OUR GUIDING LIGHTS PRINCIPALS PAST AND PRESENT
JAN BAKER PRINCIPAL, 2006 – 2011
With the encouragement of the Director of Lutheran Education, South East Region, Dr Ken Bartel, Jan Baker was appointed to the position of Principal, commencing in 2006. Much-loved by students, staff and parents, Jan oversaw many changes at Good News during her six years leading the school, including welcoming the first Year 7 students in 2011 as the school began its transition to secondary education. Jan led improvements to facilities, learning opportunities and curriculum resources. She expanded student leadership and highlighted College achievements through the introduction of an annual yearbook. Jan spent many hours setting up the school’s first after school care program and established a popular pre-school music program called Twinkly Stars. She was a dedicated teacher and Principal who was often seen out in the carpark chatting to parents and their children. “The students were the most important part of my role. I delighted in chatting with them and hearing their joys and concerns and I felt privileged when they wanted to share things with me. If I was having a challenging or bad day, I would go to a classroom and work with some students. It reminded me of the most important focus of my role as Principal.”
Good News Lutheran College has been blessed by the committed leadership of five College Principals. Each of these leaders has capably guided and inspired students, parents and staff on their educational, spiritual and professional journeys.
ROGER SCHWARZ PRINCIPAL, 1996 – 2005
SIMON HUGHES PRINCIPAL, 2012 – 2019
As Founding Principal, Roger Schwarz had been at his previous school for 13 years and says God called him to apply for the inaugural role at Good News Primary School (GNPS). Roger’s role in the early days was incredibly hands-on. As well as overseeing the day- to-day running of the school, he taught classes, organised working bees, marketed the school to the area’s families and even drove the school bus! Roger fostered the school’s commitment to follow a Christ-centred education and oversaw initiatives such as the introduction of Auslan (Australian sign language). He recalls the positive sense of community at Good News and remembers the strong support he received from parents and local church congregations as student numbers grew. “I feel proud and honoured to be a part of Good News and to see its growth over the years.”
Simon had previously worked at two Lutheran primary schools that had grown to P-12 colleges prior to arriving at GNLC. During Simon’s leadership, the College grew by around 100 students per year. Simon recalls the professional way that staff were able to deal with and embrace the ongoing changes. He oversaw the approval of the College’s master plan – a huge task involving many school, church and community stakeholders. The master plan provided the blueprint for the construction of a Middle Years building along with Science and Technology facilities. Simon initiated the introduction of the IB Primary Years (PYP) and Middle Years (MYP) Programmes. He expanded co-curricular offerings at the College, introducing Human Powered Vehicle (HPV) racing, the Duke of Edinburgh Award and regular College productions. He brought a strong focus on supporting students to prepare for their lives beyond school. “There is very little that will ever compare to seeing a child, or anyone really, wrestling and succeeding in their learning and growth. Helping create opportunities for that to occur for as many students as possible is fulfilling.”
DIANE MILNES ACTING PRINCIPAL, TERMS 3 AND 4, 2005
FIONA MCAULIFFE PRINCIPAL, 2020 – CURRENT
During the six months between Roger Schwarz resigning his role and Jan Baker coming on board, Diane Milnes led Good News Christian School (GNCS) in the role of Acting Principal. Diane continued in the role of Principal at Sunshine Christian School during this time. “It was very much a family school where everyone was involved. I am proud to have been involved in the months between two amazing hard-working Principals.”
Current Principal, Fiona McAuliffe, was called to Good News from her previous school, Concordia College in Adelaide. In her first years as Principal, Fiona successfully steered the College through the COVID-19 pandemic, including lockdowns, remote learning and the health and wellbeing challenges for students, staff and families. She is an inspirational leader who has continued to guide the implementation and delivery of the IB PYP and MYP. Fiona was the driving force behind our Junior Years facilities development, which the College was proud to open in our Jubilee year. She has also overseen grant approval for an Integrated Learning Centre (ILC), which will bring both early learning and allied health services on site in 2023. Fiona enjoys connecting with students, in the playground and classroom settings, as well as mentoring and coaching our student leaders. “I believe there are exciting opportunities for students when education is built on Lutheran values and delivered within the International Baccalaureate framework. The richness of cultures and the belief in what is possible, is growing as fast as the College.”
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