Meet 20 school principals and teachers on the Sunshine Coast
They are tasked with moulding the minds of the next generation, and the Sunshine Coast’s top high school principals and teachers do not take that responsibility lightly.
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Shaping young minds and in doing so, the future of all of us, principals and teachers across the region are excited for a year of normalcy post pandemic.
Here, 20 of the best educators across the Sunshine Coast reveal what inspires them about staff and students, their goals and what makes their school shine.
Read how they see the future of education in 2023.
Sunshine Coast Grammar School
Principal Anna Owen
Sunshine Coast Grammar School Principal Anna Owen says she is “optimistic that 2023 will deliver for us the long awaited ‘normal year’ we have been desperately craving over the past three years”.
Joining the Sunshine Coast Grammar School community 12 months ago, after serving as Principal at Canberra Girls Grammar School, Ms Owen says her vision is to provide the value of education in an increasingly complex world.
“After three years of social interruption, we have realised that we cannot be the school we strive to be while we are separated or isolated from each other,” she said.
“We should not underestimate the impact of the wonderful community we are surrounded by, and should remember that an academic environment works best when we are together.
“Learning for children, as we say, is a social endeavour.”
Ms Owens says she has eagerly awaited the buzz of school life and the energy of the school term.
“These last few days have been wonderful.”
Cooroy State School
Principal Shannyn Taylor
Cooroy State School Principal Shannyn Taylor is passionate about developing positive relationships within the community, working with students as they grow, supporting teachers and staff, strengthening the connection between school and home and fostering a positive school culture.
She believes these special connections allow Cooroy State School to provide an outstanding full school experience for all students.
Joining Cooroy State School as Principal in 2022, Shannyn Taylor was formally Head of Curriculum and Deputy Principal and previously Deputy Principal and Principal at Brightwater State School.
“I look forward to another year building on the amazing achievements for Cooroy State School in 2023 and beyond,” she said.
Noosa District State High School
Principal Stacy Wilmore
Principal of a unique three-campus Independent Public School, Stacy Wilmore says the Noosa community has a “special place” in her heart.
“My moral purpose as a leader is to support the success of our entire school community, and make a positive difference in students’ lives,” Ms Wilmore said.
“I have worked in education for 22 years in a range of secondary schools, and became the principal of Noosa High in 2022.
“I am privileged to have this role, passionate about the incredible opportunities our school provides to students and proud of the excellent staff and students that make us who we are at Noosa District State High School.”
Coolum State School
Principal Anthony Ryan
Anthony Ryan has been the principal of Coolum State School for three years.
“I am enthused by the strong sense of community, strength and success displayed by our students, staff and parents,” Mr Ryan said.
“I am grateful for our exceptional school community and excited at the array of opportunities available to our students here.
“Students engaging in their local area to enhance academic arts, sporting and cultural offerings is a highlight of our curriculum of which I am very proud.”
St Teresa’s Catholic College
Principal Sam Anderson
New to the role this year, St Teresa’s Catholic College principal Sam Anderson previously worked as the middle leader responsible for senior curriculum and acting assistant principal of curriculum and said, “the appointment to principal feels meant to be”.
“For me, this appointment feels like coming home,” Mr Anderson said.
“I have a deep connection to the college, and I am looking forward to reconnecting with the Marist and Teresian charisms and making a difference to students and college community.”
Mr Anderson’s leadership experience includes head of college at Unity College Caloundra, assistant principal learning and teaching Unity College, acting assistant principal wellbeing and pastoral care St Benedict’s College Mango Hill, and acting assistant principal curriculum St Teresa’s College Noosaville.
“I look forward to getting to know my students well and working out where they want to go with their schooling,” he said.
“As a leader I am very interactive with my students, and I can’t wait to work with each student individually, connect with them, and stretch them in their learning.”
Immanuel Lutheran College
Principal Colin Minke
Immanuel Lutheran College principal Colin Minke says “it is an honour and privilege to be part of the Immanuel community”.
“I sincerely believe teachers, ably supported by ancillary staff, do the world’s most important job,” he said.
“Under the increasing weight of bureaucracy, changes to curriculum and endless paperwork, teachers still turn up every day and engage with their students in amazing ways, often in addition to their academic programs.
“We are truly blessed by the commitment of teachers across all schools and sectors, and I wish to acknowledge their significant contribution to shaping the future of our region and country.
“Over the last six years we have been on a journey of reshaping the physical spaces across the College in response to the changing demands of a 21st century curriculum and learning environment, which has seen over $25M invested in flexible learning spaces and co curricular facilities.”
Palmview State Primary School
Principal Andrew Walker
Principal Andrew Walker says Palmview State Primary School’s shared vision - Trust, Connect, Grow - has fostered the school’s development so far in its three year journey.
