Meet the 28 new principals at South Australian public and private schools for 2024
A woman who left school at 15, only to return to one four decades later as a principal, is among the new generation of leaders taking the reins at 28 SA schools this year. Meet them here.
Education
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Christine Bell left school at 15. Fifty years later she is preparing to close a two decade-long career as a teacher and principal.
The now 65-year-old went back to finish school at the age of 39, before studying teaching at university.
In a few months Ms Bell will finish up after 11 years leading Yankalilla Area School and hand over to a new leader.
It is one of a host of public and private schools – listed below – where there are new faces in the top job this year.
They include country and city schools and preschools, and some educators are taking on the leadership role for the first time.
In a bid to prepare more teachers to take that step, the Education Department runs the Future Leaders Initiative.
Through that program Ms Bell has been mentoring aspiring principal Haley Przibilla.
Ms Przibilla, 38, was seconded from her role as Deputy Principal at Willunga High School and began shadowing Ms Bell at Yankalilla at the start of Term 4 last year.
That arrangement will continue until the end of this term, when Ms Przibilla will become Acting Principal.
The Education Department will advertise the role later in the year and Ms Przibilla intends to apply.
She conceded “the complexities of the role and the many different balls you have to juggle” could put some off pursuing a principal role, but Ms Przibilla saw it as an opportunity to have a greater impact.
“I’m so convinced that for students to have a really good education they need really good leaders running the schools,” she said.
“(Parents) really go for the schools where you get the best feel and the principal and the leadership are what give you that, not necessarily the buildings or the technology.”
Athelstone School – Kirsty Brumby, 41
Previous experience: I have worked in several schools across the northern and north-eastern suburbs providing support to students, and teaching preschool to senior high school years. My professional background includes leadership in curriculum development, wellbeing, inclusion, disabilities and most recently, in the role of deputy principal.
Looking forward to: Athelstone School has serene grounds, an inclusive community and wonderful teachers who I am looking forward to leading and working alongside to foster a culture that prioritises both teacher and student agency. We have a new, passionate leadership team who are excited to partner with staff and the community to ensure the success of each student and the whole school community.
Biggest challenge for 2024: Finding the right balance of honouring and acknowledging the successful journey that has shaped Athelstone as a high-quality school, while also driving adaptability and new ways of thinking to promote innovative curriculum and a strong commitment to wellbeing.
Likes: Connecting and having fun with students, spending time with my family, travelling and the beach.
Dislikes/Pet hate: When adults hold expectations of children that they would not impose upon themselves or other adults. Also mosquitoes.
Berri Regional Secondary College – Clinton Ridgway, 38
Previous experience: Teacher of health and physical education, outdoor education, as well as design and technology. Leader of sports, technologies, Year 9 cohort, assistant principal junior secondary, deputy principal, and short-term principal positions.
Looking forward to: Working closely with our students and school community to create positive post-school pathways for each and every student.
Likes: Sports, country lifestyle, specifically the river, strategic planning including challenging teaching and learning practice to improve educational outcomes for students.
Dislikes/Pet hate: Sitting still, working in isolation including emails and paperwork, negative behaviours and mindsets.
Brinkworth Primary and Early Childhood Centre – Caitlin McDaid, 49
Previous experience: Worked as a primary school teacher for close to 20 years, including three years in Canberra. In recent years I’ve taught at Plympton International College, obtaining several acting leadership positions before becoming director of primary. Last year saw my first acting principal position at Springton Primary in Term 3, before becoming the principal at Brinkworth Primary and Early Childhood Centre.
Looking forward to: Immersing myself within the Brinkworth community as well as the Clare community where I have recently moved to. Building on the learning at Brinkworth and establishing a more community-based school. It’s the school’s 50-year anniversary this year, and strangely enough – it is also my 50th in March! We are the same age!
Biggest challenge for 2024: Preschool and the Early Years Framework is new learning for
me. Learning all the processes and responsibilities of the role and maintaining a positive work-life balance. The Department support through an education director, principal consultant as well as a wellbeing coach and various professional development opportunities is outstanding.
