New principals take up their positions at South Australian schools
New principals have started at some of the state’s most prestigious private schools – and busiest public schools. Here’s who they are.
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The 2023 school year is underway, with new principals taking the helm at some of the state’s most prestigious private schools – and busiest public schools. Here’s who they are.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Prince Alfred College
DAVID ROBERTS, 48
David Roberts began as Prince Alfred College’s 12th headmaster at the start of the 2023 school year.
He replaced Bradley Fenner, who retired last year after eight years with the all boys’ Anglican school at Kent Town.
A former deputy headmaster at Sydney’s Newington College, Mr Roberts also held senior positions at St Leonard’s College, Geelong Grammar School and Caulfield Grammar School in Victoria.
During his six-year tenure at Newington, Mr Roberts delivered significant improvements in academic performance, pastoral care programs, boarding, policy and risk management, and staff engagement and wellbeing.
He also worked on infrastructure and strategic planning.
Mr Roberts is a passionate advocate of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, which is offered at PAC.
Scotch College
TRENT DRIVER, 51
Trent Driver also spent time at Newington College, where he was deputy head (academic) for seven years between 2014 and 2021.
Like Mr Roberts, he has been involved in overseeing the delivery of Higher School Certificate (HSE), International Baccalaureate and VET curriculums in NSW before moving to Adelaide.
During the pandemic, he developed Newington College’s response to lengthy lockdowns which required online learning and assessments.
He joined Scotch from MLC School in Sydney where he provided coaching and mentoring to staff while also returning to economics teaching.
Before his time in NSW, Mr Driver was the dean of academic development at Brisbane Girls’ Grammar School between 2011 and 2013.
Walford Anglican School for Girls
DEBORAH NETOLICKY
Deborah Netolicky has become the ninth principal of Walford as the Hyde Park all girls’ school celebrates its 130th anniversary.
Dr Netolicky has 20 years of experience at schools in Victoria, Western Australia and England.
This has included teaching and leadership positions at Presbyterian Ladies’ College in Perth, Methodist Ladies’ College in Melbourne, Caulfield Grammar School in Melbourne, Brentford School for Girls in London, Ibstock Place School in London, Wesley College in Perth, and St Mark’s Anglican Community School in Perth.
Dr Netolicky holds a doctorate in school change and sits on national and international education committees.
She has won awards for her research, writing, and leadership and often invited to contribute to education conferences, peer-reviewed academic journals, books and media.
In 2022 she was named on The Educator Australia’s “hot list” of innovative educators.
St Peter’s Girls’ School
CHERYLYN SKEWES
A former English and German teacher, Cherylyn Skewes spent time in leadership roles in South Australia and Victoria before taking the helm at St Peter’s Girls School.
These included being principal of the newly formed Annesley Junior School and five years as principal of Leibler Yavneh College in Melbourne.
Ms Skewes also spent time at St Peter’s College in Adelaide as head of Da Costa House and its athletics master.
She holds a Master of Education (Curriculum and Administration Studies) and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
St Andrew’s School
LUKE RITCHIE, 40
Luke Ritchie has taken over as principal of St Andrew’s School at Walkerville after serving as principal at Annesley Junior School.
Mr Ritchie also spent time at Canberra Girls Grammar School and Prince Alfred College.
He holds a Master of Leadership and Management from Deakin University and completed the Principal’s Leadership Academy through the Harvard Business School in 2021.
Mr Ritchie has served as chairman of the Association of independent Schools of SA (AISSA) board.
He is on the committee of Uniting Venues SA, which provides school camps, retreats, outdoor education, group and holiday accommodation across South Australia.
Endeavour College
RICHARD BAIRD
Richard Baird will take over as principal of Endeavour College at the beginning of the second term.
Raised in Adelaide, he will return to school’s Mawson Lakes campus from Victoria where he has been deputy principal of Good News Lutheran College.
His responsibilities have included co-ordinating SACE and VET and head of senior students.
Mr Baird began his teaching career at Westminster College before working in Western Australia and Victoria in various leadership roles, including as a deputy principal.
Mr Baird has coached 1st XI soccer and been involved in the World Solar Car Challenge and World Solar Cycle, as well as international tours and service projects.
He will take over from Peter Pearse, who has been acting principal at Endeavour College since the sudden departure of former principal Glyn Roberts last year.
