Kapunda High School

Name: Paula Hill

Previous experience: I am an experienced educational leader who has worked across primary and secondary settings, most recently as deputy principal at Riverbanks College B-12. I have led whole-school improvement work focused on strengthening teaching and learning, curriculum alignment, professional collaboration and leadership development, with a strong emphasis on positive outcomes for all students.

Standout career moment: Being part of the foundation leadership team at Riverbanks College B-12 and contributing to the establishment of a strong school culture, clear values and enduring systems that continue to support student success.

Favourite activity/hobby away from school: Spending time with family and friends, walking, and enjoying a good coffee.

What are you most looking forward to this year? Getting to know the Kapunda High School community and building on the school’s strong foundations, while building meaningful relationships with students, staff and the wider community to provide an inclusive, high-quality education where all students can thrive.

What do you see as the biggest challenge for 2026? This year marks the opening of the Eringa building after four years of restoration, following a significant fire that destroyed the building in 2021. Planning this significant milestone will be a major undertaking, requiring collaboration between staff, students, families and the wider community. I am looking forward to honouring the building’s historical importance and celebrating what it represents for the school and the broader Kapunda community.

Likes: Strong relationships, collaboration, clear direction, community connection and seeing students succeed.

Watervale Primary School

Name: Michelle Pudney

Previous experience: Over 20 years of teaching and leadership roles across primary, secondary and university settings, with a deep love for rural education and country life.

Standout career moment: Continuing to have opportunities to learn and complete university courses, most recently a course focused on AI.

Favourite activity/hobby away from school: Watching my own children play sport and sing, and walking my dog each morning - simple moments that keep me grounded and remind me what matters most.

What are you most looking forward to this year? Being an active community member in Watervale as well as getting to know each student, watching them discover their strengths and grow in confidence, and building strong relationships with families and staff.

What do you see as the biggest challenge for 2026? Keeping my commitment to those morning walks when the Clare Valley winter really bites - but I'm determined! My dog won't let me off the hook.

Likes: A good conversation over a coffee or two, fresh air and open spaces, watching ideas come to life in the classroom, seeing people who are passionate about what they do succeed, and quiet Sunday mornings.

Tarlee Primary School

Name: Caroline Charnstrom

Previous experience: Before stepping in to the principal role at Tarlee, I was a deputy principal at Clare and Balaklava Primary School. I have taken on many educational roles including lead mentor, professional learning community lead, autism inclusion teacher and SAPSASA convenor. I also have a wide range of teaching experience across regional South Australia and the northern suburbs.

Standout career moment:  Taking on the challenge of leadership and feeling confident and capable to continue.

Favourite activity/hobby away from school: Spending time with family, especially at the beach or traveling.

What are you most looking forward to this year? I look forward to building positive relationships with students, families, staff and the community while leading the school in creating an environment where students can be the best learners they can be.

What do you see as the biggest challenge for 2026? My challenge as principal will be supporting all new teaching staff in delivering high quality curriculum and experiences across mixed year levels.

Likes: Time at the beach, travelling and cooking for my family and friends.

Dislikes/pet hate: Funky smells.

Salisbury East High School

Name: Sue Shepherd

Previous experience: I’m a former student of Salisbury East High School and have worked here for the past 20 years in a range of teaching and leadership roles. Before moving into education, I spent 10 years working as an RN/midwife, which strongly shaped my approach to care, advocacy and working alongside people through important moments in their lives.

Standout career moment: Every leadership appointment has felt like a standout moment - each one an honour and an endorsement of my capacity to make a genuine difference for young people and our community. That, and being voted Best Dressed Teacher two years in a row by students at formal :0)

Favourite activity/hobby away from school: Time with family and friends, travelling - particularly if snow and skiing are involved - and embracing my inner 'crafty nanna'. I’ve recently taken up knitting and love it.

What are you most looking forward to this year? Watching our staff and students continue to smash their goals, both individually and together, while building a school culture that reflects the strength, pride and resilience of a community I am deeply connected to and proud to serve.

