Meet the Team

Senior Leadership Team

Tracy

My name is Tracy Sinclair and I am the Head teacher here at Tarradale. I am a mum of three girls who have all been part and parcel of our school. I started here as a probationer teacher in 1993 and because of the ethos and values I have stayed for most of this time. I am so proud to be here to lead this team of dedicated and kind practitioners. Tarradale to me is more than a team. It is a family working alongside a wonderful community.

Shona

My name is Shona Mitchell and I am the Depute Head at Tarradale Primary. I have been here as a teacher for 22 years. I am a mum of two boys who will both come through this school. Tarradale to me feels like a home from home. Its where I have learnt my craft. Its where I choose to live and work because of the wonderful community we serve. I have been able to build relationships with generations of families coming through our doors which is just lovely.

The Teaching Team

Sharon

My name is Sharon Polworth and I am currently teaching part time in Mrs McCombie’s class. I have been a teacher for 17 years and l love it. It is a privilege working with such wonderful kids, with all of their different skills and personalities. I am also so lucky to work in a school with the best staff too and like being part of the Tarradale family. I enjoy teaching reading and PE. At home, I have 5 children that keep me busy and always on my toes. I love to read whenever I get the chance and also enjoy walking and swimming. Coffee is my best friend!

Karen

My name is Karen Henderson and I am a teacher here at Tarradale. When we moved into the village 7 years ago and I walked into the school with my 2 boys on their first day I immediately knew I wanted to work here. I feel lucky to live and work in the same village. I enjoy working with the community to do the best we can for our children. I love to spend time in the garden and enjoy engaging the whole school in growing fruit and vegetables to use in cooking at school and to share with our community via our local community fridge.

Jade

After teaching overseas for 4 years, I arrived home to the Highlands and fate brought me to Tarradale Primary! 5 years on, I am still blessed to be working with wonderful children and have a fantastic & fun group of colleagues. Every day is different here at TPS but I especially enjoy outdoor learning, modern languages and history. It is my hope that every child in my care feels loved, supported and encouraged to embrace their unique talents & skills. Our differences are what make our Tarradale family so very special!

Caroline

My name is Caroline McCombie and I’ve been a teacher at Tarradale Primary since 2007. I enjoy teaching at Tarradale because the children are so lovely and the staff are a great team. I am particularly interested in Health & Wellbeing and teach mindfulness to children from Nursery to P7. At home I enjoy reading, cooking and walking my westie, Angus.

Niamh

My name is Niamh Brennan and I have been here at Tarradale since 2017. As a probationer teacher Tarradale gave me the most wonderful start to my career, and so it is where I have chosen to stay and continue to develop as a practitioner. The children, our community and the team I am surrounded by every day make it a very special place to be.

Alison E.

My name is Alison Elliott and I have been a class teacher at Tarradale School for 10 years. I grew up in Muir of Ord and became a pupil in Tarradale when the school was still in the Library and HUB buildings. I can still remember my excitement when we moved to the present school in 1970 and even now I feel that happy buzz when I walk in. This village has always held a special place for me and I am so proud to be a part of this school and community.

Heather

I am Heather Gilbertson and I am a class teacher at Tarradale. I started teaching at Tarradale when my 2 daughters were in the school and I was immediately welcomed into the Tarradale Family. It has been a home from home ever since! I live in the village with my family and really enjoy getting to know the children I teach and making connections with their families and the wider community. When I’m not working I enjoy walking my dog and whenever possible I love getting away to see live music!

The PSA Team

Jen

Hi, My name is Jennifer and I am a mother of two. I first joined the Tarradale team in 2021 in the Nursery and since August I moved to the school as a Pupil Support Assistant. I support children in Primary 3, Primary 4 and Primary 4/5 classes and love getting to know all the children of Tarradale Primary at break and lunch times. Tarradale is a fantastic school and I absolutely love my Tarradale family.

Katy

Hi, I’m Katy Jenkins, I joined the Tarradale family first as a parent of 2 boys and now as a Pupil Support Assistant. I am a qualified Woodland Activity Leader where I use my skills and training to run Wild and Free sessions for children of all ages and in all weathers. We work really hard and have lots of fun!

Nicola

Hello, My name is Nicola Ross and I am a Pupil Support Assistant. I have worked here since 2017 and love it. As part of my role I help run Lego Therapy Group where we help children with communication skills, team work and have fun too.

The Nursery Team

Amber

My name is Amber Dance and I am an Early Years Practitioner as Tarradale Nursery. I joined the family a year ago and I love it! My school days were spent here at Tarradale and I’m delighted that I’m able to give something back to the school and the community. It’s lovely seeing all the little faces join us as they make their journey through the most important years of their life!

Dawn

My name is Dawn Mackinnon and I am an Early Years Practitioner in the nursery at Tarradale. Growing up in Muir of Ord my nursery and school years were spent at Tarradale. My daughter also came through nursery and school. I have been able to witness first-hand the changes in Muir of Ord and the village has grown. There is a real community and family feeling with the school right at the very heart of it. To me Tarradale is not just a team, it’s a wonderful family.

Joni

My name is Joni Mackenzie and I am part of the Nursery team. I attended this school when I was little and now have 2 little girls who will both come through the school. Tarradale is more than just a school, it is a family and I’m proud to be part of it.

Mary

I am Mary Newton and I work in the Nursery. I have been at Tarradale a long time and I love it! I’m an old lady and don’t feel it (or act it!) , my grandchildren call me “Mamie”- some of the nursery children call me “Granny” and I love it!

Teresa

Hiya! My name is Teresa MacLennan, I have worked at Tarradale Nursery for 5 years now. I have 3 children, soon to be 4, so although I will shortly be on maternity leave, you will see me around as both a staff member and parent. All of my children are part of the Tarradale family, and I am extremely proud to work at Tarradale as part of such a special team. I love working with children, every day is full of fun and adventure.

Vicki

Hi, My name is Vicki MacIver and I work I the Nursery. I have 2 children who are also part of the Tarradale family. I have worked here for 7 years and I work with a fantastic team. It is lovely to be able to still see my children once they move on from nursery and into school, out and about in the playground and at whole school events. I love working in Nursery because I am a big kid at heart!

The Clerical Team

Rhona

I am the newest member to join the Tarradale family and have been made to feel so unbelievably welcome by all the wonderful children and staff! There’s a true feeling of community spirit and fun here at Tarradale and I am proud to be able to say I am now part of this. I am looking forward to getting to know all the children and their families better over the coming years