Woodline Primary principal Claire Bartlett leaves to lead HEI Schools Mauritius
Woodline Primary School’s founding principal Claire Bartlett is leaving the alternative school after five years to establish a new school in Mauritius. See who will take her place.
The founding principal of an alternative primary school in Ceres, set up by the wife of Cotton On billionaire Nigel Austin, is leaving to head up a school in Mauritius.
Woodline Primary School’s Claire Bartlett helped establish the Barrabool Rd school of under 100 students in 2020.
Mrs Bartlett said the five years since had been “incredible” and the school had “changed a lot”.
She said it was with “mixed” emotions that she had accepted the role as Head of School at HEI Schools Mauritius.
“I’m very sad to be leaving Woodline and the beautiful community here,” she said.
“But I’m feeling ready for this change, and the adventure.”
She will be moving overseas with her husband and two children along with her cocker spaniel.
“It’s a big process,” she said.
The primary’s deputy principal Kelly Hanson will be stepping up to the head role.
“I am very confident (in her ability),” Mrs Bartlett said.
“It’s because Kelly and the team are so amazing I feel ready to leave. I know the school is in incredible hands and the leadership is all aligned.”
Ms Hanson joined the school in 2024.
She previously worked as an instructional specialist and adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia in Canada for seven years.
The school farewelled Mrs Bartlett on its Instagram page, praising her for working in one of the “toughest and most courageous roles”.
“Through it all, Claire has held our vision with steady hands and an open heart, implementing a new way of learning and educating that honours the whole child,” the school said.
“Her leadership has been the foundation upon which Woodline stands today, and her legacy lives in every corner of our school.”
Originally published as Woodline Primary principal Claire Bartlett leaves to lead HEI Schools Mauritius
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