Likes: Spending time with family and friends, entertaining at home. Reading and seeing live music. The beach and walks with friends is therapy for my soul. Enjoy the moments.
Dislikes/Pet hate: Negativity, people taking life to seriously. Littering.
Burton Primary School – Kaylem Short, 36
Previous experience: I began my teaching career in the UK in 2012. In 2015, I moved to South Australia and in early 2016 I began as a relief teacher in the Adelaide Hills. From 2016 to 2020, I was an educator at Mount Barker South Primary School, where I started as a teacher and left as the senior leader in mathematics. Between 2020 and 2024, I held different leadership roles at Ingle Farm Primary School.
Looking forward to: Building new relationships with, and working alongside staff, students and families to continue to improve learning and wellbeing outcomes for the students at Burton Primary School. I will particularly enjoy leading the growth of a different cohort of staff and students and becoming a trusted member of a new community.
Biggest challenge for 2024: Being an effective leader of learning while establishing strong
relationships with a new school community and undertaking a role I haven’t had before.
Likes: Hanging out with my family, summer, football (soccer), health and fitness, and cricket.
Dislikes/Pet hate: Football being called soccer, the rain and waiting for anything.
Coomandook Area School – Matt Brown, 55
Previous experience: I have 25 years experience in education in Tasmania, with my most recent role being assistant principal at Mountain Heights School in Queenstown on the west coast of Tasmania for the past 5 years. During this time, I have also actively engaged with the community through events like the Mount Lyell Strahan Picnic, aiming to strengthen the link between the school and broader educational opportunities.
Looking forward to: I am looking forward to working with the dedicated staff at Coomandook to support excellence in education, along with building strong relationships with the wider community to enhance opportunities for our students.
Likes: Building a culture of collaboration and trust among educators that puts students firmly at the centre of everything we do.
Dislikes: Being late to meetings.
Hamley Bridge Primary School – Julie Day
Previous experience: I have spent many years teaching in the Sydney metropolitan area. Since 2012 I have undertaken the role of assistant principal where I have led programs in high potential and gifted education and supported staff in curriculum implementation. Most recently I was acting principal at a school outside of Orange, NSW.
Looking forward to: Returning to South Australia and embracing a more relaxed pace of living and reconnecting with family and friends. Also, finally having the opportunity to enjoy the Fringe and Adelaide Festival!
Biggest challenge for 2024: I am looking forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure our students receive an education of the highest calibre.
Likes: Books and the beach.
Dislikes: Apathy and agapanthus.
Keithcot Farm Primary School – Derek Gallamore, 49
Previous experience: Deputy principal at Redwood Park Primary School and various teaching and leadership roles both in Australia and England.
Looking forward to: I am looking forward to getting to know the Keithcot Farm Primary School community and helping everyone – students and staff – to fulfil their potential.
Biggest challenge for 2024: Learning lots of things (including a lot of new names!) and being asked lots of questions.
Likes: Barnsley Football (soccer) Club, playing tennis, swimming, cooking, reading and maths. I also enjoy spending quality time with my family.
Dislikes/Pet hate: Negativity and disorganisation. I enjoy a positive, supportive and organised learning environment.
Kersbrook Primary School – Tara Sheehy, 48
Previous experience: Wellbeing leader and assistant principal at Blakeview Primary School.
Looking forward to: Working at a different site after 21 years at my previous school and getting to know new students, staff, families and the wider community.
Likes: Organisation, engaged students and being outdoors with my animals.
Dislikes/Pet hate: Clutter and untidy learning environments.
Kilkenny Primary School and Preschool – Alexander Narcys, 42
Previous experience: Acting principal at Kilkenny Primary School and Preschool in 2023 and prior to that deputy principal at Kilkenny Primary School from 2020 to 2022 and Allenby Gardens Primary School in 2019. Senior leader at Grange Primary School from 2015 to 2019. This is my 20th year in public education in South Australia.
