EXCELLENCE AWARDEE: Primary School of the Year - Non-Government

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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At Sheldon College, the Primary College offers a vibrant and enriching journey for students from Preparatory to Year 6. Guided by passionate educators and supported by state-of-the-art facilities, students experience a balanced blend of explicit teaching and inquiry-based learning that fosters curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning. Every child is known, valued, and nurtured as they grow academically, socially, and emotionally in a dynamic and supportive environment. Excellence in teaching and learning is central to our philosophy. We believe in the potential of every learner and take time to understand their individual needs, strengths, and aspirations. Working in close partnership with families, our educators provide personalised attention and evidence-based practices that inspire students to thrive. Classrooms are inclusive and engaging, filled with joy and a sense of belonging, while stimulating environments and innovative resources further enhance learning. The Preparatory year provides the crucial foundation for future success, with a program designed to nurture curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. Led by qualified Early Childhood Teachers and supported by Education Support Officers, Prep students develop early literacy and numeracy skills while also building confidence and social awareness. Exclusive outdoor play areas tailored to their developmental needs encourage exploration and imaginative play, complementing our holistic approach. Research highlights the importance of strong outcomes in the early years, and at Sheldon College, Prep lays the groundwork for long-term achievement and a lifelong passion for learning. In the Junior College, students continue their journey through a broad and balanced program that extends beyond the classroom. In addition to core studies, they participate in specialist subjects such as Music, Drama, Technology, HPE, and Library, broadening their knowledge and skills. Our modern facilities include open learning spaces and creative story areas, designed to spark imagination, collaboration, and critical thinking. A blend of explicit instruction, guided discovery, and investigative learning ensures children are challenged, supported, and inspired at every stage. Excursions and incursions connect students with the wider community, enriching their understanding of the world around them. As students enter the Middle College years of 5 and 6, they are supported through a program that responds to the unique developmental needs of early adolescence. A dual-teacher model, with one teacher for English and Humanities and another for Mathematics and Science, encourages strong academic focus while helping students develop independence and organisational skills. Specialist teachers add further depth in areas such as Technology, Chinese Mandarin, the Arts, and Physical Education. At the same time, daily Home Group sessions and weekly Wellbeing lessons nurture resilience, confidence, and social-emotional growth, ensuring a smooth and successful transition into Secondary College. Holistic development remains at the heart of Sheldon College Primary. Literacy and numeracy are prioritised as the foundation of deep learning, while a strong emphasis on collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving equips students to think innovatively and independently. Targeted support and extension programs ensure that every learner is challenged appropriately. Wellbeing is deeply embedded in our approach through the Luminare program, which empowers students with the skills and strategies to lead balanced, fulfilling lives. At Sheldon College, Primary education is defined by curiosity, creativity, engagement, and resilience. Our educators, committed to excellence and continuous professional learning, bring passion and expertise to every classroom. By valuing both academic rigour and wellbeing, we provide an environment where children are inspired to achieve their best and are well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in their future.

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.

Simone Boyd is the Assistant Director of Primary – Teaching and Learning at Sheldon College, where she brings over 25 years of experience in education. Previously, she served as the Prep to Year 2 Curriculum Leader, a role in which she demonstrated her deep passion for curriculum and strong knowledge of effective teaching and learning in the primary years. Known for her positive approach and ability to foster strong relationships with students, teachers and parents, Simone leads by example and remains committed to staying at the forefront of education by maintaining strong professional networks and keeping abreast of current research and trends.

Assistant Director Primary – Head of Curriculum

Simone Boyd

Oliver McKillop has served the college for seven years with a deep commitment to student wellbeing as the foundation for learning success. He has been instrumental in implementing Social Emotional Thinking Groups, utilising the college's Wellbeing Therapy dog program and supporting families with school transitions. Previously contributing to curriculum development and pedagogy, he brings expertise in both wellbeing and educational practice. Known as a compassionate and empathetic leader who believes every child should feel valued, heard and recognised daily, he walks beside his staff to achieve extraordinary outcomes together, maintaining his core philosophy that wellbeing is the essential foundation for all student learning and success.

Assistant Director Primary – Wellbeing

Oliver McKillop

Allison Elcoate

Principal

Mardi Bolton

Deputy Principal

Simone Boyd

Assistand Director Primary - Head of Curriculum

Oliver McKillop

Assistant Director Primary – Wellbeing

Advanced Coaching accreditation. Passionate about community and wellbeing, Borton champions mentoring to support teachers in enhancing classroom instruction. She is especially proud of her role in developing the College’s Learning with IMPACT framework, a roadmap for evidence-based teaching that fosters consistent, impactful learning and improves outcomes for every student.

Director of Primary

Mardi Bolton