What do you see as the biggest challenge for 2026? Keeping our work grounded and focused in a busy and complex environment; ensuring staff have the tools, resources, clarity and support they need, and that wellbeing remains a genuine priority for everyone.

Likes: Honest conversations, laughing, seeing young people grow in confidence, Deb’s sausage rolls from the canteen, and the support of our amazing Northern Adelaide Senior Secondary Schools Alliance Principals.

Dislikes/pet hate: Unkindness, unnecessary complexity, change without purpose, and misogyny. Coffee is also a definite no.

Miltaburra Area School

Name: Kerri Kelsh

Previous experience: I have taught at Miltaburra Area School and lived in the community for over 35 years.  In that time, I have been a classroom teacher, B1 Leader and the acting principal in 2025. I am privileged to continue in this role, maintaining and growing strong community connections that are essential for student learning.

Standout career moment: Finalist in the Public Education Awards’ ‘Primary Teacher of the Year’ category.

Favourite activities/hobbies: Beach holidays, farming, local sport and family time.

Most looking forward to: Continuing to work with staff, students and the community to deliver high-quality education - and a trip to Broome later in the year.

Biggest challenge: Maintaining site processes whilst driving whole-school improvement focused on improved learning outcomes.

Likes: Good coffee, reading and time with family.

Dislikes: Unkind behaviour, dishonesty and rain at harvest time.

Robertstown Primary School

Name: Bronnie Whitelaw

Previous experience: I’ve worked as an inclusive educator, senior advisor for inclusive education, and acting principal at Robertstown in 2025. These roles have given me a strong foundation in supporting every learner, strengthening school communities, and leading staff teams.

Standout career moment: A highlight for me was being part of the Autism Inclusion Teacher Initiative as a senior advisor. It was a privilege to contribute from an educator’s perspective during the planning, development and launch of this important program, which has made a meaningful difference for autistic students and their teachers.

Favourite activity/hobby away from school: I unwind with neurographic art and enjoy going for runs —they’re great ways to recharge and get creative.

What are you most looking forward to this year? I’m excited to have won my position at Robertstown for the next 10 years. This year, I’m looking forward to leading our dedicated team as we extend the positive work started in 2025. Building on our successes, we’ll keep improving practices through our Area of Impact projects, cycles of inquiry, and strong collaboration with staff, students and families. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and eager for what’s next.

Biggest challenge for 2026: Our adorable — but mischievous — local rabbits have left our oval needing attention! Getting this space back in shape for our students will be a focus.

Likes: I love spending quality time with family and friends, watching my adult children pursue their goals, and seeing my grandchildren grow and learn.

Dislikes/pet hate: Sitting still isn’t for me — especially when there’s so much to do and so many opportunities to make a difference!

What else would you like to share: I’m genuinely grateful for our supportive school community and incredibly proud of all that we’ve achieved so far, together. It’s a joy to be part of Robertstown and to see our school flourish.

Para Hills School P-6

Name: Erin Wilson

Previous experience: I have worked in education for over 20 years, with most of that time spent at Para Hills School. Before this, I taught at Williamstown Primary and Parafield Gardens Primary, as well as several other schools for shorter periods. My career has progressed from classroom teacher to STEM leader, senior leader, deputy principal, and since 2023, acting principal. The best part of staying at Para Hills for so long is the strong, lasting connection with the community — I am now enrolling children whose parents I taught in upper primary!

Standout career moment: A highlight was being invited to participate in the annual Leaders’ Day after a visit from the chief executive in 2024, where I was privileged to showcase Para Hills School’s positive impact on public education strategy. Achieving a tenured principal position is also a proud achievement.

Favourite activity/hobby away from school: I love travelling and spending quality time with my husband and three sons. Life is busy as a "swim mum" to two competitive swimmers, but I wouldn’t have it any other way — sleep is overrated!

