St Hilda’s School principal Wendy Lauman resigns

The principal of elite St Hilda’s School in Southport has resigned just 11 days out from the start of the new school year. FULL DETAILS

St Hilda’s School in Southport has announced the resignation of principal Wendy Lauman just 11 days out from the start of the school term.

The exclusive all-girls school, where fees are between $13,000 and $21,000, on Thursday said Head of Junior School Amanda Shuttlewood has been appointed Acting Principal while it conducts a search for a replacement.

“I am writing to advise you that Ms Wendy Lauman has, after a restful break over Christmas, written advising of her resignation as Principal of St Hilda’s School,” a letter to parents read.

“Ms Lauman has had a long career dedicated not only to Anglican Education, but the education of girls in particular and we give thanks to God for her commitment and service.

Former St Hilda’s principal Wendy Lauman.

“We wish Ms Lauman every blessing in this next exciting stage of her life. As we search for a new Principal, Mrs Amanda Shuttlewood will be Acting Principal.

“Mrs Shuttlewood, Head of Junior School, is also very experienced in Anglican Schools.

“Mrs Shuttlewood is a long-term Gold Coast resident and is well known to the St Hilda’s Community. We are grateful to Mrs Shuttlewood for agreeing to accept this Acting role.”

New Acting Principal at St Hilda’s Mrs Amanda Shuttlewood. Picture: Tertius Pickard.

In a statement to the Bulletin St Hilda’s said Mrs Shuttlewood had a “long association” withAnglican schools on the Gold Coast.

“St Hilda’s School today announced the appointment of Mrs Amanda Shuttlewood as Acting Principal,” the statement said.

“The announcement comes following the retirement of Ms Wendy Lauman who had been Principal since 2020. Ms Lauman was with St Hilda’s for nine years including six years as Deputy Principal.

“Mrs Shuttlewood has been at St Hilda’s for three-and-a-half years, most recently as Head of the Junior School. She has had a long association with Anglican schools having previously worked at Coomera Anglican College and All Saints Anglican School on the Gold Coast.

“Director of the Anglican Schools Commission, Ms Sherril Butterworth acknowledged the leadership and long service of Ms Lauman in Anglican education and wished her well in retirement.

“A search for a new Principal will be conducted during the months ahead.”

Ms Lauman had a long history at St Hilda’s, working as Deputy Principal from 2014 until her appointment as the school’s eleventh principal in May 2020.

Ms Lauman had served as Acting Principal since the sudden resignation of her predecessor Dr Julie Wilson Reynolds the previous July.

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