“The effective implementation of our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) program (Trust); personalised eLearning using the iPad, strategic use of the SeeSaw platform and implementation of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program (Connect) and the promotion of quality Australian Curriculum learning and teaching, with an emphasis on English (Grow), have been signature practices and features of our school so far,” he said.
Mr Walker, who has worked in rural, regional and metropolitan schools across Queensland, said it was a privilege to lead Palmview Primary and to be a member of the Palmview Learning Community (PLC).
The PLC consists of three co-located schools – Palmview State Primary, Palmview State Special and the new Palmview State Secondary College, which opens in 2023.
“Our co-location enables us to create a distinct, inclusive learning and teaching culture,” he said.
Glasshouse Christian College
Principal Mike Curtis
Mike Curtis has been the Principal of Glasshouse Christian College since 2008 and has worked in education for 30 years.
“My approach to education begins with hiring the very best teachers and staff and providing them with the support, technology and ongoing professional development so they bring out the best in GCC’s students,” he said.
“An essential value that GCC requires from every teacher is that they show the unconditional love of God for each and every student. Our students‘ wellbeing is every bit as important as their educational journey.
“Our students exhibit excitement and expectation in coming to school and our staff enjoy a deep sense of purpose in their roles.
“There is an atmosphere of kindness and community that pervades the whole campus and is even perceptible to first-time visitors.”
Noosa Christian College
Principal Jeanette Martin
Principal Jeanette Martin has been a part of Noosa Christian College since its commencement in 2003.
“Throughout the years I have felt blessed to be counted as a member of this wonderful school community who are family to me,” she said.
“We have great students, wonderful parents and dedicated staff who all make up the interwoven fabric of what NCC is.
“I am passionate about creating a Christian environment that nurtures each student into becoming young women and men that we can all be proud and confident of, and ready to enter society where they will flourish and be successful in their lives and their chosen field of work.”
Mooloolaba State School
Principal Peter Wilson
Peter Wilson is starting his second year as principal at Mooloolaba State School and “is excited about 2023”.
“The culture of friendliness and respect at all levels is amazing,” he said.
“All of the students are encouraged to be a good ‘Mooloolaba kid,’ by being safe, kind, respectful and a good learner.
“Whilst our levels of academic achievement are high, it is also the extra-curricula options that make Mooloolaba such a great school. “
P & C President Toby Nielsen says Mr Wilson’s leadership of the school is “very impressive”.
“Peter has developed strong relationships with the parent body in the short time he has been with the school, through his hard work and his friendly and approachable demeanour,” Mr Nielsen said.
“He goes above and beyond.”
Blackall Range Independent School
Principal Eva Carless
Principal Eva Carless is new to the role this year but says she has been with the school in various positions since 2015 and is “very comfortable within the school community”.
“I first joined the school as a teacher aide,” she said.
“In 2022 I moved into the acting Principal role, before being appointed principal for 2023.”
As a young educator, she says she is enthusiastic about learning and education.
“I love that our gorgeous school is filled with diversity, creativity, and a great passion for providing everyone a space to thrive.
“The school has such a rich history in the local community, starting from humble beginnings in 1975 with a handful of students, to now having 90 plus students from Prep to Year 12.”
Nambour Christian College
Principal Geoff van der Vliet
Principal Geoff van der Vliet completed his education studies with the University of Queensland after he completed a science degree.
He taught mathematics and science at Nambour Christian College in 1988 and was appointed principal in 2018 after holding several previous leadership roles, and is a life member of Queensland School Sport.
Mr van der Vliet says he was attracted to Christian education for its scope to nurture the holistic growth of young people.
“I believe effective learning builds on a foundation of care, challenge and strong relationships,” he said.
“My vision for NCC is to continue to build the strong pastoral base and Christian community and to continually develop broad opportunities for students and an outstanding teaching and learning culture.
“I am focused on the development of each student’s character as preparation for excellence in all areas of life.”
Mr van der Vliet has two young adults who have graduated from the school.
Matthew Flinders Anglican College
Principal Stuart Meade
Stuart Meade joined Matthew Flinders Anglican College in 2017 with significant leadership experience as the head of one of Australia’s leading schools – Hale School in Perth – for 14 years as well as roles as deputy head at both Cranbrook School in Sydney and Newcastle Grammar School.
Mr Meade believes Flinders’ role is to strive for excellence in academics while developing and nurturing the young hearts and minds entrusted to it.
“Our vision is for all our students to become empowered citizens with the desire and skills to make a positive contribution in the wider world,” he said.
“Flinders is committed to providing a quality education so that our students may continue to build the character and confidence to pursue their passions in learning and life for a better world.”