Other new Lutheran school principals include Greg Miller at Crossways Lutheran School at Ceduna, Heidi Hansen at Redeemer Lutheran School at Nuriootpa and Karen Leese at St John’s Lutheran School.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
St Joseph’s Memorial School
ADAM SLATER, 39
Adam Slater has started as principal at Saint Joseph’s Memorial School, Norwood.
He previously has held various leadership positions at Catholic schools across South Australia, including deputy principal.
Mr Slater holds a Bachelor of Education from UniSA, a Master of Educational Leadership from ACU and completed the Making Learning Visible Online Course from Harvard University.
He is an accredited highly accomplished and lead teacher assessor with the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) and serves on the organising committee that hosts educational Twitter discussions in the Asia-Pacific region.
Mr Slater said he aimed to leave people better off and help them be the best versions of themselves.
His educational approach was based on believing every learner was intelligent, capable and a leader.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Millicent North Primary School
KARMEL FINCH, 35
Previous experience: Roxby Downs Children’s Centre (Director of Education and Care), Penola Primary School (Wellbeing and Intervention Coordinator)
Looking forward to: Working with a committed group of staff who have high expectations, and supporting them to take all students’ learning to the next level.
Biggest challenge for 2023: Getting to know new students, families, staff, and the wider community, while determining the needs of the site. However, I am looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that working at a school like Millicent North Primary School brings. It’s quite a privilege.
Likes: To challenge myself and my team to continually strive for better outcomes for students; acknowledging where they’ve come from, what their potential is, and how we will work together to get them there.
Long Street Primary School
DIANNA PICKERT, 36
Previous experience: Over the last 14 years, I have worked at Memorial Oval and Fisk Street Primary Schools, Whyalla High School and Whyalla Secondary College as a teacher and a leader.
Looking forward to: I am looking forward to my first principal position, working with an amazing staff and getting to know the students and families of the Long Street community and inspiring them on their learning journey.
Biggest challenge for 2023: Developing trust with the community and maintaining the positive school culture.
Likes: Car racing and camping with family and friends.
Dislikes/Pet hate: An untidy workspace or learning environment – I love organisation!
Hendon Primary School
TONIA NOBLE, 54
Previous experience: More than 20 years as a leader in Elizabeth, 10 years as principal of Swallowcliffe Primary, Daveron Park
Looking forward to: being a part of the Hendon teaching and learning community and working in the western Suburbs
Biggest challenge for 2023: Getting to know a completely new community and while valuing the cherished traditions of Hendon, support the teaching and learning community to extend even further.
Likes: Children and empowering each and every one of them to realise their potential in an environment where they feel safe to ask questions and take risks to achieve their best.
Dislikes/Pet hate: Hmm tricky! I like to see the potential in most situations and the opportunity and potential in all! Bad coffee would be a dislike!
Loxton North School
BRENDA PFITZNER, 53
Experience: 13 years as Deputy Principal at Renmark Primary
Looking forward to: Meeting and working with the Loxton North community – building positive and successful relationships with all of the children, staff and families; building on successes and exploring new possibilities. It’s such an inviting school and preschool community, excellently resourced.
Biggest challenge for 2023: Navigating challenges as they arise
Likes: Lots of things – family and friends, the country (especially time on the river), beautiful food, education and a spot of shopping
Dislikes/Pet hate: Negativity
Blackwood High School
CHRIS BRANDWOOD, 63
Previous experience: 2017 to 2023 – Principal Ocean View College B – 12
2003 to 2016 – Principal Warriappendi School
Also had tenures in various schools as Deputy Principal, Assistant Principal, Well-Being leader and Arts Coordinator. Originally a secondary music teacher at Willunga High School in the early 80s
Looking forward to: Working in a large secondary community in a beautiful school environment
Biggest challenge for 2023: Building my site contextual knowledge and working relationships in a large setting
Likes: Supporting collaborative school culture that ensures the best outcomes for all young people.
Dernancourt School
JULIE RAGGETT, 44
Previous experience: I have experience teaching in both country and metropolitan schools, but most recently in leadership roles at Norwood Primary School, Highgate School and as a Principal Consultant for the Felixstow 1 Portfolio.
Looking forward to: I am very much looking forward to joining the Dernancourt School Community and getting to know the staff, students and families.
Biggest challenge for 2023: I am sure there will be many challenges but continuing the improvement journey will be a key aspect of the work.
