Primary and secondary school leaders from the Sunshine Coast, Noosa open up about their jobs
Sunshine Coast and Noosa principals have shared their insights into how they’re delivering top-level education to the next generation. See what drives them.
Sunshine Coast
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It takes a lot of responsibility to help mould the minds of the next generation of superstars but these Sunshine Coast and Noosa principals are giving it their all.
Meet some of the region’s top leaders from state, private and independent primary and secondary schools.
The principals featured reveal what inspires them about staff and students, their goals and how their schools help the our kids.
See what they had to say below.
Baringa State Secondary College – Matt Samson
Mr Samson is running a school that’s only been open for two years but in that time there’s been a great sense of community formed.
“It is a privilege to continue to build and develop this college with the students and community for our amazing students and the wonderful Aura community,” he said.
“We have amazing students, an incredibly supportive community, outstanding staff and brand-new state of the art facilities for our students.
“The College vision is that ‘this is a place for everybody, where everybody is valued and respected’.
“We instil in our students our values of Respect, Integrity, and Courage, and reinforce these daily with all of our students.”
Having worked in education for 33 years, Mr Samson said his every student deserved the very best education possible.
“I believe that every child can succeed, given a positive, supportive and nurturing environment,” he said.
“Our role is to believe in every child, and teach them to believe in themselves, so that they may have a life of choice over a life of chance.”
Burnside State High School – Kerri Dunn
Ms Dunn said she’s had the privilege of being in education for 37 years including wonderful experiences of teaching in the Cape and Gulf at Aurukun, Kowanyama and living on a small island in the Torres Strait known as Poruma.
Having been principal at Burnside for 16 years, Ms Dunn said she has a strong commitment to the school and wider community.
“Relationships and care are the keys in providing the best education for your students,” she said.
“I focus on recruiting teachers to fit the culture of the school. When you care for teachers you will find that teachers will to do the very best for your students.
“Connection with students is pivotal to student success.
“Every day when I do playground duty I am learning from students as to what we can do to improve.”
Ms Dunn said Burnside State High School is a school for all.
“We are continually evolving with pathways available for our students or supporting programs to re-engage students,” she said.
“I have committed to Burnside for the last 16 years and will finish off my career at Burnside.
“I love this school and the opportunities that evolve in time to broaden the opportunities for my students.”
Caloundra Christian College - Vince Wakefield
Mr Wakefield said he’s honoured to have led Caloundra Christian College for more than three years.
“Each and every day our staff go above and beyond to help our students and families flourish,” he said.
“I love how we are proudly small so that we can focus on the individual and everyone is known.
“Ultimately, at the core of my passion for CalCC is the students and my desire to see them grow into all they can be through quality, Christ-centred education provided in a safe and creative community.”
Having worked in education for 30 years, Mr Wakefield said ensuring students receive support through their schooling career is vital for their success.
“First and foremost, it is essential education is anchored in relationship and belonging to support the development of the whole person - physical, intellectual, social,emotional and spiritual,” Mr Wakefield said.
“It is a compelling but necessary challenge for all teachers to go beyond superficial learning of facts and skills for the sake of completing a syllabus, and instead ignite each student’s wonder and curiosity; develop their resilience, grit and emotional intelligence and provide opportunities to inquire, explore and solve real and authentic life challenges as creative, critical community members.”
Good Samaritan Catholic College – Greg Myers
Mr Myers said during his 40 years in education, he’s worked hard to ensure every child or young adult gets the opportunity to achieve to their best potential.
“I believe that as educators, our job is to provide the inspiration, expertise, resources and facilities for this to occur,” he said.
“I also believe that the Prep to Year 12 school environment provides the best opportunity for this to occur.”
As the foundation Good Samaritan principal, Mr Myers said during his five years in the leadership role of the Coast’s newest Catholic and non-government school he’s strive to build a community that provides quality Catholic education for the Bli Bli community.
“As our Prep to Year 12 College grows from an opening enrolment of 172 in 2019 to 1500 students in a few years’ time, I am passionate about building facilities to meet the demands of modern education,” he said.
“Mostly, I am passionate about seeing young people reach their potential and become active, contributing and valued members of our society.
“The future of education on the Sunshine Coast, and in particular at Good Sams, is really positive.
“Our community needs graduates who are ready to make a positive difference in our society and respond to the changing needs of our world. Our schools are doing a great job in preparing students for this challenge.”
Landsborough State School – Benjamin Gaske
Mr Gaske said he believes every student matters, every day counts and he encourages others to find the fun.
“I began as a teacher in 2003, I became a principal in 2006 and since then I have had the privilege of leading seven schools throughout Queensland,” he said.
Having lead Landsborough State School since 2018, Mr Gaske said teaching makes a difference and it’s important to help foster children’s development through learning.
“My professional passions include leading achievement and improvement, coaching staff, connecting with students and communicating with community,” Mr Gaske said.
“I am also passionate about our school’s focus which is Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL), a whole-school framework that promotes positive behaviour across a school and helps schools develop safe and supportive learning environments.”
