New kids on the block: Meet SA’s newest school principals
Principals are crucial to what makes the best schools tick. And SA has lots of new ones. Get to know them in this roundup of the SA’s latest crop of school bosses.
Education
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Students aren’t alone in facing the sometimes daunting prospect of school as a new year starts – hundreds of teachers, support staff and principals will be new kids on the block too.
Some of South Australia’s most prestigious institutions – including Pembroke, Wilderness, Scotch and Prince Alfred College – will soon undertake leadership change.
Communities at regional schools such at Bordertown, Millicent, Renmark, Waikerie and Whyalla also will be eager to see what direction their new principals take.
Among the new principals is Amanda Badcock at Aldinga Beach Primary School.
It was a challenging time to come in as a new principal as schools coped with Covid-19 issues.
“But I’ve been really impressed by the support and commitment of staff to just make it work,” Ms Badcock said.
The school has been affected by its new neighbour, Aldinga Payinthi College, which opened this week, as well as losing year 7 to secondary schools.
As a result, Aldinga Beach Primary has reduced from 28 classes to 17.
“But that was the point of the new school,” Ms Badcock said.
“It was to relieve enrolment pressure and create capacity for more students as this area grows with new housing developments.”
Findon High School’s new principal is Kathleen Hoare, who previously led Gladstone High, in Queensland, and worked in head office as state manager of learning and behaviour.
Defined by a strong multicultural community, Findon has about 300 students and is one of the smallest metropolitan high schools.
“My aim will be to put Findon High on the local map and increase our enrolment from families in our local community,” Ms Hoare said.
As a smaller school, Findon had excellent individual support for students, she said.
At Catholic Education South Australia, the freshest faces are Kelly Bunyon and Nathan Hayes – both principals who now head brand new schools.
Ms Bunyon leads Compass Catholic Community in Davoren Park. It’s a fee-free Adelaide school that offers year 11 and 12 places to young people aged 17 to 24 who have encountered barriers to continuing their education.
The school of about 30 growing enrolments will have a free childminding service, free breakfast and no uniform required.
It’s the first of its kind for CESA and one of two in SA. Ms Bunyon said the students enrolled so far had shared amazing stories of resilience that had inspired her.
“It is a privilege to lead this community,” Ms Bunyon said.
She said the biggest challenge in 2022 was building community in a Covid-world.
“I think Covid can make us feel quite alone and isolated, so I think there are unique opportunities to creating community and even though we don’t know what might happen next, we do know that we can face it together,” Ms Bunyon said.
In the Riverland, the Renmark community and surrounding towns now have the region’s first Catholic high school with St Francis of Assisi College opening its doors.
The new college is set on 7ha and will cater for year 7 to 12 students over a three-stage construction process costing $32m. There are 80 students enrolled to start in term 1.
Mr Hayes, who has been in private education consultancy for the past five years, will return to the classroom with a plan to give regional children the same opportunities as their city cousins.
“Students from across the region will now have an opportunity to continue their education at a Catholic school in the Riverland,” he said.
“We believe children in regional South Australia should have the chance to thrive in their education.”
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
In the independent sector, some of SA’s most prominent schools are in the midst of leadership change.
Pembroke School has appointed Mark Staker to replace retiring principal Luke Thomson from term 3.
Mr Staker has been senior deputy principal at Wenona School in Sydney.
“A community is made up of many stories and I can’t wait to lean into all of the stories at Pembroke – to listen to the students, staff, families and old scholars,” he said.
Also arriving mid-year will be new Prince Alfred College headmaster David Roberts.
He moves to Adelaide from the Stanmore campus of Newington College, in NSW.
At Wilderness School, Belinda Arnfield is interim principal while a recruitment campaign is conducted to replace Jane Danvers, who has moved to Sydney as principal of Kambala girls’ school.
Scotch College is also recruiting a new principal, who will replace John Newton from 2023.
Mr Newton and wife Catherine are returning to the UK to be closer to family.
Waikerie Lutheran Primary School has appointed Tania Fragnito as principal, replacing Adam Borgas who has moved to Ceduna after 10 years at the Riverland school.