Looking forward to: Working alongside such a diverse and rich school community that encompasses mainstream students and families, an onsite preschool, an intensive English learning program for newly arrived students and specialised classes for students with a disability. I am looking forward to partnering and consulting with the community in the development of a new school vision that is future focused and meets the needs of all our students.
Biggest challenge for 2024: Supporting our wonderful teachers and school staff that put their heart and soul into their work and their students on a daily basis. It is the class teacher that makes the biggest difference to student learning, so an important part of my role is about creating the right conditions for all our staff to perform at their best, which in turn supports all students to thrive and prosper.
Likes: Family time and getting outside with my three boys at home. The occasional round of golf, swimming and getting along to Adelaide Oval to support the Crows.
Dislikes/Pet hate: Clutter and mess. I’m a bit of a clean freak!
Lake Wangary School – Clint Beard, 41
Previous experience: Taught physical education in the Northern Territory for eight years before moving back to the Eyre Peninsula in 2011. Worked at Kirton Point Primary School, Tumby Area School, and was an area permanent relief teacher (PRT) based at Wudinna Area School. I spent seven years teaching at Poonindie Community Learning Centre, 16 months as curriculum implementation leader in the Port Lincoln area, before filling a three-term acting principal position at Poonindie Community Learning Centre in 2023.
Looking forward to: Being part of the Lake Wangary community. Building strong and professional relationships with the staff, students and the school community. Ensuring that we encourage and embed learner agency across the site and continue to provide differentiated and high-quality learning experiences for all of our students.
Biggest challenge for 2024: Learning all the processes and responsibilities of the role and maintaining a positive work-life balance.
Likes: Surfing, fishing, playing sport and being a member of the North Shields Baseball and Marble Range Football Clubs.
Dislikes/Pet hate: Not giving something a fair go first as there is always room for new learning.
Mannum Community College – Nick Zissopoulos, 55
Previous experience: Initially assistant principal of the senior school at Parafield Gardens High School, followed by a mixture of deputy principal and acting principal roles at Parafield Gardens and Playford International College.
Looking forward to: I’m really looking forward to watching our students’ learning aspirations develop and grow – with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed for a successful future.
Biggest challenge for 2024: Ensure our students have access all the amazing learning opportunities our state has to offer.
Likes: Appreciating and celebrating the awe in my surroundings and in others, with others.
Dislikes/Pet hate: Confined spaces and minds.
Murputja Anangu School – Ilyasi S. Siraji, 36
Previous experience: I have two years’ experience as deputy principal at Mimili Anangu with a focus on teaching and learning. Prior to leadership, varied teaching experience across South Australia’s public and Catholic sectors. Worked at Fregon Anangu School, Adelaide Secondary School of English and Thebarton Senior College.
Looking forward to: I wholeheartedly look forward to working collaboratively with our school’s small staff and the wider community to pull together in making sure our Anangu students thrive in their school life. On a personal note, I’m excited about working with peers who have extensive knowledge of leading schools in remote Aboriginal schools across this vast continent.
Biggest challenge for 2024: This marks our sixth year living and working on the APY Lands. Living this remote (nearly 1600km away from Adelaide) is a constant challenge, but the most significant one is to keep innovating different ways of teaching and learning to better engage Anangu students.
Likes: When I learn a new Pitjantjatjara or Yankuntjatjarra word and use it in context. Equally enjoyable is attempting to use it, making a mistake, and then being corrected by one of my students.
Murray Bridge South Primary School – Michelle Shepherd, 47
Previous experience: I have worked as a teacher in both country and metro schools. Over the past few years, I have held leadership positions at Highgate School and Murray Bridge South Primary School, covering both curriculum and student wellbeing.
Looking forward to: I am most looking forward to working with our school community, building upon our great achievements over recent years and extending the opportunities of our wonderful students, now and in the years beyond their schooling.
Biggest challenge for 2024: With the privilege of becoming principal, I am sure many challenges lie ahead. My initial challenge will be seeing the site through a different lens.
Likes: Hot chips, camping and spending time with family and my three dogs (even when they chew my furniture, my dogs that is!).
Dislikes/Pet hate: Lateness and winter.
