Meet the principals steering some of the Gold Coast’s top performing schools
The city is home to some of the highest-ranking schools in Queensland. Get to know the leaders at their helm.
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The Gold Coast is home to some of the most sought-after private schools in Australia alongside state schools with industry-leading resources and opportunities.
Meet the leaders at the helm of some of the city’s most notable institutions.
PRIVATE AND INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
A. B. Paterson College – Joanne Sheehy
Ms Sheehy joined A.B. Paterson College in 2003 before being named principal in July, 2020.
During her tenure, the school has become one of the most highly sought-after private schools in Australia, from helping students secure scholarships to Ivy League schools in the United States to launching a new state-of-the-art educational facility in The Winton Centre.
This year, the school became the launching pad for a groundbreaking NFL Academy. The landmark partnership will see the NFL Futures Program deliver employment, training, and pathway opportunities for students.
Why did you seek a career in education?
Every child and young adult deserves access to a quality education, to unlock the limitless potential within themselves. The mantra ‘Be the change you wish to see in the world’ underscores the positive impact achievable through our actions, both now and for future generations. Education serves as the cornerstone of this change.
What do you love most about your job?
Witnessing the genuine impact we have on the lives of our students. From Prep to Year 12, we have the privilege of being part of their journey from a very young age. We see their growth, development, and achievements first-hand and we help them overcome challenges as they work toward achieving their life goals.
It’s incredibly fulfilling to watch them succeed and welcome them back as alumni where they can share their stories and inspire the next generation. I truly believe that working in education is the most rewarding job in the world.
What is the one lesson being a principal has taught you?
Success in education is a collaborative effort.
Each day, our students, parents, and staff work together in partnership, supporting one another to achieve our goals. As principal, my responsibility is to lead with empathy, strong communication and a willingness to embrace change to drive continuous improvement for our college community.
The Southport School – Andrew Hawkins
In 2020, Mr Hawkins became the first ‘old boy’ to be appointed headmaster of the school since it was established 123 years ago.
The prestigious school boasts some of the highest academic results in the city and has nurtured some of the most promising young sporting talents gearing up for the 2032 Olympics.
Originally from Emerald, Mr Hawkins is a former TSS student and father of four who has overseen the success of the school’s rowers and cricketers teams.
In 2022, the school’s Indigenous Program recorded some of the highest rates of First Nations students aspiring to go to university – ranking higher than the national average.
Why did you seek a career in education?
I was employed by Lancing College in the UK on my gap year after completing Year 12. After embarking on the gap year and working in the education sector, I was drawn immediately to a career in education and changed my first preference at the University of Queensland from a Bachelor of Laws to a Bachelor of Applied Science and Education.
What do you love the most about the job?
I enjoy the variety. Given the dynamics and the diverse community, no one day is ever the same. But you can always go to work and know that you can make a positive difference for the students and staff in your care. There is an also a great deal of stability in a career in education and Covid was a great reminder of how important our sector is.
What is the one lesson being a principal has taught you?
That hard work gets you to the places where good luck can find you. If you commit to any role and work hard, you will meet people and be presented opportunities that can benefit the community beyond anything you could have previously imagined.
St Hilda’s School – Virginia Warner
At the start of this year, St Hilda’s School welcomed Mrs Warner as its 12th principal.
With a legacy spanning more than 113 years, St Hilda’s takes pride in its tradition of empowering young women. Mrs Warner, with her extensive experience and passion for education, is set to build on this rich heritage and lead the school into an exciting future.
Originally from Canada, Mrs Warner immigrated to Australia to join her mother, Emeritus Professor Dr Anne McMurray AM, a distinguished figure in the field of education.
Since then, she has completed multiple qualifications at the University of Western Australia, Griffith University and the Australian Catholic University.
Why did you seek a career in education?
My life journey has been a global one, driven by an insatiable curiosity and a deep commitment to learning. I consider myself immensely blessed by God’s plan for my life.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of studying at three universities. Each institution has enriched my educational background in unique ways, providing me with a broad perspective and a profound understanding of the educational landscape.
