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

Matthew Flinders Anglican College

Larrakeyah Primary School

@stmichaelsgrammarschool

@TDSLaw

Matthew Flinders Anglican College stands as a leading educational institution, providing an exceptional learning experience to over 1,400 students from Prep through Year 12. Established in 1990, the college is honoured to be named for the second consecutive year among Australia’s 5-Star Best Schools for 2026. The Flinders Early Learning Centre is renowned for its high-quality Pre-Kindy and Kindy programs, underpinned by outstanding accreditation and a well-earned reputation for nurturing early childhood development. At the heart of the college is a strong, caring community that cultivates a vibrant and supportive environment. Every student is encouraged to realise their academic potential, engage in a diverse range of co-curricular opportunities and develop the character, skills and wellbeing to lead meaningful lives and make a positive impact in the world. Demonstrating an ongoing commitment to educational excellence, Flinders is a three-time Excellence Awardee in 2026, shortlisted for Secondary School of the Year, Primary School of the Year and Best Professional Learning Program. This follows the college being named Primary School of the Year (Non-Government) at the 2023 Australian Education Awards. Innovation remains a core focus; in 2024 the college received the Sustainable Programs Award from The Educator for its innovative Flinders Farm initiative and was named an Excellence Awardee for Innovation in Curriculum Design at the Australian Education Awards. Flinders has also been named a 5-Star Innovative School over three consecutive years, a testament to its forward-thinking education.

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.

As the fifth principal of Matthew Flinders Anglican College, Michelle Carroll is a distinguished leader committed to adolescent health and academic excellence. Since 2024, she has championed a culture of enduring scholarship, notably launching the College’s evidence-based Teaching & Learning, and Wellbeing Frameworks. With extensive experience, including a decade as principal of St Catherine’s School, Melbourne, Carroll is a Menzies Leadership Foundation Fellow who has collaborated on transformative pedagogical research. A lifelong learner with credentials from Harvard and Melbourne Business School, she remains dedicated to Flinders’ core values, ensuring every student thrives within a community defined by belonging and integrity.

Principal

Michelle Carroll

In January 2026, Anita Gibson became deputy principal – student engagement at Matthew Flinders Anglican College, overseeing wellbeing, pastoral care, and co-curricular programs. A compassionate leader, she balances student connection with pedagogical expertise and the business acumen required for effective school operations. Gibson’s leadership at Flinders is well-established, having served as head of secondary school and head of middle school. Her experience also includes a tenure as acting deputy principal at Coomera Anglican College. A community-focused leader, she holds a Master of Education (Leadership & Management) and a Bachelor of Education (First Class Honours) from the Queensland University of Technology.

Deputy Principal, Secondary - Student Engagement

Anita Gibson

Michelle Carroll

Principal

Anita Gibson

Deputy Principal, Secondary -Student Engagement

Bill Hooper

Deputy Principal, Secondary - Academics

In 2026, Bill Hooper was appointed deputy principal – academics at Matthew Flinders Anglican College. Overseeing the secondary school’s academic strategy, he ensures the College remains at the forefront of educational excellence through rigorous, future-focused learning. A cornerstone of the Flinders community since 1996, Hooper has built an impressive legacy as head of English, head of teaching and learning and, most recently, head of curriculum. This extensive experience provides him with a deep understanding of the College’s educational landscape. Hooper holds a Master of Education and is dedicated to fostering an intellectual culture that empowers students through evidence-based practice and innovation.

Deputy Principal, Secondary - Academics

Bill Hooper

Jason Locke

Head of Primary

Heidi Müller

Director of Business and Operations

As director of business and operations at Matthew Flinders Anglican College, Heidi Müller provides strategic direction and leadership of the College’s commercial activity. She contributes vast experience, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant while at KPMG and working in independent schools. She also worked at Microsoft over nine years, responsible for the finance functions of regions in Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. Müller holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, which enables her to teach School Economic Management Sciences and Accounting. Her roles in education include St Peter’s School in Johannesburg, South Africa and Masada College in New South Wales.

Director of Business and Operations

Heidi Müller

Jason Locke joined Matthew Flinders Anglican College as head of primary in January 2026, bringing over 30 years of expertise across P–12 and tertiary education. Prior, he served nine years as head of primary at Toowoomba Anglican School. His leadership is anchored by a passion for early literacy and extensive experience in pedagogical reviews and school improvement. Locke previously served as head of teaching and learning at Toowoomba Grammar School and managed literacy programs across 126 schools. Holding a Master of Education, he maintains industry leadership through active memberships with the Australian College of Educators and the Independent Primary School Heads Association.

Head of Primary

Jason Locke