Adelaide High School principal Cez Green set to leave after seven years

There’ll be a new name at the helm of one of SA’s largest high schools after its leader revealed she was set to leave.

Adelaide High School principal Cez Green will leave the school after seven years. Picture: Dean Martin

The principal of one of South Australia’s largest and most prominent public schools is set to end a seven-year stint as its head at the end of 2024.

Adelaide High School principal Cez Green has called time on her tenure at the CBD institution, with her current deputy Connie Priolo set to take over from Term 1 next year.

Ms Green led Adelaide High through multiple challenges including the opening of nearby Adelaide Botanic High School, year 7 students joining secondary school in 2022 and Covid throwing education into turmoil

“When I arrived there was another school about to be opened in the Adelaide High School zone so … really we had to look at everything with fresh eyes,” Ms Green said.

The school has grown by 500 students in the last five years to a population of more than 1900.

“It has a heartbeat and it has a soul, it’s tangible when you’re there and it’s probably the something that sets Adelaide (High) apart,” she said.

Ms Green will take up a year-long contract as an eduction director working with preschool, primary and secondary schools in the Whyalla and Flinders area.

Adelaide High School principal Cez Green will take up a role as an education director working in the Whyalla and Flinders area. Picture: Dean Martin

“I’m super excited … about being able to share some of the strategies that have worked really well in other schools, particularly Adelaide (High),” she said.

Ms Green, who has so far worked in education for 38 years, first came to Adelaide High School as a teacher in 2001, where she taught drama for two years.

Ms Priolo, who has been working in education for 25 years, was a principal consultant in schools across Adelaide’s northeast before coming to Adelaide High in 2021.

“It’s an incredibly special place to be and it’s an incredible privilege and responsibility,” Ms Priolo said of her upcoming role as principal.

The new principal for 2025 said she worked “hand-in-hand and side-by-side” with Ms Green during her time at the school.

“Every student matters and is supported to thrive, that’s what we want to stand for,” Ms Priolo said.

“Cez has been an incredible leader and her legacy will be carried on.”

Ms Green says she has right of return to Adelaide High as principal after her contract in Whyalla expires, but is unsure what the future will hold.