen and heard. By prioritising a balance between emotional wellbeing and academic growth, we aim to unlock potential, nurture creativity, and help students discover their place in the world.
Vision
To Be at the Forefront of Inclusive, Individualised Education
At Allegra School, we aim to lead the way in creating innovative, inclusive, and personalised learning experiences that honour the diverse needs and aspirations of our students. Guided by our core values of acceptance, connection, and collaboration, our mission is to build a community where every learner has the tools and opportunities to excel.
As pioneers of individualised education, we embrace adaptability and progress to equip students for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. By integrating tradition with forward-thinking practices, we prepare young people to be compassionate, critical thinkers and active contributors to society. Together, we are shaping a future where education is as unique as the individuals it serves.
Student Attributes
Is Allegra the right school for you?
At Allegra, education is not an easy alternative but an opportunity to reset, reinvent, and refresh personal and academic goals. Our graduates emerge as individuals ready to tackle life with a renewed sense of purpose and connection.
Students committed to bettering themselves and uplifting others will find greater success at Allegra. While we provide comprehensive support for overcoming barriers to learning, we do not offer one-on-one behaviour intervention or high levels of behaviour modification. Allegra students are held accountable for their actions and are encouraged to be self-driven and responsible for their growth. This ensures their success in achieving both academic and personal milestones. An Allegra graduate embodies growth, resilience, and adaptability, fully prepared to embrace the challenges of both academic and personal development. They harness the attributes of Preparation, Activation, and Consideration to navigate their journey:
- Preparedness: Allegra students excel in planning, regulating themselves, and initiating actions with clarity and focus.
- Activation: They demonstrate motivation, flexibility, and problem-solving skills, alongside a strong commitment to participation and effective communication.
- Consideration: Reflection, perseverance, and self-belief define their ability to evaluate and plan for the future while remaining supportive of their peers.
|
PREPARE |
ACTIVATE |
CONSIDER |
|---|---|---|
|
Regulation Clarification Planning Resourcing Initiation |
Motivation Communication Participation Flexibility Problem Solving |
Reflection Evaluation Future planning Perseverance Self belief |
Our Team
Erin Caceda
Principal
Erin Caceda has been at Allegra School since its establishment in 2017 and has served as Principal since 2020. In this role, she has championed a learning environment that prioritises acceptance, connection, and collaboration-values that define the school and its commitment to the Coffs Harbour community.
Drawing on extensive experience in diverse leadership roles and educational settings, including remote areas, Erin brings a fresh perspective to traditional schooling. Her leadership focuses on fostering a safe and enriching environment where students are supported to thrive both academically and personally. Her innovative approach has led to strong learning outcomes and earned recognition for the school within the wider community.
As a passionate educator and advocate for young people, Erin finds immense satisfaction in helping students build confidence, overcome challenges, and embrace their futures with optimism. She attributes the school’s success to the dedicated team she leads, whose compassion and commitment create a vibrant and supportive school culture.
Erin’s dedication ensures that Allegra School remains a leader in inclusive, individualised education, offering opportunities for growth and success to students and their families in Coffs Harbour.
Stuart Hughes
Deputy Principal
Stuart Hughes has been at Allegra since 2021 having worked in a variety of independent and state school settings. A teacher for almost 20 years, he is a highly experienced English teacher which is evident as he has marked the HSC for 13 years. He has also consulted with NESA in writing the English HSC examination questions.
At Allegra he has shown a commitment to ensuring the structures are in place to provide a safe environment in order to support our students from a wellbeing and academic perspective. Stuart oversees the school’s compliance platforms, establishing safe and supportive structures as well ensuring the school meets requirements for the students to achieve a RoSA for completion of Year 10.
As Deputy, Stuart oversees the daily running of the school as well as having the opportunity to oversee the teaching staff. During his time at Allegra he has shown an excitement and commitment in continuing to develop the Deep Learning Framework. Having done a Masters of Education Studies Majoring in Pedagogy (how to teach), he is passionate about providing all students opportunities to access excellent teaching practices in the classroom.