What are you most looking forward to this year? I am excited to further strengthen our supportive staff, classroom, and school culture at Para Hills. My goal is to help everyone feel safe and empowered so our community can truly thrive.

What do you see as the biggest challenge for 2026? Continuing our progress towards site goals without risking burnout is always a challenge. I am fortunate to work with an enthusiastic team, and my focus will be to help everyone maintain a healthy balance and avoid taking on too much at once.

Likes: Sunsets and colourful skies are the best. I also love being surrounded by plants – my office is very green.

Dislikes/pet hate: Running late, and when fruit looks great on the outside but is bad on the inside.

Roxby Downs Area School

Name: Tara Stewart

Previous experience: Prior to moving to South Australia in 2020 I spent many years in Central Queensland as a teacher and humanities/English head of faculty in a large high school. In the five years I have been at Roxby Downs Area School I have worked as the assistant principal for secondary learners before moving to the deputy principal position and now the principal role.

Standout career moment: The most meaningful moments in my career have been when I am supporting staff through difficult times — from global pandemics to significant community and school-based events. Seeing the difference that steady leadership, empathy and clear communication can make to people is the reason I am a leader.

Favourite activity/hobby away from school: I love all things sport, and I’m lucky, because Roxby Downs is a great sporting community and most of my time away from school is spent helping run a number of sports in our community, watching my children play sport and, on those 40+ degrees days, on the couch watching sport on TV!

What are you most looking forward to this year? What I am most looking forward to this year as a new principal is deepening my connection with a community I genuinely love — listening, learning, and working alongside staff, students and families to build on what already makes this place special.

What do you see as the biggest challenge for 2026? My biggest challenge in 2026 will be balancing the need to honour existing strengths and ways of working while also leading necessary change to support continued improvement.

Likes: Clear skies and red dirt, Mexican food and laughter, The Brisbane Lions and the Roxby District Sporting Club (Miners).

Dislikes/pet hate: My pet hate is unnecessary inefficiency — when time, energy or people’s goodwill is wasted because of poor communication or lack of follow-through ... that, and country music!

Oodnadatta Aboriginal School

Name: Kimberley Marden

Previous experience: My professional background is grounded in Aboriginal education, community engagement and research. I am a Kokatha woman from South Australia and have spent much of my life living and working in remote and regional communities. I have taught across all sectors of education, from early childhood through to university, which has given me a deep understanding of how education systems shape children’s experiences over time. In recent years, my work has increasingly focused on research, particularly examining how communities can lead meaningful, culturally grounded transformations in education for their children.

Standout career moment: Being selected to present my research at the American Educational Research Association Conference in Denver in 2025 was a significant professional milestone, as was being chosen to participate in the First Nations Impact Lab. Both opportunities reinforced the importance of Indigenous-led research and practice on a global stage. However, the moments that matter most to me have always been at a local level — supporting students, walking alongside families, and seeing young people grow in confidence, capability and pride in who they are.

Favourite activity or hobby away from school? Outside of work, family and creativity are central to my life. One of my greatest joys is racing dirt circuit with my children. I grew up racing alongside my dad, and being able to share that experience across generations has been incredibly special. The strong sense of mateship and camaraderie within the Open Wheeler racing community in South Australia is something I value deeply. I also love woodwork and spend time in my shed designing and building furniture. Working with my hands, problem-solving, and creating something tangible is good for the soul. Whenever possible, I also enjoy being outdoors and spending time on the water.

What are you most looking forward to this year? Deepening relationships within the school and wider community. I was fortunate to meet many of our students, staff and families last year, and I am excited to continue building trust, connection and shared purpose. A key part of my role is ensuring that students are provided with meaningful opportunities to grow, learn and thrive. Equally important is supporting staff to do the same. When educators feel supported, valued and empowered, the impact on students is profound. That collective growth is something I am genuinely excited to nurture.

What do you see as the biggest challenge for 2026?

