St Agnes School

Name: Nick Joyce

Age: 33

Previous experience: Middle and upper primary teacher at several schools in Adelaide’s northeast. Most recently I’ve spent the past 5 years working in a curriculum leadership position as assistant principal at Settlers Farm Campus in Paralowie.

Looking forward to: Being part of the St Agnes School community and continuing the great work that is already happening. Building positive relationships with staff, students and families, and helping our students be the best learners that they can be.

Biggest challenge for 2025: I’m sure there will be many, along with a lot of new learnings, but the challenges are where you grow and learn.

Likes: Spending time with my kids, reading, playing golf – though I don’t get to do that as often as I’d like.

Dislikes/Pet hate: Negativity and closed-off attitudes.

Mimili Anangu School

Name: Will Kearvell

Age: 35

Previous experience: I've worked as an SSO, boarding supervisor, teacher, learning co-ordinator, deputy principal and principal and have been living and working on the APY Lands since 2018.

Looking forward to: Building relationships with the Mimili community and working towards positive outcomes for children, families and staff in an enriching and inspiring environment. It is a privilege to live and work amidst the oldest continuous culture in the world.

Biggest challenge for 2025: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance while consistently striving to engage Anangu learners through innovative ways.

Likes: Visiting friends and family on breaks away from school. Chips and gravy from the roadhouse and listening to the cricket on long drives.

Dislikes/Pet hate: Ego and coriander.

Playford International College

Name: Amanda Walsh

Previous experience: My journey in education began at Paralowie R-12, where I worked as a PE and geography teacher. I then spent several years at Smithfield Plains High School, before becoming deputy principal at Gepps Cross Girls High School, and then assistant principal at Glenunga International High School. Next, I served as deputy principal and principal at Norwood International High School championing initiatives that enhanced academic and social outcomes. Most recently, I held the role of Director of Inclusion at the Department for Education, working to ensure equitable access to quality education for all students. I am now grateful to be the principal of Playford International College.

Looking forward to: Becoming an integral part of the Playford International College community. I am eager to empower both staff and students, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and achieve their full potential.

Biggest challenge for 2025: Ensuring equity for every student.

Likes: Travelling with my three children and partner, scuba diving and barbecue cooking.

Dislikes/Pet hate: Inequity and bad coffee.

Hendon Primary School

Name: Reece Campbell

Age: 31

Previous experience: Most recently, I had the privilege of serving as deputy principal at Hendon Primary School. Before this role, I taught junior primary students in northern Adelaide and held a senior leadership position where I managed and supported students with disabilities. My career began more than a decade ago in rural South Australia at Port Neill Primary School, where I taught a small mixed grade class that grew from four to more than 20 students. This experience provided me with invaluable skills ‘wearing many hats’, and a deep appreciation for rural education.

Looking forward to: I am incredibly excited to foster an exceptional culture at Hendon Primary School, leading evidence-based practices to achieve the best outcomes for our students. Collaborating with our dedicated staff, my aim is to support excellence in education and build strong relationships with the wider community to enhance opportunities for our students. Our school is revitalised with cutting-edge literacy programs and evidence-based teaching strategies, thanks to our passionate and committed team.

Biggest challenge for 2025: Continuing to find meaningful ways to connect and involve our most valuable assets - our parents and community - into the life of Hendon Primary School.

Likes: I am passionate about building a culture of collaboration, trust and continuous learning. I am an advocate for and value taking care of personal wellbeing. I enjoy going to the gym, walking, and spending time with my lively cocker spaniels, Toby and Harley.

Dislikes/Pet hate: I prefer organised and calm environments, as clutter and overstimulating spaces can be distracting.

Keyneton Primary School

Name: Emily Barr

Age: 32

Previous experience: With 10 years of experience in education, I've had the privilege of working in a variety of teaching roles. My first permanent teaching position was at Angle Vale Primary School, where I had the opportunity to grow professionally, eventually progressing to the role of assistant principal. My work there was particularly focused on students with disabilities, a passion I continue to carry with me. Most recently I worked as an inclusive educator, supporting some incredible schools and preschools in Adelaide’s northern suburbs and in the second half of last year I had the honour of serving as co-principal at Robertstown Primary School.

Looking forward to: Getting to know our students, families and community and making our school environment the most fun and engaging place it can be.