Working with the teaching staff, learning support officers, the wellbeing team and the students is a rewarding opportunity and enables the school to enrich our young people’s lives.
Danielle Free
Coordinator of Student Wellbeing
As Coordinator of Student Wellbeing Danielle Free is deeply committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where young people and their families can feel heard, valued, and empowered.
Danielle understands that success isn’t just measured in grades. It’s about building self-worth, finding confidence, overcoming challenges, and stepping outside comfort zones. She is passionate about giving students the space and support they need for personal growth while also working closely with families to navigate challenges together.
Having been integral in the establishment of the school, Danielle brings a wealth of experience in youth and wellbeing services to the role which goes far beyond daily problem-solving and mediation. Danielle collaborates with local community and mental health services to create unique opportunities for students and provide families with access to the right support networks. Working alongside the School Psychologist, she ensures students and their families receive the guidance, coping strategies, and external support they need.
The development of the diverse student programs and initiatives, such as the Student Action Ambassadors and Embrace Your Brilliance, have been pioneered by Danielle and reflect her passion for Allegra School, dedication to young people’s wellbeing, and vision for making Allegra a place of transformation.
Dany Alarab
Leader of Learning Innovation & Transformation
Dany Alarab brings over 20 years of experience in the education sector, underpinned by a diverse career spanning business, hospitality, and leadership in schools across New South Wales. Dany has held a variety of leadership positions, including Head Teacher, Acting Deputy Principal, and curriculum development roles with the NSW Department of Education (NSW DET). His expertise extends to NESA curriculum work, contributions to the Centre for Asian Studies, and serving as an HSC marker for Geography and Business Studies.
Throughout his teaching career, Dany has worked across a broad spectrum of school environments. His depth of experience has provided him with a well-rounded perspective on curriculum development, deep learning methodologies, and innovative teaching strategies. Dany is particularly passionate about special assistance education, recognising the need for tailored approaches to support diverse learners. At Allegra, he plays a key role in curriculum development, embedding deep learning principles, and mentoring staff to enhance classroom practice.
Beyond the classroom, Dany is instrumental in delivering whole-school initiatives such as Illuminate, Money Vest, Community Week, and Work Placement, providing students with hands-on, real-world learning experiences. With a deep commitment to innovation in education, Dany continues to drive forward-thinking programs that empower both students and staff, ensuring every learner at Allegra has the opportunity to thrive.
Kellie Green
Leader of Student Strategy & Support
As the Leader of Student Strategy and Support at Allegra School Coffs Harbour, Kellie Green is passionate about creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment tailored to the unique needs of every student. Allegra School is a one-of-a-kind institution within the Australian education system, dedicated to providing a personalised education that empowers students to reach their full academic potential.
Kellie takes pride in leading a strong and dedicated team of Learning Support Officers, all of whom share a deep commitment to helping students succeed in all areas of their education. Together, they use evidence-based strategies to support student learning and have designed a school environment based on universal design principles. This ensures that both our learning spaces and physical surroundings are accessible and supportive for all students.
Kellie’s goal is to truly understand each student’s individual learning needs and provide the necessary support to help them thrive. She is committed to redefining educational support, making learning an inclusive, engaging, and empowering experience for every student.
Teaching and Support Staff
Teacher
Olivia Doyle
Dea Beadle
Benn Wolhuter
Aaron Wall
Sooz Myhill
Kylie Walters
Joanna Hughes
Nicole Browning
Learning Support OFFICER
Fernando Caceda
Reggie Frost
Jo Conway
Amber Van Dartel
Stephanie Pannell
Kaelan Chetty
Administration
Wendy Ifrach
Grace Donohue
Psychologist
Paul Fellows
Teacher Trainee
Emily Markwell
Gabbie Farr