As an outback school, it is essential that we maintain strong connections beyond our immediate context — not only for our own professional growth, but to show our students the breadth of opportunities available when we engage with the wider world. I am particularly interested in strengthening connections with schools and communities undertaking innovative work, such as the on-Country science initiatives occurring in the APY Lands, and exploring opportunities to connect our language teachers with the Pertame School in Alice Springs, which has led strong language revitalisation work for many years.

Nicolson Avenue Primary School (NAPS)

Name: Christel Koch

Previous experience: I began my teaching journey in 2010 and have been fortunate to work across a range of sites and leadership roles. I joined Nicolson Avenue Primary School in 2021 as deputy principal and have loved being part of such a supportive, community-focused school.

Standout career moment: Becoming principal has been a standout — it’s been a proud moment and a privilege to lead such a supportive team and school community.

Favourite activity/hobby away from school: Spending time with my young family, getting outdoors, and doing creative bits and pieces when I get the chance.

What are you most looking forward to this year? A great year of learning and growth for our students, and continuing to build a strong, positive culture with students, staff and families.

What do you see as the biggest challenge for 2026? Balancing high expectations with staff wellbeing and workload. Supporting our team to work sustainably, while still achieving strong outcomes for students, will remain a key focus.

Likes: Positive relationships, teamwork, kindness, strong routines, laughter, student progress and community involvement

Dislikes / Pet hate: Negativity without solutions and anything that undermines a positive, respectful workplace culture.

Hamley Bridge Primary School

Name: Maureen Williams

Previous experience:  I have worked in education for 16 years, starting as an upper primary teacher in Adelaide's north.  I held an assistant principal role as a wellbeing leader for 8 years.  After further study, I followed my passion in making education accessible for learners with complex needs, working as a behaviour support educator for two years.  Most recently I worked in the Department in School and Preschool improvement.

Standout career moment: Seeing one of my highest need students successfully graduating primary school, with independence, confidence and excitement for their future.

Favourite activity/hobby away from school:  I love hands-on projects and craft. I have been renovating my home for the past couple of years, and I dabble in nail painting art, which I love sharing with students.

What are you most looking forward to this year? This year I am most looking forward to working with staff, students and the community to bring pride, excitement and passion to Hamley Bridge Primary School to secure an amazing future for all.

What do you see as the biggest challenge for 2026:  Remembering to focus on myself and my own learning as much as I focus on building up everyone around me. It is easy to forget yourself as a leader in schools as you are so focused on staff and students.

Likes:  Pilates, walking, being outdoors and learning new skills.

Dislikes/pet hate:  Accepting the unacceptable, gossip and negativity - the world has endless potential when we lead with compassion, kindness and our best selves!

West Beach Primary School

Name: Carmen Fiedler

Previous experience: I spent nine years on the leadership team at Grange Primary School, mainly as senior leader of the junior primary, with responsibility for whole-school literacy and inclusion. In 2025, I stepped into the acting principal role from March for the remainder of the year.

Standout career moment: Working with the team at Grange to strengthen whole-school literacy and inclusion practices. Seeing the positive impact on students’ learning and wellbeing and hearing that feedback from families has been a real highlight.

Favourite activity or hobby away from school: Outside of school, you’ll usually find me at our farm down south - in the orchard or with our sheep, cows and bees. We also love camping by the coast as a family.

What are you most looking forward to this year? I’m looking forward to getting to know the West Beach community - building relationships, trust and working together to strengthen the great work already happening across the school.

What do you see as the biggest challenge for 2026? Learning the day-to-day life of the school while being visible, present and connected across the site.

Likes: I love creating opportunities that bring families and the wider community into school life, and seeing students feel confident and successful.

Dislikes/pet hate: I like things to be neat and organised, so clutter is probably my one small pet hate!

Victor Harbor Primary School

Name: Adele Kenny

Previous experience: I have worked in public education for over 20 years across a range of leadership roles in both primary and area schools. Most recently, I served as deputy principal at Goolwa Primary School for eight years.