Likes: I love spending time outdoors with my family, especially watching my children play sport and getting away for the weekend in the caravan.
Dislikes/Pet hate: Being late – I would rather arrive early than late.
Tarlee Primary School
KRISTY CANNON, 41
Previous experience: Leading wellbeing and inclusive education in a variety of leadership roles, most recently at Gilles Street Primary.
Looking forward to: Connecting and collaborating with Tarlee community to support students, family and staff.
Biggest challenge for 2023: Leading among a small staff will take some adjustment.
Likes: The moment a child discovers new learning.
Dislikes/Pet hate: The cold!
Modbury P-6 School
MICHELLE PARKES, 50 (only just)
Previous experience: Previously appointed to Golden Grove High School – Assistant Principal, Middle School and Whole School Teaching and Learning.
My role was to develop a Middle Years Sub-School with the current high school, in preparation for the introduction of Year 7 students to high school.
Prior to being at Golden Grove, I was in Catholic Education for over 15 years and my last appointment was as Assistant Principal, St Joseph’s School R-12 School, Port Lincoln.
Looking forward to: I feel very privileged to be appointed as Acting Principal for six months and look forward to getting to know the whole school community and working in partnership with families.
I’m very excited to be back in a primary setting, which is where the vast majority of my experience is, and leading a community whereby students feel confident and inspired to grow in all aspects; both academic and wellbeing.
Biggest challenge for 2023: While I’m sure there will be many challenges and new learning to be faced, I’m confident with so many wonderful colleagues and support networks that I know where to turn to when I need to.
Likes: Being highly visible and active with the school community where I can witness the wonderful, hard work of the staff and when you see the students have “light-bulb” moments, where their learning is connected and makes sense to them. Oh, and on a personal side, my like is definitely jumping out of a plane on a tandem sky dive from 15,000ft (just recently did that as an early 50th birthday present).
Dislikes/Pet hate: I’m not sure that I have too many, but when I save a document that I've been working on for hours, and then can’t locate it. That’s when I say..... “IT help me”.
Karoonda Area School
JACOB DAWSON, 30
Previous experience: Deputy Principal at Coomandook Area School for the past 5 years and leader of the Coorong Mallee Partnership Numeracy PLC. Previously Year 8 Co-ordinator at Murray Bridge High School.
Looking forward to: I am looking forward to building connections with the community both in the school and across the district. The people I have met have all been so welcoming and I look forward to developing strong partnerships to further learning for every child.
Biggest challenge for 2023: My biggest challenge is leading me. Finding the balance between when to act and when to observe, as well as doing the things that make the most impact.
Likes: I love spending time in my veggie garden and on the farm, nurturing and developing plants to grow and produce.
Dislikes/Pet hate: I dislike unorganised clutter as it limits our capacity to achieve and reach our goals.
Renmark Primary School
SALLY SCHWARTZKOPFF, 45
Previous experience: 15 years as Director of Renmark West Preschool, 2 years as Principal of Glossop Community School, 2 years as Curriculum Lead in the Berri Portfolio.
Looking forward to: I am looking forward to being immersed in and leading a school within my local community. I have lived in Renmark most of my life and even went to Renmark Primary School as a student! I feel very privileged to be leading such a wonderful school into the future.
Biggest challenge for 2023: Renmark Primary School is a ‘hidden gem’ of public education in Renmark. My biggest challenge will be bringing the school to light within our community and sharing its successes and achievements. The Renmark community has been through some uncertain times with the recent flooding, it is time to support the school families, students and staff back to some stability and normality.
Likes: The Riverland lifestyle and being out on the river, being a footy and dance mum for my two kids, great stationery and a good cup of tea.
Dislikes/Pet hate: Paper documents that could have been electronic, mosquitoes and short days during winter.
Lobethal Primary School
MARK TUCKER, 50
Previous experience: Varied teaching experience around Australia and in the UK. 11 ½ years at Gilles Street Primary School, initially as a teacher, then as Assistant Principal – Teaching and Learning. I spent the second half of 2022 seconded to the EALD and Aboriginal Languages Team in Curriculum Policy and Standards where I researched and wrote Scope and Sequence Curriculum Documents to support teachers in the Intensive English Language Program more specifically connect their work to the Australian Curriculum.