What do you love the most about the job?
What I love most about working in the education sector is the profound sense of fulfilment I gain from supporting communities to flourish.
I have always felt called to work in education. This vocation allows me to contribute to the growth and development of individuals and communities, fostering a love of learning and a spirit of resilience.
There is something incredibly rewarding about empowering students to reach their full potential. I am particularly dedicated to the mission of “empowering the whole girl, the whole time”, ensuring that every student receives a holistic and supportive educational experience.
What are some future goals you are hoping to achieve at your school?
Looking ahead at St Hilda’s, my vision is to uphold a world-class education that nurtures ambition, agency, student voice, and wellbeing. I aim to enhance our academic programs for a changing global landscape, strengthen mental health support, and expand student leadership opportunities. Through these initiatives, I envision St Hilda’s thriving as a beacon of excellence, shaping confident, capable and compassionate leaders.
Trinity Lutheran College – Dr Tsae Wong
Dr Wong grew up in Singapore before moving to Australia and starting her career as a teacher in Canberra.
She later joined Trinity Lutheran College in 2010 as the deputy head of the college and was appointed principal in 2014.
Over the course of her tenure, enrolments rose by 300 per cent, making it one of the fastest growing school’s on the Gold Coast.
Dr Wong has also led the strategic direction of the college from developing the teaching and learning framework to revitalising its dormant Foundation entity. She also oversaw the development of some significant infrastructure upgrades including research-backed classroom refurbishments and state-of-the-art Senior and Junior Learning Precinct.
Why did you seek a career in education?
Since I was a Year 6 student in Singapore, I had shown interest and strength in helping others to learn. My fondest memory in primary school was organising afternoon mathematics tutorials for those classmates who struggled.
I love my vocation of teaching and leadership in schools because it is the most rewarding career. I have the privilege of influencing the next generation of educators and leaders through leading staff and educating young people.
What do you love most about the job?
The most rewarding part of the role is seeing the growth and development of staff and students. Seeing the lightbulb moments in their development journey as educators and students is the most precious part of the role.
What is the one lesson being a principal has taught you?
It is vital to always look for the best in people and be kind to everyone. Each person brings their own story to the table to weave the amazing tapestry that is our community so that we are collectively better, wiser and more fulfilled.
St Andrew’s Lutheran College – David Bliss
After seven and a half years at the helm of St Andrew’s Lutheran College, Mr Bliss has announced his retirement from education with the school to welcome its newest principal in July.
During his tenure, Mr Bliss navigated the school through the tumultuous Covid-19 pandemic and spearheaded a “mind shift” in educational leadership.
In 2023, the Tallebudgera school unveiled a state-of-the-art library featuring 3D printers, hidden doors and a classy reading lounge.
What do you love the most about working in this sector?
Teaching is a noble profession.
It is the only profession that has direct influence over every other profession through the enabling and equipping of students with aptitudes and attitudes that will carry them through life. Young Australians, too often maligned with societal misrepresentations, are insightful and inspiring. My greatest joy is to learn with and through them.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
The highlight for me is when students contact me, often decades after having taught them, to tell me their life story, often with an anecdote or recalled memory tying their vocational and personal aspirations to something I influenced them with when I was their teacher. All those who teach have a story of how one or more of their teachers made a profound effect on them. It is truly humbling that I have also been that person for others.
What is the one lesson being a principal has taught you?
Stick to what is truly important, rather than the temptation to be reactive to the notion of ‘someone else’s important’. A school community has diverse stakeholders – always put the students first.
Lutheran Ormeau Rivers District School (LORDS) – Jodie Hoff
Established in 2012, Ms Hoff is the founding principal of LORDS.
She is also the chair of Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS), an organisation that oversees the aid and development agency of the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand.
In 2022, Ms Hoff and the school celebrated their 10-year anniversary and recounted the remarkable grand opening – and sudden temporary closure – of the school.
This year marks the first batch of students to graduate who have been with the school from Prep to Year 12.
