a.k.a Vice President Small Schools Association of South Australia
Can you tell us about your professional background & how you became involved with SSASA?
I have been in education for around 25 years, starting like most, as a classroom teacher & gradually moving into leadership roles such as a Literacy Coach and now site leader. I have worked predominantly in small school settings from the Barossa Valley to Port Lincoln and now the Adelaide Hills, which is also where I am lucky enough to call home. I was invited to join SSASA as a new Principal and then eventually invited to become a member of the Executive Team.
What do you enjoy most about working with small schools?
One of the aspects I value most about working in a small school is the flexibility it provides. We’re able to adapt quickly and respond effectively to our students’ needs, often taking a different approach that best suits them. Because we know each other so well, our school operates as a tight-knit community where genuine connections are formed. This sense of belonging makes it easier to devise personalised learning experiences. Our collaborative environment encourages innovative teaching strategies and supports strong relationships with families and the wider community, making our school a welcoming place for everyone.
What are your main responsibilities as an executive member of the association, & how do you support small schools in your role?
My work as the VC of SSASA means that I connect with Department & other Association working groups offering advice and insight, addressing current issues faced by small schools and translating the implementation of policies in small sites with no leadership density. I am regularly advocating for the needs of our small schools across the state. As the only metro Exec Member, I am currently representing SSASA in a number of joint association initiatives.
How do you envision the future of small schools in South Australia?
I am confident that small schools will continue to thrive by embracing innovative teaching methods and fostering strong human connections. Families truly value the experience of their children growing up in a close-knit community, where meaningful relationships and a supportive environment make a significant difference to their child’s development and wellbeing.
What advice would you give to educators working in small schools?
The team might be smaller, but the rewards are magnified! The sense of connection is a key strength in small schools and greatly enhances your wellbeing and engagement as an educator, alongside the children’s. Small schools often require flexibility, so be open to taking on varied roles and responsibilities. This adaptability allows you to respond effectively to individual student needs.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I volunteer for SA Ambulance and am a qualified Ambulance Officer. I love to spend time with my husband and our sausage dogs at my holiday house in Port Hughes/Moonta. I love reading, but these days listen to more audiobooks due to my busy lifestyle. I love history and reading both fiction and non-fiction historical books.
Can you share something about yourself that people might not know?
Similarly to Pete, I emigrated from the UK to Australia. Our family arrived in Adelaide in September of 1988. I was only 8 so have lived for many years in Australia. I only stopped thinking of myself as British in my early twenties, having like so many young adults’ questions about my identity. I now see myself as nothing but Australian and couldn’t see myself living anywhere else but here.