Northern Adelaide Senior College – Clair Vue, 43
Previous experience: I’ve spent my career in the north living my ‘why’ for being in education: To provide equitable opportunities and success for all. Most recently, I’ve held the positions of assistant principal student services, wellbeing and HPE at Northern Adelaide Senior College (2018 – 2023) and senior leader Aboriginal education and inclusive education at Northern Adelaide Senior College (2015 – 2018).
Looking forward to: Continuing to develop excellence in teaching and learning whilst authentically embedding trauma informed practices across our site. This year we have some teaching appointments that will support the leadership team to build consistency in learning and engagement for our students. I’m excited to be working with our NASC community in a different role and gaining perspective from a different place.
Biggest challenge for 2024: Continuing to advocate for equity and opportunities for my site.
Likes: Spending time with my family and making memories that will last a lifetime for all of us.
Port Augusta West Primary School – Sarah Bury, 44
Previous experience: I have 22 years of experience in teaching and various leadership roles at Quorn Area School, including primary and secondary co-ordinator, deputy principal and student wellbeing leader.
Looking forward to: Working with new staff, students and the community to further build a culture of collaboration and develop a shared vision and mission for the next 5 years.
Biggest challenge for 2024: Understanding that I may not have the answer for all of the questions raised, however I will endeavour to make use of all of the people and resources around me to find the answers. Managing my time and ensuring that I prioritise tasks.
Likes: Sports, gardening, spending time with family and socialising with friends.
Dislikes: Negative people. ‘Good things happen when you distance yourself from negative people’.
Port Elliot Primary School – Cathy Knight, 57
Previous experience: I have 38 years of teaching and leadership experience in country and
metropolitan SA, most recently at Eastern Fleurieu School and Bridgewater Primary.
Looking forward to: Working with the wonderful educators, families and students at Port Elliot Primary. We live and work in an amazingly beautiful location and appreciate this every day.
Biggest challenge for 2024: Managing the busy workload. We have lots of projects on the go and always want to do our best at everything.
Likes: Family time, gardening, horse riding, reading, hiking and being outdoors.
Saddleworth Primary School – Matt Norman, 39
Previous experience: Wellbeing and disability co-ordinator at Burra Community School 2016 to 2020, wellbeing and sports co-ordinator 2021 to 2023.
Looking forward to: I am really looking forward to working with our amazing staff, students, families and the wider Saddleworth community to help build on student learning and that sense of community. We are extremely fortunate to have a strong and involved parent group who are passionate about our amazing school. I am really looking forward to continuing to build on that connection to ensure high levels of learning and positive wellbeing for all at SPS.
Biggest challenge for 2024: We are a small, rural school which has a rich history of inspiring lifelong learners. Over the past few years our numbers have dropped, and I see an important part of my role is to promote all of the great teaching practices, student successes and community activities here at SPS to help create an environment where our site becomes a destination school for families in our area.
Likes: I really enjoy playing football and cricket, travelling with my two boys – Harrison and Henry, renovating houses, the Hawthorn Football Club and learning about anything and everything history related. Also, I can’t go past good coffee.
Dislikes/Pet hate: Negativity.
Scott Creek Primary School – Anthony McIver
Previous experience: I started my career in education, teaching in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. When I moved to Adelaide, I taught at Glenelg Primary School. I then moved into leadership positions at Elizabeth South Primary School, Hendon Primary School and now Scott Creek Primary School, as principal.
Looking forward to: Having already started as principal nine months ago, I’m looking forward to starting this school year on the front foot, knowing that we have quality programs and structures in place to support the emotional and academic needs of our students.
Biggest challenge for 2024: This year, we are fortunate to have an extra class and three new
teachers. We are also revamping our literacy program and going deeper into how we teach mathematics. My biggest challenge will be to ensure us educators ‘keep our foot on the pedal’, but to also effectively support the wellbeing of our students and teachers.
Likes: Rugby League, F45 and long walks on the beach.
Dislikes/Pet hate: When my two young boys turn our lounge room into a world wrestling championship arena. There are no winners!