Why did you seek a career in education?
I have always had a sense of vocational calling to be an educator. My family has also had many generational connections to education as teachers and school leaders. I was a foundation student at Trinity Lutheran College (Ashmore) and my father was principal of Trinity Lutheran Primary School in the 1980s/1990s.
What do you love the most about the job?
Watching young people grow as a whole person (socially, physically, emotionally, academically, spiritually) and exploring their passions and interests as they develop an understanding of who they are and how they can contribute and serve the community using these gifts and talents.
What is the one lesson being a principal has taught you?
Listen and be present with people. Acknowledging and understanding someone else’s story is so important. We all have complex stories and are looking to be understood and connected to community.
STATE SCHOOLS
Benowa State High School – Alison Fahlbusch
Ms Fahlbusch has been at Benowa SHS for the past 18 months as their newest principal.
During that time, the school has received recognition of excellence and has nurtured some of the top sporting talent in the city including BMX World Champion competitor Charli.
In 2022 she was named the Australian Principal of the Year at the Australian Education Awards.
Why did you seek a career in education?
Educators play a crucial role in shaping future generations, fostering critical thinking and promoting lifelong learning. Empowering our students with the knowledge and skill set necessary to achieve their potential and therefore make a positive contribution to society.
What do you love the most about working in this sector?
I enjoy working with our young people and seeing the profound impact teachers and education can have on their lives, especially during those lightbulb moments, when a spark of understanding ignites and students begin to excel. I also enjoy mentoring and guiding aspiring leaders, supporting new staff and new teachers into our profession.
What is the one lesson being a principal has taught you?
Looking after your own wellbeing both physically and mentally is paramount to good performance. I am passionate about supporting our staff to ensure that they feel equipped and prepared to excel in their roles.
Miami State High School – Clint Curran
This year Mr Curran was welcomed as the newest principal of Miami State High School.
The high school, which is the second oldest in the city, features advanced, competitive resources and is among the fastest growing schools on the Gold Coast.
Last year the school, which is home to three Gold Coast Suns AFLWs players, officially opened the doors to a new $13.2 million Sports Centre of Excellence.
Mr Curran said over the next decade the school aimed to deliver world-class educational outcomes.
Why did you seek a career in education?
I learnt early on that I am passionate and driven about making a difference in the lives of others and working in education allows me to make a difference, support and shape the lives of young people.
What do you love the most about the job?
I love to see people both students and staff realise their potential, find their passion and contribute positively to society.
What is the one lesson being a principal has taught you?
Being a principal has taught me that the foundation of any success is built on positive relationships and high expectations.
Elanora State High School – Rochelle Lewis
Ms Lewis was appointed principal of Elanora SHS in 2022.
During her tenure, the school has surpassed state targets, implemented transformative initiatives like the Vaping Intervention Program, and strengthened community partnerships.
Last year, the school overturned its zero-tolerance approach to vaping and partnered with Youth Drugs and Alcohol Advice (YoDAA) to combat student vaping to greater success.
In 2023, the school was nominated for TEACHX Awards and Gold Coast City Council Safer Suburbs Awards.
Why did you seek a career in education?
As a student I didn’t like school very much. I wanted to be a change maker in this space, providing all students with an education that is relevant and interesting for them.
What do you love the most about the job?
Playing a role in shaping the future of a young person is the most rewarding experience a principal can have. Seeing young people succeed and have belief in themselves is the ultimate goal.
What is the one lesson being a principal has taught you?
Being a principal has taught me that people want to be heard. Deep listening, being flexible and adaptable are very important aspects of the job. Sometimes you need to rely on new information and not be afraid to change your mind at any given moment to ensure that the school runs efficiently.
Ormeau Woods State High School – Daniel Murtas
Mr Murtas joined Ormeau Woods State High School as principal in 2019.
He has worked as a principal for the past 16 years at various schools across Queensland and the Northern Territory. He has previously been recognised as the Northern Territory Regional Principal of the Year.