Biggest challenge for 2025: This year marks an exciting milestone for Keyneton Primary school, as we celebrate our 100^th anniversary! Planning this centenary celebration will undoubtedly be a massive undertaking, requiring the collaboration of staff, students, families, and the wider community. I’m looking forward to commemorating this incredible achievement and creating lasting memories for all involved.

Likes: Whether it's dance, visual arts or craft related activities, I love exploring and expressing creativity. I'm also a huge fan of reading and the Star Wars universe. My favourite animal is the Capybara, and I have enjoyed seeing them at Adelaide Zoo recently. Lastly, if you ever visit my office, you'll notice a lot of pink – it’s my favourite colour.

Dislikes/Pet hate: Non-inclusive practices in schools. Every student deserves a learning environment where they feel valued and supported. I also can't stand when the laminator gets jammed - it's a small thing but all teachers will understand how frustrating this is!

East Marden Primary School

Name: Phillipa Arbuckle

Age: 41

Previous experience: I’ve had a range of teaching and leadership roles across a variety of school settings including country, northern and north-eastern Adelaide.

Most looking forward to: Continuing to lead the vibrant and diverse East Marden Primary School community, collaboratively working with students, parents and our dedicated staff team to create highly successful academic and wellbeing outcomes for all our learners.

Biggest challenge for 2025: Challenges are all part of our work and support continuous learning, personal and professional growth.

Likes: Professionally – working alongside inspiring and enthusiastic educators who empower children to reach their potential. Personally – being in nature, meditation and spending time with family and friends.

Dislikes: Unkind behaviour.

Munno Para Primary School

Name: Andrew Castenetto

Age: 43

Previous experience: As a teacher, I worked at a range of schools in Adelaide as well as refining and developing my practice in the UK. I have an extensive leadership background ranging from roles as a wellbeing leader, curriculum coordinator and deputy principal.

Most looking forward to: Working closely with our amazing staff and students and continuing to strengthen our community relationships, which are vital for fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. A significant part of our journey this year will be enhancing the wellbeing outcomes of our students and ensuring they feel a sense of safety and belonging at our school.

Biggest challenge for 2025: Cultivating a climate where our school staff feel supported and fostering an environment of open communication, collaboration and professional growth. Day in, day out, our staff work tirelessly to improve the learning outcomes of our wonderful students; an important part of my work is to ensure they have the tools and resources to do this effectively.

Likes: Music, family time, travel, exercise, trips to the beach, podcasts, reading and delicious food.

Pet hate: Cold showers.

Bordertown Primary School

Name: Kylie Staude

Age: 51

Previous experience: Having lived in the Bordertown community all my life I am passionate about the families and students who attend our school. I began teaching at Bordertown Primary School in 2000, becoming the wellbeing teacher in 2015 and have taken on various deputy and assistant principal roles at the school since 2018.

Most looking forward to: Providing continuity of leadership to our school community, staff, students and families. Supporting our dedicated staff to provide our diverse students safe learning environments where every child can be successful.

Biggest challenge for 2025: Learning the relevant processes to ensure our school runs smoothly.

Likes: Long walks, gardening, relaxing in my egg chair and connecting with students.

Dislikes/Pet hate: Being late and snakes.

Ascot Park Primary School

Name: Sam Kennedy

Age: 43

Previous experience: Teacher and leader at Ascot Park Primary School. I have also worked in curriculum and lead roles within regional and head office.

Most looking forward to: Working with our students, staff and families to keep building on to the great things that are happening at the school.

Biggest challenge for 2025: Managing time and prioritising the workload.

Likes: At work – learning and improving alongside our staff. Personally – I enjoy spending time outside with my wife, kids and dogs.

Lenswood Primary School

Name: Sokhan Greenwood

Age: 43

Previous experience: I have worked in many different schools in the northern suburbs and Adelaide Hills as a teacher before taking on leadership roles. I was deputy principal at Angaston Primary for a number of years. Previous to this, I was assistant principal at Ingle Farm Primary.

Most looking forward to: Working alongside the staff, students and families at Lenswood. They are a dedicated and collaborative community who give so much to ensure their small school has the resources and opportunities to support and challenge learning. The Public Education Strategy is an exciting time to be a school leader as we can really highlight the assets of our local context. And the views are pretty special!

Biggest challenge for 2025: Being a sole leader is a new experience for me. I will need to ensure that I use my local and broader networks to keep connected. Having a few experienced principals in my personal network as well as the local education team will support me with this new challenge.

Likes: I love anything outdoors – beach, camping, hiking, running. I love spending time with my family, travelling and seeing new things together.