Sheidow Park School – Jo Miller, 45
Previous experience: I was the acting principal / deputy at Sheidow Park School for five years, deputy at Darlington Primary School for seven years, and a classroom teacher for 12 years.
Looking forward to: Working with my amazing staff and community to create positive, differentiated and engaging learning opportunities for staff and students!
Biggest challenge for 2024: Creating a one school ethos that brings together both our streams (mainstream and Steiner education) and ensuring our whole community feels supported and heard. I also want to promote our uniqueness with two streams and increase enrolments.
Likes: My beautiful children, shopping, Haighs, Mimco and the colour purple!
Dislikes/Pet hate: Dishonesty and being cold.
Springbank Secondary College – Andrew Dunn, 48
Previous experience: Whyalla Secondary College (deputy principal), Mount Barker High School (assistant principal).
Looking forward to: Getting to know the school community and challenging my staff, students and families to critically reflect on current practice and procedures to develop a strategic improvement plan that builds upon the great work that already happens at Springbank.
Biggest challenge for 2024: My biggest challenge will be learning the intricacies of a new site, understanding the community dynamics and making sure I balance my work and family lives.
Likes: Exploring curriculum flexibilities to ensure that all young people access challenging, relevant and engaging learning. I love developing staff as much as our young people to ensure that our students get this opportunity.
Dislikes/Pet hate: Anything that squashes the flame of enthusiasm and optimism.
The Grove Education Centre – Rachel Scheuboeck, 53
Previous experience: I have been teaching for 30 years with 25 years focused on supporting
students with additional needs. During this time, I have held roles in school leadership and also a number of positions within the department’s student support services team. My passion is in supporting students with additional needs to reach their full potential and have completed my Masters in Special Education.
Looking forward to: I am excited about leading a vibrant school in continuing their goal to support the learning of all students. I look forward to working closely with staff, students and families, to support and build a strong school community. As a new principal I look forward to honing my skills in leading teaching and learning and providing support to the staff.
Biggest challenge in 2024: I am sure there will be many challenges and new learning this year to provide the quality of leadership my site deserves. Despite this I am confident that with the amazing Grove staff and local partnership supports, I will never have to face these challenges alone.
Likes: Connecting with staff, students and families. Personally, I love spending time with family and friends and tapping into creative ventures!
Dislikes/Pet hate: Negativity.
Tintinara Area School – Kathleen McGuire, 37
Previous experience: Deputy principal at Meningie Area School for the past three years. Previously the middle school literacy co-ordinator at Coober Pedy Area School.
Looking forward to: I am looking forward to working with a committed group of staff and getting to know the students and families in the community and inspiring them on their learning journey.
Biggest challenge for 2024: Getting to know the community and determining the needs of the site.
Likes: Empowering students to reach their potential in a safe environment.
Victor Harbor Primary School – Jess Morris, 39
Previous experience: Throughout my 18-year journey in education so far, I have embraced various roles in early childhood, primary education, and leadership. For 14 of those years, I have been at Victor Harbor Primary School where I have been the deputy principal for the past three-and-a-half years.
Looking forward to: The challenge and having the opportunity to lead my school and community through a period of change while celebrating our 150th anniversary.
Biggest challenge for 2024: Making the role my own after having a longstanding principal for 23 years. As well as navigating the unknown and new, while creating a strong and cohesive school environment and community that will have a positive impact on the lives of our students and contribute to the continuous growth and improvement of our school.
Likes: In education – having the opportunity to have an impact and make a difference, the connections and sense of community, and the continuous learning and growth opportunities education provides. Personal likes – fun, laughter and spending time with my family and friends, enjoying good food, relaxing with a good book or movie/TV show, chocolate, organisation (I like lists and post-it notes), being creative, Geelong Cats fan!
Wynn Vale School – Amanda Browne, 44
Previous experience: I have spent that past 16 years working in a variety of classroom teaching and leadership roles at Elizabeth North Primary School.
Looking forward to: Getting to work with the amazing Wynn Vale School community and building on the wonderful school culture, along with forming positive relationships with staff, families and students.