Matthew Flinders Anglican College – Stuart Meade
In his sixth year as principal at Flinders, Mr Meade said he’s hoped he’s been able to help guide staff and students through both easy and difficult times.
“The past two and a half years have been as challenging as any in the College’s history,” he said.
“However, the strength of our community has come to the fore as we have accepted the setbacks and worked together for the benefit of all involved.
Having worked in education for 38 years, Mr Meade said his approach to teaching is to build a culture which inspires, challenges, provides safety and builds trust and respect.
“My approach is to education is founded on relationships, and genuine learning will take place where those relationships – with peers, teachers, coaches and mentors – are authentic and supportive,” he said.
“Flinders provides an amazing breadth of opportunities, and it is wonderful to see so many students making the most of all that is on offer.
“There is also a high degree of mutual respect between teachers and students, this is crucial.
“The bonds that are forged are openly displayed as the Year 12s leave, at the end of our year level camps and at the conclusion of co-curricular events.
“They underpin all that is achieved throughout the year.”
Meridan State College Primary principal Susan Esposito
Ms Esposito has worked in education for 38 years, with the last 12 years spent as principal of Meridan State College primary.
She said she enjoyed supporting every student and giving them the opportunity to “have a life of choice not just a life of chance”.
“It’s an honour to be a part of children's lives every day,” Ms Esposito said.
“I get to see Preps walk in on their first day and farewell them in year 12 on their last day.”
Mooloolaba State School – Peter Wilson
Having only joined Mooloolaba State School as principal in 2022, Mr Wilson said his career in education began when he started as a primary teacher in 1987 at Serviceton State School.
Mr Wilson said it was important teachers be both supporting and challenging with their students to enable them to be successful throughout their lives.
“To do this I we need to invest in our staff providing them with the knowledge skills and time to become even better at teaching our kids,” he said.
“Mooloolaba State School has highly achieving students academically, in sports and in music.
“This is because we have a highly skilled and dedicated staff and the support of active parent group who believe in our school.”
Our Lady of the Rosary School – Dr Michael Stewart
During his 34 years in education, Dr Stewart said he’s always sought “excellence and joy in all you do” and inspires his students to do the same.
“Successful leaders are people-centred and are eager to develop all members of their workforce, especially building the capacity of staff to be better at what they do,” he said.
“They are driven by the desire to provide the best educational environment for all students.”
Having been principal at the Moffat Beach school for five years, Dr Stewart said he works hard to make a real difference in the lives of the people in the school community.
“Focusing on the children’s learning and celebrating people’s achievements is also very satisfying,” he said.
“I enjoy being part of a team that continues to seek improvement.”
Pacific Lutheran College – Dr Bronwyn Dolling
Dr Dolling has been working in education for 42 years and has spent the last 22 years at Pacific Lutheran College where she helps equip students “to have a strong sense of hope and be confident in themselves and their ability to have influence in their learning, lives and in the community”.
“This means providing opportunity for students to have ownership and responsibility for their learning as they develop their academic, spiritual and social emotional understandings as well as in their cultural, sporting and environmental capacities,” Dr Dolling said.
“Young people will need to have the flexibility and capabilities to live confidently and exert agency in times of rapid change and uncertainty.”
“Education is an exciting area to be working in as we look to the future and ask ourselves the question of what our young people need to thrive today and into the future from a local and global perspective.”
Dr Dolling said she fosters a constant sense of co-creation between staff, students and parents in order to improve opportunities for young people within the College.
“Being a teacher and an educator is a great career because you can make a difference to someone everyday,” she said.
Peachester State School - Kim Fillery
Ms Fillery said it was essential to build meaningful relationships with students and their families to ensure their education success.
“I love to create happy and successful students that continue to grow everyday and become citizens that inspire everyone in their lives,” she said.
Having worked in education for 15 years, with the past four years as principal at Peachester State School, Ms Fillery said she’s excited to continue to see her students shine.
“Peachester is an amazing school were the staff are dedicated to each individual student and what they need to be successful,” she said.
“We are in a unique position that is preparing students for jobs that don’t even exist yet.
“Nobody knows what that looks like, but it is important that families communicate with schools so that everyone works together for success.”
Stella Maris Catholic Primary School – Nicole de Vries
Ms de Vries champions her students by helping them discover their potential and support their growth.
Having worked in education for more than 18 years, and holding the leadership position at Stella Maris for more than five years, Ms de Vries said she encourages an inclusive, high quality learning community where faith inspires action.
“We work in partnership with families and truly believe that working together is integral for the good of the child,” Ms de Vries said.
“Our staff are highly trained and skilled to support children to be their best.
“To ensure that every student has the best chance to be successful, we offer a variety of curricular and extra-curricular activities and believe that these opportunities enable a child to showcase their knowledge, skills and talents.”
St Andrew’s Anglican College – Chris Ivey
Originally teaching English and Drama in 1993, Mr Ivey said education is entirely based around relationships.
