School names ninth head in 102 years

Century-old Pymble Ladies’ College has named as its ninth principal the current head of PLC Perth, Dr Kate Hadwen.

Dr Kate Hadwen, the new principal of Pymble Ladies College.

Century-old Pymble Ladies’ College has named as its ninth principal the current head of PLC Perth, Dr Kate Hadwen.

Dr Hadwen emerged as an “outstanding candidate” from a high-calibre national and international field, the school said in a statement.

She has more than 25 years’ experience in educational leadership from kindergarten to Year 12 and has worked in Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia in roles ranging from principal and head of senior school to head of boarding and primary teacher.

She is a former senior research fellow at the Child Health Promotion Research Centre and a senior lecturer in occupational health and safety law at Edith Cowan University.

She has authored policies and curriculum resources on technology, wellbeing and anti-bullying, and is a reviewer with the Journal of Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools.

Her doctorate was on transitioning challenges faced by boarding students and families.

She is a non-executive director with the Alliance of Girls’ Schools Australasia and the Australian Youth Orchestra, an honorary fellow of the Telethon Kids’ Institute and the Child Health Promotion Research Centre and an ambassador for Australia’s Biggest Mental Health Check-in.

At PLC Perth since 2015, Dr Hadwen established a health and wellbeing curriculum and a dedicated wellbeing centre.

“She mirrors Pymble’s style of collaborative leadership, shares our passion for evidence-based and data-driven personalised education, and is a strong advocate for academic excellence. She was selected for her strong personal philosophy which centres on the girls’ development and success,” said Pymble Ladies College council chair James Hunter.

She will take over in term three next year from Mrs Vicki Waters, who has been principal since 2007.