“I’ve been made to feel really welcome,” said Ms Fragnito, who was previously at Calvary kindergarten in Morphett Vale.
“There’s a great sense of belonging here and my first focus will be on getting to know the community.”
GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS
More than 800 permanent teacher positions have been created because of changes in government schools.
“Additional permanent opportunities have arisen from year 7 moving into high school, as well as new schools opening in Goolwa, Angle Vale, and Aldinga,” an Education Department spokesman said.
About 200 teachers jumped from primary to secondary schools and the shift of year 7 will reduce by several hundred the number of positions at primary level.
However, the department said it “does not expect surplus permanent primary teachers across the system”.
The department has about 30 leadership positions to fill, mainly in regional areas, but has appointed many more.
These include:
Aldinga Beach Primary School
Amanda Badcock, 40
Previously: On the executive team as primary years assistant principal at Reynella East College. Prior to that, worked across the South Valley Partnership as a senior leader in learning improvement, as well as the pedagogical coach and curriculum leader at Aberfoyle Hub Primary School. Taught in London for four years
Looking forward to: “Building relationships with staff, students and families and working together to further inclusive culture and education.”
Biggest challenge: “The school has faced many changes in the past year and the reduced number of students will take some adjustment but also presents opportunities to deepen strong and consistent practices.
Likes: “That would have to be chocolate! I also love art, specifically painting. If we are talking education – instructional leadership.”
Dislikes: “I’m very organised so not the biggest fan of clutter.”
Basket Range Primary School
Britta Corones, 40+
Previously: Principal consultant in the Pirie Portfolio area. Principal of Saint Spyridon College, Unley, and prior to that at Scotch College working in culture and language.
Looking forward to: “Working with the students, staff, and community of Basket Range. It is a beautiful school with strong ties to the local community and I am looking forward to helping the staff and students to achieve their learning goals and to guide the school to develop more authentic opportunities for the ongoing critical thinking that the school is known for.”
Biggest challenge: “2022 is new beginning for all of us; a new principal, a new site improvement plan, new unit plans and additional curriculum resources, it will be Basket Range’s first year as a R-6 school and the introduction of smaller, more intimate classes. My biggest challenge is to ensure that our community and stakeholders come together to reach important goals for the learners.”
Likes: “Spending a lot of time outdoors with my family and friends, hiking, swimming, drawing, and enjoying nature.”
Dislikes: “Mosquitoes.”
Bordertown Primary School
Amy Reid, 32
Previously: Teaching and leadership roles at Vale Park Primary and Unley Primary. Currently, president of the Australian Literacy Educators’ Association, SA Local Council.
Looking forward to: “I am struck by the warm sense of community at Bordertown Primary. I’m looking forward to connecting with children and their families and getting to know the many friendly faces.”
Biggest challenge: “Ensuring staff have access to quality professional development. This is pretty straightforward for city folk, so understanding the logistical challenges for country teachers will be new.”
Likes: “I love getting away to the Clare Valley for a weekend to see family and spend time outdoors. I grew up in Clare and it still feels like home, even after 10+ years living in Adelaide.”
Dislikes: “I must admit, I’m not a big fan of swooping magpies.”
Cleve Area School
Trevor McDonough, 53
Previously: Ten years in metro (mostly northern), Wharminda Primary School (four years), Cleve Area School (19 years).
Looking forward to: “Our past principal has been here for 11 years and I’m most excited about continuing our school improvement journey (and getting the big office!). I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the Eyre Peninsula and have no intentions on moving soon. It’s a great place to raise a family, to work, and the community are caring and supportive.”
Biggest challenge: “Learning to juggle the responsibilities of being a principal and balancing between work and home life.”
Likes: “Sports and coaching.”
Dislikes: “People who don’t appreciate dad jokes!”
Gladstone Primary School
Jodie Zwar, 45+
Previously: Began teaching at Port Augusta West Primary School before moving to Airdale Primary School teaching special options class for three years. Then Crystal Brook Primary School for 20 years working within the Junior Primary. In 2021, was involved in the Education Department’s focus on curriculum as the Curriculum Lead in the Pirie portfolio.
