School shuffle: Every new Coast principals revealed

It isn’t just the kids who will be getting used to school next week as the Gold Coast welcomes over a dozen new principals, deputies and heads of department - is your school on the list?

NEW kids aren’t the only ones adapting to the playground next week as Gold Coast schools welcome dozens of new educators.

While many schools will see the return of existing leadership teams, others will welcome new principals, deputies and heads of departments. Here is an introduction to some of them.

New Principal at Saint Stephen’s College, Kim Cohen

Most recently principal at The Glennie School in Toowoomba, Kim Cohen has also held leadership positions at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School, Lourdes Hill College and Brisbane Girls Grammar School, as well as schools in South Africa.

Mrs Cohen has a Bachelor of Science (BSc), Higher Diploma in Education, Masters in Education – Educational Leadership (Med) and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Saint Stephen’s College Principal, Kim Cohen.

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New Principal at Cedar Creek State School, Mike Meier

In 2019 Mike Meier worked as acting principal at Burleigh Heads State School.

He is leaving the role of deputy principal at Flagstone State School, Jimboomba, to lead Cedar Creek State School.

New Deputy Principal for Special Education, Merrimac State High School, Monica Wright

Monica Wright specialises in the customisation of the Australian curriculum and working to identify and address barriers, to develop students and help them participate equally.

Ms Wright previously worked as a literacy coach at Burleigh Heads State School and at Southport State School.

Monica Wright, Deputy Principal Special Education Merrimac State High School.

New Principal at Ormeau Woods State High School, Daniel Murtas

Coming from teaching roles in the Northern Territory, Daniel Murtas worked as acting principal at Katherine High School and principal at Katherine South Primary School.

He also worked as assistant regional director for schools at Katherine.

New Principal at Australian Industry Trade College, Richard Petherbridge

Richard Petherbridge is a foundational staff member of the AITC, having started at the college as a teacher in 2008. He was named college principal in October 2019. Mr Petherbridge had previously worked in the hospitality industry, where he held management positions.

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Nathan Reynolds, Assistant Principal (Campus Operations) Australian Industry Trade College.

New Assistant Principal (Campus Operations), Australian Industry Trade College, Nathan Reynolds

Nathan Reynolds has been appointed assistant principal (campus operations) at the Australian Industry Trade College, Gold Coast. He has been a teacher for 20 years, and spent 16 at The Riverina Anglican College in multiple roles including physics teacher, head of department (science) and deputy principal (wellbeing).

Richard Petherbridge, Principal Australian Industry Trade College.

New Director of Pre Prep at All Saints Anglican School, Bridget Golder

Before All Saints, Bridget Golder worked with Education Queensland for 13 years. She joined All Saints’ educational support team in 2013. Ms Golder developed a passion for early childhood education and began working full time as a pre-prep teacher in 2014.

All Saints Anglican School Director of Pre Prep, Bridget Golder.

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New Head of Campus, Head of Campus, Middle and Senior Years, Trinity Lutheran College, Matthew Qualischefski.

Before joining Trinity, Matthew Qualischefski was deputy principal at Redeemer Lutheran College, Biloela, and assistant to the principal - special projects at Good Shepherd Lutheran College, Noosaville.

Mr Qualischefski has a Master’s of Education and a Post Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership. He is a past student of Trinity Lutheran College, graduating in 1998. He is excited to be returning after 22 years.

Trinity Lutheran College Head of Campus, Middle and Senior Years is Matthew Qualischefski.

New Middle School Education Support, All Saints Anglican School, Cherie Bunting

Cherie Bunting has moved from Saint Stephen’s College, where she worked for the last 12 years as the head of learning enhancement.

Ms Bunting has worked across all education sectors in her 20-year teaching career and comes with expertise with working with students with a disability and a passion for personalised learning.

Cherie Bunting, Middle Education Support at All Saints Anglican School.

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New Deputy Principal, Foxwell State Secondary College, Kate Shepherd

Kate Shepherd has previously worked as deputy principal of Brisbane State High School and Southport State High School. A proud Gold Coast resident, Ms Shepherd is a passionate educator with a strong background in the arts and music.

Foxwell Secondary College Deputy Principal Kate Shepherd.

New Deputy Principal, Foxwell State Secondary College, Zana Schroeder

Previously deputy principal of Varsity College and Woodridge State High School, Zana Schroeder has a passion for teaching English and humanities. She is excited about being the college’s foundation deputy principal and developing a strong and supportive school culture to meet the needs of every student.

Foxwell State Secondary College Deputy Principal, Zana Schroeder.

New Head of Bands at All Saints Anglican School, Owen Clarke

Originally from New Zealand, Owen Clarke has come to All Saints Anglican School after postings in Cairns and the Far North, where he had two years of music teaching at primary schools including at the Aboriginal Academy at Coen, Cape York.

Before moving to education, he worked as director of music for the Navy and Air Force Bands in New Zealand – positions he held for 16 years.

Owen Clarke, Head of Bands at All Saints Anglican School.