EXCELLENCE AWARDEE: Best School Strategic Plan

Sheldon College

Kate Mortimer, BEd (Honours), MEd (Educational Leadership)

Principal

Kate Mortimer is a dynamic educational leader with a strong focus on strategic planning, culture and community. She drives long-term initiatives that align vision, people and resources to ensure sustainable growth and impact. Known for her ability to balance innovation with high standards, Kate leads with clarity and purpose, fostering strong relationships and a shared sense of direction. Her leadership is grounded in creating thriving environments where wellbeing, resilience and a positive culture underpin success. She is committed to shaping strategies that build lasting value for students, staff and the broader community.

Principal

Kate Mortimer, BEd (Honours), MEd (Educational Leadership)

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Sheldon College, an independent co-educational school located southeast of Brisbane, has established itself as a leader in strategic innovation within the education sector. Founded on the vision of creating a learning community where every student can Achieve the Extraordinary, the College continues to set benchmarks for excellence through its forward-looking strategic planning and measurable achievements across all areas of school life. In 2023, following a comprehensive review of its strengths, challenges and opportunities, Sheldon College undertook the development of a new strategic plan that would define its direction for the years ahead. This process included a detailed SWOT analysis, an environmental scan of the competitive landscape, benchmarking against leading schools nationally and internationally, and broad consultation with students, parents, staff, alumni and the board. The outcome was a robust framework built around seven strategic pillars: Academics, Wellbeing, Staff, Sustainability, Community Engagement, Spaces and Places, and Co-Curricular. Fourteen strategic goals were identified within these pillars, each supported by clear time frames, measurable targets and dedicated project plans to ensure delivery. The College’s approach to implementation has been defined by discipline and accountability. Using project management tools, balanced scorecards and regular review meetings, progress has been consistently tracked and reported. Staff were engaged through the ADKAR change management model, equipping them with both knowledge and agency to drive the initiatives forward. This culture of transparency has extended to the wider community, with regular updates provided by the principal to ensure alignment between the College’s strategic direction and stakeholder expectations. Results in 2024 have been tangible and wide-reaching. In academics, the introduction of the Sheldon Learning Framework has unified teaching practice across the College, embedding evidence-based pedagogy and student feedback processes that have contributed to the strongest Year 12 results in the College’s history. Student wellbeing has also been elevated through the launch of the Luminare Wellbeing Program, designed to foster resilience and engagement from Prep through Year 12. Improved outcomes in student surveys and greater participation in College activities reflect the success of this initiative. For staff, the implementation of a comprehensive employee value proposition has strengthened retention and morale. Wellness programs, recognition initiatives and professional learning pathways have positioned Sheldon College as an employer of choice. In parallel, the College’s Master Plan was developed and approved, ensuring that future infrastructure aligns with contemporary learning needs. Early outcomes include the revitalisation of the Early Learning Centre and planning for flexible, future-ready learning environments. Community partnerships have been deepened through the creation of a structured Community Engagement Framework, ensuring meaningful collaboration with parents, alumni and industry partners. Sustainability has also been prioritised, with initiatives focused on enrolment growth, financial stewardship and the development of an ESG strategy to secure long-term viability. Notably, the College’s 2024 census confirmed record enrolments of 1,460 students, the highest in its history. Through its deliberate and disciplined execution of strategic priorities, Sheldon College has demonstrated the impact of visionary planning. By embedding innovation, wellbeing and academic excellence into its culture, the College continues to honour its founding vision and remains committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to truly Achieve the Extraordinary.

As an independent, forward-thinking girls’ school we are committed to preparing girls for a lifetime of learning, leadership and engagement in our global community. We believe in girls. At Ruyton Girls’ School we foster the individuality of each girl in a caring and safe environment, nurturing her intellectual, physical, social and emotional qualities that are essential to flourish. Powerful learning is central to the Ruyton culture, building on our strong academic reputation. We focus on advancing the learning of every girl through the engagement of intellectual curiosity, building their knowledge and skills about how to learn, and supporting them to achieve their personal best and be exemplary citizens. We believe in real-world learning beyond the classroom, collaborating with the wider community to promote growth, discovery and sustainability. We empower our girls to lead lives of purpose with courage, character and compassion. Through the development of values and action-focused learning they are inspired to pursue equity and justice for self and others. By embracing diversity and raising their voices, our girls effect positive change and make a difference.

Joe Wright is the fifth principal of Fraser Coast Anglican College and was appointed in 2018. Joe’s career has seen him work in different state and Anglican schools. He has previously been nominated for a National Excellence in Teaching Award. Joe introduced the college’s ‘Edge’ program, which won the ACEL Educational Futures Award in 2017. He has also been published in a range of educational journals. Joe treasures the relationships the staff have with their students and families and the vibrant college community and believes these relationships make the college a great school.

Director of Business and Finance

Mark Dimou, MAcc, BBuss, BEng (Civil), CAANZ, MAICD, JP (Qual)

Nikki Robertson is a CPA with 25 years of experience. The majority of Nikki’s career has been in management accounting in the energy industry, in both Brisbane and the Surat Basin, with just a dash of tax accounting to add flavour. Her roles in the Surat Basin enabled her to develop skills in safety management, contract management and civil projects management. These skills have proven very useful in her role as Business Manager, particularly in overseeing the construction of the $10 million multipurpose centre at FCAC. She is passionate about her work at the college and believes building genuine connections with people in all areas of life is the key to happiness and success.

Business Manager

Nikki Robertson

Allison Elcoate

Principal

Lissa Gyte, BEd (Secondary), MEd (Leadership and Management)

Deputy Principal

Mark Dimou, MAcc, BBuss, BEng (Civil), CAANZ, MAICD, JP (Qual)

Director of Business and Finance

Jonathan Thomsen, MEdplus, FIML, MAICD, JP (Qual)

Director of Marketing and Communications

Lissa Gyte is the deputy principal of Sheldon College. She is an experienced and authentic educational leader dedicated to fostering a positive workplace culture that empowers teachers and corporate staff alike. Known for her relational approach, Lissa understands that achieving the college’s strategic goals requires a blend of connection, direction, support and challenge. Constantly driven by the question “How can we do this better?”, she is committed to continuous improvement and ensuring that every individual feels known and valued. Lissa’s leadership aligns with Sheldon College’s ‘Love, Laughter, Learning’ philosophy, supporting an environment in which both staff and students thrive.

Deputy Principal

Lissa Gyte, BEd (Secondary), MEd (Leadership and Management)

Director of Marketing and Communications

Jonathan Thomsen, MEdplus, FIML, MAICD, JP (Qual)