“It is not about educators ‘putting in’ to students, but engaging with them, with their families, to provide opportunities for them to grow, learn and then walk confidently into their futures,” he said.
Having been principal of the College since 2007, Mr Ivey said the school community is “positive and energetic”
“Our staff go above and beyond for our students and our students thrive in this sort of community where we value and respect the individual,” he said.
“Being involved in education is one of the best jobs in the world.
“All of us, no matter what school we work in, have the chance to impact the lives of young people and hopefully enable them to be the best they can be.”
St John’s College – Chris Gold
Mr Gold said he’s tried to use a “holistic” approach throughout his 44-year teaching career
“I strongly believe in education of the whole person, character beats knowledge every day,” he said.
After 14 years at the helm of St John’s College, Mr Gold said it’s finally time to retire but isn’t ready to say a final farewell to education just yet.
“St. John’s is a place full of commitment, spirit and generosity. The culture is strong and students, staff and parents/carers enjoy being part of a supportive community,” he said.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my career to date and even though I am taking a break, I feel I have more to offer in education and will do my best in retirement to give back when the opportunities arise.”
St Teresa’s Catholic College Noosaville – David McInnes
During his 42 years working in education, Mr McInnes said he strives to provide relevance, challenge and opportunities for all students to engage in their learning.
“Schools are at their best when they are inclusive and meet the needs of all,” he said.
Having been principal at the Noosaville school for the past six years, Mr McInnes said he was grateful for the support of the students, parents and teachers.
“They are understanding and supportive of the school’s vision and mission and as such contribute to a life-filled community that focuses on the faith and learning development of all,” he said.
“The school enjoys working with many community partners, such as the Noosa District Catholic Parish and Noosa Council to provide meaningful opportunities for students to broaden their experiences beyond the College gates.”
Sunshine Coast Grammar School – Anna Owen
Mrs Owen has worked in education for 21 years, and commenced her role as principal at Sunshine Coast Grammar School in 2022 after relocating from Canberra Girls Grammar School.
Mrs Owen said she is very strategic in her approach and tends to rely on data to help inform her decision making.
“I strongly believe in equipping students with the confidence, skills and education they need to shape their futures, whether they want to be a political leader, run their own business or chase their dreams with passion and purpose,” she said.
“My hope as principal is that looking back on their school days our students will remember compassion, kindness, encouragement, empathy, challenge and humour in equal measures.
“That they will be a performer as much as an audience member, and rarely an online onlooker. That they will find enjoyment in the struggles and they will have learned to give their personal best.”
Mrs Owen said she hopes to continue to build a culture of excellence and guide Sunshine Coast Grammar School through its current growth and development.
“The next decade in SCGS’s history will see great growth, and the school will take its place in the Australia wide education market. It’s a very exciting time to be here,” she said.
Talara Primary College – Stephen Adams
Mr Adams started his teaching career in 1988 in Cape York at the Aboriginal community of Aurukun before working as a principal in many places across Queensland.
Having led Talara Primary College since 2002, Mr Adams said he is continually inspired and humbled by the staff that go above and beyond for the students.
“I believe strongly in all students having access to quality education, in particular, as a primary school principal I believe education should always set high expectations wrapped in a wonderful sense of inquiry and fun,” he said.
“Talara Primary College has a very genuine partnership between home and school where an amazing culture of care is lived and breathed by every adult and every student.
“Talara Primary College has strong traditional values of respect, matched with the belief that every student will always give their best.
“As a community we are so proud of the outstanding young people that leave us at the end of Year 6, and we are confident that they have learnt the skills and the attitude to be wonderful life long learners who will contribute significantly to the community around them.”
The River School – Ann Donoghoe
Ms Donoghoe said she’s spent 26 years of her 32-year career in education at The River School, with the last five years leading as principal.
“I was drawn to The River School as its Neohumanist philosophy aligns beautifully with my belief that young people need access to a variety of opportunities to positively develop their social, emotional, spiritual, physical and mental capacities,” she said.
“With my Restorative Practice background and deep passion for education, it is an honour to lead The River School on its continued journey of real and rich learning for our young people to grow into responsible global citizens, who will make positive contributions to the world.”
Yandina State School – Michael Cookman
Starting out as a teacher in Gladstone in 1995 before becoming a principal in 1998, Mr Cookman said education is about the whole person and must provide opportunities for all students to succeed.
“Education needs to be balanced between academics, cultural, sporting and social development,” he said.
“I also believe that schools can create a strong team culture, being able to work as part of team is a skill every student needs to develop.”
Mr Cookman, who has been principal of Yandina State School since 2019, said he’s excited to be a part of the school community.
“The students are provided opportunities to shine across all areas of the curriculum and extra curricular areas and the school community has a genuine interest in the school,” he said.
“I have a wonderful teaching team and excellent support staff, all the ingredients needed for a successful school.
“The Yandina community is growing quickly and so is the school, to meet the needs of a growing community the government has funded the construction of large two-storey building, work is scheduled to start early 2023.”
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