St Andrew’s School in Walkerville gets new principal and learning centre

St Andrew’s School – where tuition fees start at $16,000 a year in Reception – has unveiled its new principal just as a $5m upgrade begins.

An artist’s impression of the major building project at St Andrew’s School.

A new era is beginning at St Andrew’s School with construction to start on a $5.3m building project and a new principal named.

In the next step in an international teaching career, Jacqueline “Jackie” Becher will replace Deb Dalwood who has led the Walkerville School since 2011.

The school’s reputation for innovation and following an inquiry-based curriculum drew Ms Becher to South Australia.

“And, of course, the lifestyle here,” she added.

“SA is very different to other parts of Australia – its culture and the way people seem to be more reflective here. There’s a strong sense of history and making people aware of that history.”

Outgoing principal Deb Dalwood with her replacement, Jackie Becher.

Departing principal Deb Dalwood with new head Jackie Becher and students Apple Lei and William Gibson.

Founded in 1850, St Andrew’s is one of SA’s oldest schools.

But Ms Becher sees one of the biggest opportunities will be steering to the future with construction about to start on a $5.3m, two-storey “Bright Futures Centre”.

“It’s a new STEM centre which will be a hub of activity,” she said.

“It’ll enable us to have long-term projects with the children and for us to have partnerships with the community.

“So the children will be able to put into action what they’ve learned.”

The front view of the new centre at St Andrew’s.

Partnerships will be forged with universities, community groups and businesses.

Ms Becher grew up and started her teaching career in WA but she has worked in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bahrain and Japan.

Most recently she has been executive director of pedagogy at Eton House International School and Preschool in Shanghai.

St Andrew’s School board chair Kristian Downing said Ms Becher would become the 27th principal.

“Jackie will build upon the strong foundations laid by Deb, driving forward the strategic agenda of St Andrew’s School as we look to maintain our position as a leading, independent, coeducational specialist primary school,” he said.

St Andrew’s is the most expensive dedicated primary school in the state. According to the Good Schools Guide, its fees this year began at $16,020 for Reception and rose to $23,029 in Year 7.

Ms Dalwood will move to Pulteney Grammar School next year.