Looking forward to: Getting back into school life! Having lived in the Adelaide Hills most of my life, I am really looking forward to connecting with the school and wider community of Lobethal. The Cudlee Creek fires of 2019, COVID-19 and leadership instability have combined to make the last few years difficult for students, staff and the wider community. Reinvigorating the connection between the school, families and community will be a focus of my work this year!
Likes: I love connecting with students and getting to know what inspires them and gets them excited about learning.
Dislikes/Pet hate: Negativity. Approaching challenges with a positive mindset changes everything!
Oakbank School
LEE KNIGHT
Previous experience: 28 years in public education, with over 15 years in senior leadership roles including Deputy and Principal positions across secondary, primary and specialist schools.
Looking forward to: Both living and working in the Adelaide Hills community as we are moving to the Hills from the beach early 2023.
Biggest challenge for 2023: After a few years of schooling being disrupted with Covid, getting to know the local community and creating opportunities for the community to engage with Oakbank School and vis versa
Likes: My two “oodles” Ruby-Rose and Pepper-Potts
Dislikes: Queues
Hallett Cove South
MATT KERSLAKE, 47
Previous experience: Assistant Principal at Ingle Farm East Primary School, Leader in Student Engagement and Wellbeing at Blakeview Primary School, Principal at Blanchetown Primary School.
Looking forward to: Building professional relationships with the staff and school community and working with them to continue to provide high quality, differentiated teaching and learning for all of our students.
Biggest challenge for 2023: Building the profile of the school by re-engaging with the community and increasing enrolments.
Likes: Working out at 5am, playing music and eating vegan food.
Dislikes/Pet hate: People not taking responsibility for their actions.
St Leonards Primary School
COREY MUDIE, 33
Previous experience: 4 years experience as an Assistant Principal across 2 sites, with a particular focus on curriculum and pedagogy in the early years. Prior to leadership teaching experience across R-7 in both classroom and specialist roles. My passion was always working with the early years.
Looking forward to: Continuing to build and contribute to the strong school community that has been growing over the past few years. Working with all stakeholders to ensure our students are given the best possible opportunity.
Biggest challenge for 2023: Learning all the processes and responsibilities of the role and maintaining a positive work-life balance.
Likes: Professionally, working in a string team environment and having strong relationships and connections with staff, students and families to build a positive community and culture. Outside of work, spending time with my family and pet groodle. Last but certainly not least, the mighty Port Adelaide Football Club.
Dislikes/Pet hate: Any form of cold weather
Mark Oliphant College
KERRY WILLIAMS, 50
Previous experience: Principal Clare High School; deputy principal Paralowie & Playford International College
Looking forward to: Building relationships with staff, students, families and the broader community and working together to support the development of our students.
Biggest challenge for 2023: Starting at a new school will have many challenges. I am very people orientated and will be working on building individual relationships with my staff, but with over 200 staff that will be a challenge. One of the challenges will also be to ensure that our community and stakeholders come together to support our students.
Likes: Socialising and catching up with friends.
Dislikes/Pet hate: Negative people and attitudes.
Modbury West School
TROY PATHON, 46
Previous experience: Classroom teacher Hendon PS 2012–2018, Deputy Principal Hendon Primary School 2019–2020, Acting Principal Hendon Primary School 2021–2022.
Looking forward to: Getting to know the students, families and staff at Modbury West and listening to and understanding their stories, celebrating the great things currently happening within the school, and working together to ensure our kids are happy and engaged learners.
Biggest challenge for 2023: Classrooms are dynamic environments, bringing both rewards and challenges for teachers. An important component of a principal’s work is supporting teacher wellbeing, which in turn supports student learning outcomes.
A challenge will be leading school improvement in a manner that is also mindful of teacher wellbeing.
Likes: Spending time with my family and friends, listening to music and hanging out at the beach.
Dislikes/Pet hate: My kids taking every cushion off the couch and throwing them on the floor whenever they sit down.
Kingston On Murray Primary School
SONYA WARREN, 47
Previous experience: Principal at Moorook Primary School
Looking forward to: Developing positive relationships with the students, staff, parents and school community at Kingston On Murray Primary School.
Biggest challenge for 2023: Supporting the local community through the current flood issues that they are currently facing.
Likes: Staying fit and healthy!
Dislikes/Pet hate: Negativity
Originally published as New principals take up their positions at South Australian schools
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