Standout career moment: Leading a whole-school literacy improvement journey that resulted in significant growth in early reading outcomes. Seeing students who once struggled with reading develop confidence, independence and a love of learning — and knowing this work will change the trajectory of their lives has been incredibly rewarding.

Favourite activity/hobby away from school: Spending time with my family, especially outdoors around the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula. I enjoy walking, reading, swimming, cooking, gardening, the beach and relaxing on our farm.

What are you most looking forward to this year? Getting to know the school community — the students, staff and families and building strong relationships. I’m particularly looking forward to working alongside staff to strengthen learning outcomes while nurturing a positive, connected and inclusive school culture.

What do you see as the biggest challenge for 2026? Like many schools, balancing increasing student complexity with high expectations for learning will be an ongoing challenge. Ensuring staff wellbeing while continuing to lift achievement will require thoughtful leadership, strong collaboration and a clear focus on what makes the greatest difference for our students.

Likes: Spending time in classrooms, getting to know the students and seeing them experience success towards their learning goals.

Dislikes/pet hate: Negative mindsets and unkind behaviour.

Banksia Park International High School

Name: Brent Bloffwitch

Previous experience: I have worked across both primary and secondary education in a range of leadership roles, including school-based senior leadership and system-level work within the Department for Education. My work has focused on school improvement, curriculum and teaching practice, student pathways and wellbeing, always with a strong emphasis on relationships, collaboration and a shared sense of purpose.

Standout career moment: I’ve been fortunate to experience many meaningful moments throughout my career, so it’s difficult to choose just one. Working alongside young people and supporting them to be the best versions of themselves is a real privilege. Some of the most significant moments have been the shared times of reflection, where students have taught me as much about myself as I have supported them.

Favourite activity/hobby away from school: Spending time with my family, travelling and reading. I love a suspenseful whodunnit, adventure story or social commentary.

What are you most looking forward to this year? Personally, I’m looking forward to the year ahead through a parent’s eyes, as my son starts school this week. It brings a renewed appreciation for the partnerships between schools and families, and the role we all play in supporting young people to thrive. Professionally, I'm looking forward to getting to know the Banksia Park International High School community and becoming part of it through building strong relationships. I’m really looking forward to learning the story of the school and working together to support curious, capable and confident learners.

What do you see as the biggest challenge for 2026? The biggest challenge in schools right now is supporting young people to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world, while feeling grounded, confident and connected. Preparing students to be thoughtful global citizens means valuing different perspectives, approaching others with empathy, curiosity and respect, learning alongside others, and building understanding through strong relationships, high expectations and a shared commitment to learning. It's both a challenge and a reward.

Likes: Strong communities, thoughtful conversations and schools that value connection, culture and learning in equal measure.

Dislikes/pet hate: Quick fixes to complex challenges. The best outcomes for young people come from patience, care and working together over time.

Ridgehaven Primary School

Name: Laura Tambe

Previous experience: I have spent the past 25 years working in schools across the northern and north-eastern suburbs as both a teacher and leader. I was very fortunate to spend sixteen of those years at Elizabeth Park School where I developed long-lasting ties with the local community. This special period strongly shaped who I am as an educator by building my understanding of equity and inclusive education. More recently, I was assistant principal at The Heights School P-12 for five years, gaining valuable experience working in a bustling large school campus. For the past two years I have been so privileged to undertake the role of acting principal at Ridgehaven Primary School.

Standout career moment: It’s too hard to choose just one memorable moment, but a yearly favourite is witnessing children graduate at the end of primary school after watching them grow throughout their years of schooling. I am yet to make it through a graduation ceremony without shedding a tear! Also, when former students come back to say hello.

Favourite activity/hobby away from school: Being in nature and watching a magnificent sunset! Even better if it’s with my family and closest friends.

What are you most looking forward to this year? I am so happy to be continuing the journey with the Ridgehaven community and working with our amazing team of staff to create experiences for our young people that allow them to demonstrate their personal best and feel that they belong.