Looking forward to: “In 2022, I am looking forward to working collaboratively with new staff and families within a great local community to see our students reach their learning goals.
Biggest challenge: “The unknown impact which Covid-19 may have on our school communities.”
Likes: “Spending time with family.”
Dislikes: “Disorganisation.”
McLaren Vale Primary School
Leanne Lovett, 47
Previously: Now in her 27th year of working in education. Former roles include deputy principal at McLaren Vale Primary School, preschool director at Madge Sexton, Coromandel Valley and Chandlers Hill Kindergartens. Various teaching roles across B-10 including classroom, specialist, inclusive education and literacy co-ordinator at McLaren Flat Primary School, Queensland schools and APY Lands.
Looking forward to: “Continuing the school’s successful learning journey with an exceptional team, incredible students and supportive families, and working more authentically with student voice and local community.”
Biggest challenge: “Navigating authentic family and community engagement within Covid-19 restrictions.”
Likes: “Students and staff who come to school every day with a positive disposition and are grateful for working at such an amazing school, along with students who are genuinely engaged in their learning and school life.”
Dislikes: “Incorrect use of practise/practice and stationery/stationary.”
Millicent High School
Todd Watson, 35
Previously: Has taught at Millicent High for 10 years, his whole career so far – including three years as sports co-ordinator and five years as senior leader managing SACE, VET and behaviour management. Highlights include year 12 camps and year 11/12 surf camps.
Looking forward to: “The energy and enthusiasm year 7s coming into high school will bring. And I most look forward to working with our amazing staff, both new and established, on continuing our positive direction, for our school and community.”
Biggest challenge: “No longer teaching. Teaching has provided a connection with students, which I have valued immensely. Finding a way to maintain that connection with students while still ensuring I complete my duties as principal effectively and efficiently is going to be a big challenge.”
Likes: “Working on my home/property with my wife and kids, and being as self-sustainable as possible.”
Dislikes: “Weeding.”
Mount Compass Area School
Lucie Walker, 50
Previously: Worked in many schools, both country and metropolitan, with students from reception to year 12. There have been many highlights, including working with disconnected students and supporting them to re-engage with school to achieve their SACE and other amazing outcomes.
Looking forward to: “I feel so privileged to be stepping into the position of principal at Mount Compass Area School. I look forward to getting to know the students, staff, families, and wider community and working together to inspire students to be confident, successful learners.”
Biggest challenge: “I am sure 2022 will bring some challenges, including dodging the kangaroos on my way to school!”
Likes: “Building positive connections with students and supporting them to learn, believe in themselves and thrive.”
Dislikes: “When people are judged or discriminated against. Building a culture of respect that is inclusive and celebrates diversity, is important to me.”
Mount Pleasant Primary School
Sybila Ford, 48,
Previously: Principal in the Mount Lofty Partnership and also as wellbeing leader at Crafers Primary School where she worked with families and developed a whole-school approach to wellbeing including a focus on child protection strategies and social and emotional learning. Prior to this, she facilitated whole school STEM learning and flexible learning support at Norwood Primary School.
Looking forward to: “Working with teachers at Mount Pleasant to provide quality differentiated teaching practice and personalised learning for our students that is responsive to academic and social and emotional domains. I am also passionate about building strong foundations that incorporate wellbeing, critical and creative thinking skills, personal and social capabilities, literacy, numeracy and STEM proficiencies, so students can respond to the challenges and careers of the future. I am also really looking forward to working with the local community.”
Biggest challenge: “Developing community involvement and participation is always an exciting challenge and has been difficult in recent times with Covid-19 restrictions. In 2022, I hope to continue to build on partnerships with the local men’s shed in Mount Pleasant and work with local community services and industry more closely to build meaningful connections.”
Likes: “Watching students explore and make connections in their learning.”
Dislikes: “I am passionate about sustainability so my pet hate is food wastage and single use plastics.”
Mypolonga Primary School
Sunny Vogt, 45
Previously: Started working as an SSO in 2001 in the Victorian education system at Murrayville Community College. Taught at Murrayville until mid-2009, working into leadership positions, before taking on the principal position at Pinnaroo Primary School in mid-2009, a position held until the end of 2021.