Head of Secondary School – Anita Gibson
Anita Gibson commences as the Head of Secondary School this year, building on her contribution over five years as the head of middle school at the college.
Anita was appointed to the role as a result of her exemplary performance as acting head of secondary and her compelling vision for the future of the secondary school at Flinders.
Her work researching, developing and leading the new Flinders Year to RISE program for Year 9 students, to commence from 2023, served as an outstanding example of her strategic thinking and her commitment to providing an authentic learning experience for the students.
“I feel honoured to take the reins as Head of Secondary at Flinders this year.
“It is a privilege to work with not only our amazingly talented students, but also such wonderful staff.
“I cannot wait to see what we can achieve in 2023 and beyond,” she said.
Head of Middle School – Sam Huckstep
New Zealand-born Sam Huckstep spent four years at Hutt International Boys’ School as senior head of house teaching accounting and economics, before moving to the Gold Coast in 2017 to join The Southport School as boarding housemaster.
This year Sam joins Flinders as the new Head of Middle School in the Secondary School.
“I am excited about my role as the Head of Middle School at Flinders.
“This is such an important time in the education of any young person and it is a privilege to be able to support students in their learning journey,” he said.
Leading Years 7-9 at Flinders, Sam’s role is focused on enhancing student culture, developing a pedagogical framework for the Middle School and supporting the new and innovative Year to Rise program for Year 9s.
Head of Junior Primary – Kerstie Mowat
Kerstie Mowat is an experienced and highly regarded Early Childhood Teacher who has held a range of teaching and leadership roles, most recently at Overnewton Anglican College in Melbourne.
She brings vast experience in Junior School Leadership Teams, including serving as Year 4 Leader, Prep – Year 2 Leader and as Acting Deputy Head of School.
Kerstie’s commitment to a broad and engaging education for students is seen in her commitment to additional leadership responsibilities, including Junior School House Co-ordinator Prep – 4 and as ICT Leader Prep – 4.
“The early years provide an important foundation for achieving excellence in learning and life.
“I am looking forward to leading our Junior Primary School and maximising the learning and wellbeing for every student in our care,” she said.
Head of Enterprise and Curiosity – Justin Hill
Over his 22 years in education, Justin Hill’s role as a Design Technology teacher evolved into teaching Design Thinking across primary and secondary schools.
Justin joined the College as Head of Enterprise and Curiosity in the Primary School in 2023.
With a previous role as a Design Ambassador for Design Minds at the Queensland State Library, Justin believes that design thinking should be introduced to students as early as possible.
“Children have a natural curiosity about the world we live in.
“I’m so grateful to be able to encourage that curiosity and help them seek answers, share their findings and reflect on how their thinking changes,” he said.
Justin has worked in private and state roles as well as in remote Indigenous communities, and it is the combination of these experiences that have led him to this exciting role.
Stella Maris
Principal Mark Ballam
Born and raised in Brisbane, Mark Ballam joins Stella Maris School as principal in 2023.
Mr Ballam says he is “absolutely thrilled to have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity after enjoying his role as Head of Junior School at Unity College over the past ten years”.
“I feel called to the profession of education and particularly to educate the whole child, shaped by a uniquely Christian world that is driven by compassion and loving, respectful partnerships.”
He is passionate about improved learning outcomes for all students and believes that “all children should receive an exemplary education in an environment that is safe and conducive to learning”.
Still today when people ask what he does for a living, his response is always “I’m a teacher” – a job “he loves, as education has the power to change the world”.
Kawana Waters State College
Principal Brett Burgess
In his second year as Principal of Kawana Waters State College, Brett Burgess started his career at Longreach State High School in 1987 and gained his first Principalship in 2011 at Bribie Island State High State High School.
Mr Waters has a Bachelor of Education – Physical Education and a Master of Education and completed a short course in Leadership at The Harvard School of Education in Boston, 2017.
Mr Waters says Kawana Waters State College has grown in reputation over the past decade with outcomes amongst the best in the state.
“I must recognise immediate past Executive Principal Mr Colin Allen-Waters, who led the college for much of the past decade,” he said.
Unity College
Principal Dan McShea
Unity College Principal Dan McShea says his action plan is simple.
“I have a strong desire to instil a sense of hope and self belief in young people, modelling a love of life and lifelong learning to staff and students,” he said.
Hailing from Brisbane, Mr McShea has been in education for over 20 years and is in his eleventh year as Principal, having worked in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Central and Northern Queensland.
He has been at the helm at Unity College since 2018 and says “he has the best job in the world”.
“The College opened in 2006 and is unique in that it is an Ecumenical school with partnerships with both the Catholic and Uniting Churches of Caloundra.
“One only needs to enter the gates of Unity College to get a sense that it is a close-knit and welcoming community, where learning is engaging,” he said.
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