What do you see as the biggest challenge for 2026? Supporting our team to find the right balance of explicit structures and routines that also allow for children to be curious, creative and have time to play!

Likes: Spicy food, learning about history and other cultures, watching my sons play sport and a good belly-laugh with friends.

Dislikes/pet hate: Unkind people, arrogance and closed mindsets.

Lameroo Regional Community School

Name: Kelli Harvey

Previous experience: Most recently, I have worked as deputy principal, primary leader, and performing arts teacher at Lameroo, following 17 years as a preschool director and teacher across the Mallee. Having lived in the Mallee most of my life I am passionate about country education.

Standout career moment: A standout moment in my career was working with primary school students to stage the musical ’A Hint of Snow White’; witnessing their learning and growth throughout the process was truly inspiring.

Favourite activity/hobby away from school: Reading and spending time with my family.

What are you most looking forward to this year? I am looking forward to seeing our students thrive as we continue to develop positive learning dispositions through Lameroo Life Skills, alongside a wonderful team of teachers and fantastic supportive community.

What do you see as the biggest challenge for 2026? I think there will be many challenges along the way, but I am looking forward to navigating them with a very supportive staff team.

Likes: Travelling, cooking and camping.

Dislikes/Pet hate: Early mornings.

Elizabeth North Primary School

Name: Kate Howell

Previous experience: All of my teaching and leadership experience has been in northern Adelaide schools, supporting students in complex and diverse learning environments. I began my career at Munno Para Primary School before joining Elizabeth North Primary School as a permanent teacher. At Elizabeth North, I specialised in intervention, supporting students and staff to improve outcomes in literacy, numeracy and social-emotional learning. This led to my appointment as assistant principal – intervention and inclusion. I later strengthened my leadership experience as assistant head of early years at Mark Oliphant College before returning as deputy principal. While I have valued every role, Elizabeth North feels like home. I am passionate about this community and proud to now serve as principal.

Standout career moment: I’m incredibly proud of how our school has embraced the Strategy for Public Education, with staff working creatively and collaboratively to drive improvement. Together, we have built a strong teacher leadership group, supporting teachers to take their first steps into leadership across our own and other sites, extending the Elizabeth North Primary School community beyond our gates. On a personal level, one moment that has stayed with me was supporting a student I first worked with in junior primary who needed significant learning and wellbeing support. Working closely with staff, family, and external services over several years, we saw them graduate ready for high school. Sharing a quiet, slightly emotional moment with their parents reflecting on their journey was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of our work in schools.

Favourite activity/hobby away from school: I love to travel and explore new places. I’ve backpacked across South-East Asia, South America, Europe and India, with highlights including Antarctica and the Amazon rainforest. Recently, I returned from Sri Lanka, where we hired a tuk-tuk to travel the island - even spotting wild elephants along the way!

What are you most looking forward to this year? I’m excited for a year full of new faces, adventures and school traditions - welcoming our newest reception and preschool students, Year 5/6 camp, aquatics, sports day, and Book Week. These experiences spark creativity and confidence and leave memories that last a lifetime.

What do you see as the biggest challenge for 2026? I welcome challenges and often remind myself that "what is right is rarely what is easy". In 2026, one of the biggest challenges will be supporting our learners and families, from preschool to Year 6, while managing practical projects like refurbishing our junior primary disability space. Schools in northern Adelaide can sometimes be unfairly judged, and I want to challenge those perceptions by showing that Elizabeth North Primary School is a proud community where every learner can reach their full potential, no matter their background. Sometimes the biggest challenges are the unforeseen ones, but no matter what is thrown our way, at Elizabeth North, we approach them creatively, collaboratively, and as a team.

Likes: Enjoying a good cup of tea, reading, travelling and cheering on the Adelaide Crows - I’m a passionate Crows supporter and never miss a home game.

Dislikes/pet hate: Unkindness- we all need to take care of each other, cold cups of tea, and when the Crows lose!