Biggest challenge for 2024: I have no doubt that with a new role and site will present many challenges and new learning. I feel learning and understanding new processes will be one of the biggest challenges as well as trying to have some form of work life balance!
Likes: Spending time with my family and catching up with friends.
Dislikes/Pet hate: Negative attitudes.
St Ignatius’ College – Lauren Brooks, 36
Experience:Lauren Brooks joined Saint Ignatius’ College in Term 4 2023 from Pedare Christian College, where she was deputy principal. She is an accomplished educator and leader, having held executive roles in junior, middle and senior schools in South Australia and the Northern Territory, as both a head of school and deputy principal. Lauren has a Masters in Educational Leadership and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Looking forward to: Lauren has spent a term already at the college getting to know the staff, students and school community, and preparing for an exciting year ahead. She can’t wait to learn more from the Saint Ignatius students this year – partnering with them to shape the future of the college and alongside them to help them achieve their goals. Acknowledging the college’s rich history and traditions, Lauren is looking forward to bringing a contemporary lens to Ignatius, including through new innovation and programs.
Biggest challenge for 2024: Ensuring our students are grounded by our community’s values, social justice, empathy and self-awareness. Social media and rapidly evolving digital technologies are having concerning impacts on the wellbeing and safety of young people – and the role every school plays in protecting students and arming them with the skills they need to navigate these challenges is critically important.
Likes: Outside of work, Lauren enjoys spending quality time and getting outdoors with her two children and husband.
Pet hate: Luke-warm coffee.
Loreto College – Kylie McCullah
Loreto College in Marryatville appointed Kylie McCullah as new principal to start in the 2024 school year.
In December, Ms McCullah left her post as head of academics at the elite St Catherine’s School in Sydney, which charges parents $42,000 for Year 12 tuition.
“It is with great pleasure and excitement that we extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to Ms Kylie McCullah, our esteemed new principal,” the school posted on Facebook.
“Ms McCullah brings a dynamic leadership style that promises to usher a new era of growth and excellence to our College.”
“Kylie is committed to the trajectory of creating and providing world-class opportunities and experiences that will give Loreto students the edge,” Loreto wrote.
“Kylie’s wish and commitment to each of our Loreto learners is to continue to provide them with future-focused, world-class opportunities.”
Ms McCullah will replace outgoing principal Dr Nicole Archard, who began at Loreto in 2016.
Southern Vales Christian College – Adam Dunt
Former head of Kings Baptist Grammar middle school Adam Dunt is set to take up the top role, Southern Vales Christian College announced in a Facebook post.
“Mr Dunt brings a wealth of experience and passion for education to our community,” the school wrote.
“His commitment to excellence and student-centred approach aligns perfectly with our values.
“We’re excited for him to contribute to the academic and personal growth of our students.”
Mr Dunt is set to replace outgoing principal Jenny Nelson.
St Columba College – Darren Pitt
Experience:
Principal – The Springfield Anglican College, Brisbane
Deputy principal – St Columba College
Deputy principal – Seymour College, Adelaide
Director of teaching and learning – St Peter’s College, Adelaide
Looking forward to: This role provides an opportunity to serve and make a difference in our community, which I am excited about. We also have an incredibly gifted staff, and I am excited by the opportunity to build their capacity and provide them with the conditions and culture with which they can do their jobs.
We will also be expanding our leadership positions in 2024. I am very excited about the opportunity to offer promotional opportunities to our staff and bring new talent and high-quality staff into our community.
Our priority as a school is to maximise learning opportunities and outcomes for students. We are also excited to expand our Student Life program this year, giving students more opportunities to succeed and thrive in their learning and experiences outside the classroom.
Biggest challenge for 2024: “Every wall is a door” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Likes: At work, I am motivated by having high standards and believing in our students to exceed them. There is nothing like the feeling of momentum and energy in a school that is on an improvement trajectory.
Outside of work, I like running and playing the drums, neither of which I do very well, but I enjoy reading and spending time with my family, dogs and friends.
Dislikes: People who only see problems, not solutions.
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