Looking forward to: “Working with staff and students to continue the great learning already happening. Getting to know the strength of the new community that I look forward to working with.”
Biggest challenge: “Following in the footsteps of Rita O’Brien, the previous principal who served the school and community so well for such a long period of time, and continuing to find stretch points for the students and school.”
Likes: “Great community involvement and can-do people.”
Dislikes: “People not putting in their best effort/getting the best out of themselves.”
Norton Summit Primary
Shaun Barber, 42
Previously: Deputy Principal at Meadows Primary School for three years, curriculum co-ordinator at Henley Beach Primary School.
Looking forward to: “The opportunity to be principal over five years, working with community to build relationships, partnering with forward-thinking curriculum frameworks. This school among the resource-rich Adelaide Hills provides possibilities for collaboration with local industry which is essential for our students’ futures.”
Biggest challenge: “With an ever-changing landscape we must be prepared for rapid and unexpected events. Educators cannot take our health for granted. Online learning and responses to Covid-19 restrictions is a non-negotiable part of our jobs.”
Likes: “The importance of a healthy work-life balance. Spending time with family and friends and regular exercise – my passion is trail running.”
Dislikes: “Unnecessary untidiness – I’m a neat freak!”
Pimpala Primary School
Belinda Finlay-Smith, 35
Previously: Clapham Primary School, Stirling North Primary School. Highlights included “working with the most amazing children, families and staff. Each school that I have been lucky enough to work at has helped to shape me in to the educator that I am today and I would not be where I am without the support from everyone that I have worked with. The moments that I remember the most are the small ones, the genuine thanks written in a letter from one of my year 6 students, the smiles when a student is successful in a task that they have put so much effort into completing and watching an educator try something outside of their comfort zone, and love it”.
Looking forward to: “ The facilities redevelopment at Pimpala. We are in the very early stages of redeveloping a significant number of our buildings and I am very excited to begin the process.”
Biggest challenge: “Supporting staff, students and families in a Covid-19 world. Education will continue to fluctuate and evolve and this will bring its own challenges and opportunities for growth.”
Likes: “My pet love is organisation, I am much happier when there is a plan and when everything has its place.”
Dislikes: “My pet hate is certain fonts. I do not like reading documents when certain fonts are used and now my staff all ensure that I have font approval before any document is finalised.”
Tintinara Area School
Jacqui Vandeleur, 39
Previously: Eudunda, Keith, and Cleve Area Schools. Riverton and Tarlee Primary Schools.
A highlight was being recognised at a young age for leadership.
Looking forward to: “Working with a new, young and dynamic staff. Having clear and cohesive direction that everyone has ownership of. Continuing to make improvements.”
Biggest challenge: “Work/life balance. Hopefully Covid-19 will settle down. Biggest challenge at our site is retaining secondary students so we are working hard to offer specialist subjects.”
Likes: “Having an amazing leadership team, staff, LET team and portfolio where everyone supports each other. You have to love what you do, and teaching and being a principal is so rewarding.”
Dislikes: “Poor spelling and grammar by teachers!”
Whyalla Stuart Primary School
Jenny MacDonald, 48
Previously: Taught in the Riverland, South East and Yorke Peninsula before settling in Whyalla, where she has been for more than 20 years. Has been a classroom teacher, health and PE teacher, visual arts and HASS and had numerous curriculum and wellbeing leadership roles, before being deputy principal for the past five years.
Looking forward to: “Getting to know the staff, students and families of Whyalla Stuart Primary School to work in collaboration with them to develop confident lifelong learners who will become the future leaders of our community.”
Biggest challenge: “Maintaining a work-life balance.”
Likes: “I love to read and always try and read at least one good book in the holidays.”
Dislikes: “People who complain about hot cross buns being sold too early. I would eat them all year round if they were available!”
Whyalla Town Primary School
Meleika Hobba, 39
Previously: Has worked in Whyalla for past 17 years, including two secondary schools and three primary schools.
Looking forward to: “Working with my dedicated team to support the educational achievement for all of our students.”