Dislikes/Pet hate: I avoid negative people and situations as much as possible.

Seaview High School

Name: Craig Duguid

Age: 47

Previous experience: Deputy principal at Hallett Cove School and Aberfoyle Park High School, principal consultant for Year 7 to high school at the Department for Education, and assistant principal at Blackwood High School.

Most looking forward to: Leading the committed and caring team at Seaview High School to consolidate and amplify the awesome positive school and learning culture for the benefit of all members of the school community.

Biggest challenge for 2025: Finding the right balance between the status quo and opportunities for improvement.

Likes: Challenging and rewarding work and the opportunity to make a positive difference with and for others in my professional life. Spending time with family and friends, running, gardening, camping, the outback and the beach/ocean in my personal life. Having a positive attitude and smiling in all aspects of my life!

Dislikes/Pet hate: Closed mindsets, negative attitudes and my mates having a better lawn than me!

Clare High School

Name: Natasha Dunn

Age: 53

Previous experience: Assistant principal of Senior School at Golden Grove High School, assistant principal of pedagogy at Henley High School, R-12 English and literacy leader at Kadina Memorial School and an AITSL certified lead teacher 2015 - current.

Most looking forward to: Working with my teachers to build belonging and connection with each other, the students and the wider community.

Biggest challenge for 2025: Implementing and educating the community about changes to pedagogy and learning with the Public Education Strategy and the SACE Renewal agenda.

Likes: I love teaching, and I am very passionate about working with leaders to greaten their capacity as leaders.

Dislikes/Pet hate: Negativity.

Wallaroo Mines Primary School

Name: Adele Keleher

Age: 44

Previous experience: Various leadership and corporate roles. I was actually principal of Wallaroo Mines Primary School before taking on the curriculum lead role. I am very excited to be back!

Most looking forward to: Bringing back all the learning I have done in the various roles and improving on what I achieved last time I was here. I also can’t wait to work with the staff, students and families – they are the best.

Biggest challenge for 2025: Remembering all the processes that take place within the site.

Likes: Spending time with family and friends. I love doing experiences with my children.

Dislikes/Pet hate: People who don’t have manners.

Marryatville Primary School

Name: David Muldoon

Age: 35

Previous experience: I have been fortunate to work in a variety of schools and roles throughout my career in education. My journey began at Linden Park Primary School, where I transitioned from teaching early years physical education and Year 5 into leadership positions. This led to a secondment with the Department for Education, where I served as the data and performance lead in the Review, Improvement, and Accountability Directorate. My first role as a principal was at Salisbury Heights Primary School, after which I embraced an exciting opportunity to lead an international school in Mexico. This was an incredible and enriching experience, but I am thrilled to return to South Australia and begin my next chapter.

Most looking forward to: Starting at a new school is always an exciting experience and this year is no exception. I’m most looking forward to building meaningful relationships with students, staff and the wider community, and getting to know everyone on a personal level. It’s going to be a rewarding journey.

Biggest challenge for 2025: My biggest challenge for 2025 is also the one I’m most excited about—welcoming our first child in early April. It’s a life-changing experience outside of education and I’m looking forward to embracing both the joys and challenges of parenthood.

Likes: A range of sports, reading and being active.

Dislikes/Pet hate: When my coffee goes cold.

Athelstone School

Name: Michael Cain

Age: 49

Previous experience: Assistant principal, education director support leader.

Most looking forward to: Working with new staff, students and families at a new site and being a curious learner.

Biggest challenge for 2025: Exploring the SA Curriculum and how we can further support students to develop their capabilities as learners.

Likes: Being outdoors, walking at Linear Park, reading.

Dislikes/Pet hate: When people stand too close to the luggage carousel at the airport.

Valley View Secondary School

Name: Nathan Cini

Age: 39

Previous experience: I was the deputy principal, including 18 months as principal at Mitcham Girls High School. Prior to this, I was an executive leader at Playford International College.

Most looking forward to: Joining the team at Valley View Secondary School. I am excited to learn about our school and meet the people that make up our vibrant and diverse community.

Biggest challenge for 2025: I look forward to the opportunity to partner with our students and their families, as well as collaborate with staff in our relentless pursuit of improved learning and wellbeing outcomes for all our students.

Likes: Hiking, travelling.

Dislikes/Pet hate: Being late.

Morphett Vale Primary School

Name: Melissa Mundy

Age: 49

Previous experience: 2025 will be my 25^th year of working in education. I worked in England when I first graduated and then worked in independent, Catholic and public schools.