Last year, his students were recognised for their remarkable achievements including the “Push for Better” push-up challenge and tackling the Kokoda Challenge.
Why did you seek a career in education?
I was influenced by my family at an early age. My aunty was a fantastic teacher and was inspired by her love for teaching. Growing up with three brothers, I have always wanted to teach and work with children.
What do you love the most about the job?
I love working with the people and developing new relationships as well as building and sustaining existing connections with people from all over the world. I continue to learn a lot from students and adults.
What is the one lesson being a principal has taught you?
Make the days count, focus on what is important and invest time and energy in your people.
Queensland Academies Health and Science Campus – Vanessa Rebgetz
Ms Rebgetz was appointed principal in 2019 at the Queensland Academy for Health Sciences (QAHS) following leadership positions across a number of Gold Coast schools and a career as a practising solicitor.
QAHS is a selective state high school uniquely co-located in the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct, an emerging innovation hub for the Asia-Pacific region.
The school, which recognises 48 different language and cultural groups, has a year-on-year enrolment growth of 12 per cent making it among the top fastest growing schools in the city.
QAHS is consistently among the top performing secondary schools in Queensland with 78.5 per cent of 2023 graduates achieving an ATAR of 90 or higher and is Australia’s leading secondary school in the CSIRO CREST Awards for secondary student scientific research.
Why did you seek a career in education?
I always wanted to be an educator. I was inspired by the role model teachers I had in my primary and secondary schooling, as people and as educators. I have always loved continuing to learn and how every day is different and dynamic when working with young people.
My first career in law equipped me with the analytical and strategic skills to understand the perspectives of others, and translates well to a career in education which is essentially a people business. Every day in education is about service to others.
What do you love the most about the job?
Each day working in education is purposeful and hopeful.
In a world where it is increasingly apparent that those educated to value the voice of diverse perspectives will be best placed to contribute to a more fair, just and peaceful world, state education delivers. With a focus on every student succeeding, irrespective of postcode, socio-economic or cultural background, state school delivers.
What is the one lesson being a principal has taught you?
That every day brings an opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Varsity College – Nigel Hughes
Mr Hughes has more than 15 years of leadership experience within Education Queensland, most recently as the executive principal of Varsity College since August last year.
Early in his career, Mr Hughes worked as a middle school teacher at the College. In 2022 he completed his Masters of Education in 2022 with a major in Inclusive Education.
Why did you seek a career in education?
I have always enjoyed working with young people and helping them to fulfil their potential.
What do you love the most about working in this sector?
The diversity of the job. At Varsity we are a Prep to Year 12 school, so I get to work with a huge section of the Varsity community. From welcoming the next group of young students to graduating the next leaders of our community to everything in between.
What is the one lesson being a principal has taught you?
That every young person has the right and the ability to learn and positively contribute to our society.
Upper Coomera State College – Kylie Gurney
In April, Ms Gurney was appointed acting executive principal of Upper Coomera State College.
She has previously held the role of the secondary school principal at the college since 2020, and in 2023 led staff and students in the primary school principal role.
After taking on the role of head of department in 2004, Ms Gurney worked in numerous leadership positions on the Gold Coast.
Why did you seek a career in education?
From a young age I always had an interested in helping others. I had a very positive experience myself through primary school and high school with some very inspirational teachers and I wanted to be able to provide that same positive experience to other young people so that they can also set themselves up for a successful future.
What do you love the most about the job?
I love that every day is different and there’s always something new to learn.
It is very rewarding to see our young people graduate with pathways to the future they want. It is even more special to know you have contributed to the education journey of students who have faced challenges and enabled them to successfully finish their secondary school education. There are so many young people in our schools who are so talented in many ways and have a genuine enthusiasm to improve the world around them anyway they can, and that is what makes working in education so fulfilling.
What is the one lesson being a principal has taught you?
The work of educating students to become successful adults is a team effort. Teams of staff and students need to be working together on this important goal. As well as school staff, parents and the school community working as a team together is vital too. That old saying “it takes a village to raise a child” is very much still true when applied to educating young people today.
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