Biggest challenge: “Catering for our students with additional needs to support their growth is one of the toughest areas to get right but is the one thing that I’m most passionate about.”
Likes: “The students! Their bright, individual personalities are the reason I love this job.”
Dislikes: “Farewells and in particular saying goodbye to staff and families as each year ends.”
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Blackfriars Priory School
David Ruggiero, 46
Previously: Deputy principal (Blackfriars), assistant principal: religious identity and mission (Blackfriars)
Looking forward to: “There’s a passion to make Blackfriars even better. The key aspect of leading a school is that you never forget the reason you’re here is for the students. Without thriving students, we don’t exist. I’ve had the privilege of working closely with a variety of principals … and you see that impact of leadership on staff, students, families and the wider community. Education and the world around us are always evolving and we need to ensure we proactively adapt.”
Biggest challenge: “Continuing to adapt to the ever-changing covid-19 situation and ensuring the boys’ education is not compromised.”
Likes: “Crows and cooking . I have a real passion for cooking and I grow a lot of chilli … the hotter the better; Carolina Reaper hot.”
Dislikes: “Coriander.”
Compass Catholic Community – a new special assistance school opening in Davoren Park in 2022
Kelly Bunyon, 42
Previously: Deputy principal at Youth Inc. Enterprise Academy for two years
Looking forward to: “Welcoming our first young people into our learning community to start their Compass Journey, and to building our school together.”
Biggest challenge ahead: “Starting a brand new school comes with many challenges! Building our community for 17-24 year-old-students in the face of uncertainty with Covid and other unknowns will definitely also be a challenge, but we are excited about the opportunity to create a safe space for the young people of the north in these uncertain times.”
Likes: “Quilting and embroidery.”
Dislikes: “When people underestimate the people of the northern suburbs.”
Our Lady Queen of Peace, Albert Park
Lee Abela, 47
Previously: At St Joseph’s School, Barmera
Looking forward to: “Building a relationship with the school community and becoming a part of the community. Also being closer to my family.”
Biggest challenge ahead: “Developing trust with the community. When I join a community, I give my everything to the school but to do this well, I see myself being at the school for a number of years.”
Likes: Sharing meals as a staff and/or school – “it’s at that point we shift from community to family”
Dislikes: When people call children feral – “I won’t tolerate that”.
St Francis of Assisi College, Renmark – a new 7-12 school in 2022
Nathan Hayes, 44
Previously: Deputy principal at Tenison Woods College in Mount Gambier
Looking forward to: “Having a school community, welcoming our students and their families – 2021 has been a hugely rewarding and interesting opportunity, and now very excited to have the hustle and bustle of a functioning school!”
Biggest challenge ahead: “As a new college, we have a blank canvas in all aspects with many exciting opportunities available to us … our challenge will be to remain focused on delivering on this promise (of excellent Catholic education) by prioritising our time and energy in areas that will see our education plan come to reality.”
Likes: “Taking our kids water skiing.”
Dislikes: “Warm coffee.”
St Joseph’s School, Murray Bridge
Ros Oates, 51
Previously: At Our Lady of the River School, Berri
Looking forward to: “Making strong partnerships with families, staff and students. Opening and working in the new Middle Years building.”
Biggest challenge ahead: “Leading in times where there are constant short and medium-term challenges due to the pandemic. We are in times of transformation and adaptation. A challenge is adequately supporting families and their children as new modalities of work emerge in society.”
Likes: “Reading children’s literature.”
Dislikes: “Inequality.”
St Thomas school and preschool, Goodwood
Belinda Burford
Previously: Deputy principal at St Francis of Assisi School, Newton.
Looking forward to: “Getting to know all the children, staff and families in the St Thomas community and helping them bring to life the school motto of: faith, family, future.”
Biggest challenge ahead: “To keep continuity and vibrancy of our learning community irrespective of what is happening with Covid-19 related issues, restrictions or lockdowns. Providing for our children and families a sanctuary where minds, hearts and spirits can flourish is our goal. Strengthening connections for our parent, parish and local community in real and rewarding ways.”
Likes: “Weekend morning walk followed by coffee and the newspaper.”
Dislikes: “Missing my weekend morning walk.”
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