Most looking forward to: Continuing to build Morphett Vale Primary School’s connection with the community and strengthening our volunteer base to positively support our students. I am excited to work closely with the leadership team, teachers and SSOs to ensure every student thrives both academically and personally.

Biggest challenge for 2025: Navigating the responsibilities of the new role while maintaining strong connections with students, families and staff.

Likes: Spending time with family and friends, bush walking and playing netball (although a recent injury is preventing this).

Dislikes/Pet hate: Meanness and negativity.

Orroroo Area School

Name: Pete Usher

Age: 43

Previous experience: I have spent the past 17 years working in a variety of teaching and leadership roles in the Catholic and public sectors. My most recent position was working at the Whyalla Secondary College as an assistant principal.

Most looking forward to: Being a part of the school and wider Orroroo community. Working with an amazing team to continuously improve and develop learning opportunities for all our students to achieve their dreams and future pathways.

Biggest challenge for 2025: I have no doubt working within a new site will be my biggest challenge. Also ensuring I balance my work with family life, as the position has created some challenges with distance.

Likes: Outside of work I love spending time with my family, and I am a sports fanatic. Go the Swans!

Dislikes/Pet hate: Being late, I would rather be really early than really late. I also dislike quiet space – background noise allows me to concentrate.

Willsden Primary School

Name: Lexia Fullerton

Previous experience: Educator at Willsden Primary School for more than 12 years working in many roles across the school.

Most looking forward to: Working with our great team of staff at Willsden Primary School to support students to achieve their learning goals, along with building strong relationships with the community to enhance opportunities for our students.

Biggest challenge for 2025: Creating the right conditions and support for all of our staff to perform at their best, particularly our classroom teachers who put their heart and soul into their work and students on a daily basis.

Likes: Everything outdoors – sports, gardening, the beach, camping.

Dislikes/Pet hate: Negative behaviours and mindsets.

Raukkan Aboriginal School

Name: Ceri Price

Age: 52

Previous experience: I started my career in the Adelaide Hills working at both large and small primary schools, mainly teaching upper primary. In 2017 I went to Raukkan as a teacher and fell in love with the school, community and land. In 2018 I became permanent at Keith Area School, and while there I started my Masters in Special and Inclusive Education and was lucky enough to win the role of Autism Inclusion Teacher. I was always highly involved in the education of our Aboriginal students, as well as a passionate advocate for students with disabilities.

Most looking forward to: Forging close, strong and trusting relationships with the school and wider community. I can’t wait to meet the students and spend time with them, both in and out the classroom.

Biggest challenge for 2025: Leading the learning for the students while establishing strong relationships and navigating my way around a new role.

Likes: I love spending time with family and friends as well as reading, crocheting, bike riding, and walking. Living on the Coorong, I look forward to sitting and watching the birds on the lake.

Dislikes/Pet hate: Being late.

Melrose Primary School

Name: Michelle Fay

Age: 49

Previous experience: Deputy principal at Whyalla Special Education Centre (3 years), inclusion leader for Whyalla Secondary College, wellbeing leader at Whyalla Special Education Centre (1 year), director of Whyalla Town Primary School OSHC (2.5 years).

Most looking forward to: Getting more involved with the Melrose community.

Biggest challenge for 2025: Being away from my family.

Likes: Cups of tea and anything crafty.

Dislikes/Pet hate: Spiders EEEEK!

Auburn Primary School

Name: Skye Irwin

Previous experience: Before stepping into the role of principal, I had a range of experiences across various school settings, both rural and metropolitan. My passion for early years learning, literacy and inclusion for students with disabilities opened leadership opportunities. These experiences have been instrumental in developing my capacity to lead, allowing me to develop inclusive and supportive educational environments that prioritise the needs and potential of every student.

Most looking forward to: This is an especially exciting time to work and lead in education as we delve into our strategy for public education, develop our site learning plan, and explore the new South Australian Curriculum. I am enthusiastic about strengthening relationships with families, collaborating with our local community to foster new initiatives, and welcoming new families to our thriving community. Together, we will create an enriching and supportive environment for all of our students.

Biggest challenge for 2025: My challenge as principal is to ensure that students at Auburn Primary School, along with our wider community, have access to the necessary services and facilities to guarantee a high-quality education.

Likes: Creating cherished memories with friends and family is invaluable.
Skye's photo courtesy Lamore Studio.