Headquarters:
159 Villa Street, Yeronga, QLD 4104
Year founded:
1960
Number of employees:
170
Phone:
07 3249 1400
Email:
office@yerongashs.eq.edu.au
Website:
yerongashs.eq.edu.au
LinkedIn:
au.linkedin.com/company/yeronga-state-high-school
Ben Orford
Principal
Phuong Truong
Deputy Principal - Senior School and International
Matt Petersen
Deputy Principal - Middle School
Leadership
Ben Orford has led Yeronga State High School as principal for the past three years, guiding the school through a period of significant growth, innovation and transformation. With more than 15 years’ experience in education across teaching and leadership roles, and a Master of Inclusive Education, Orford champions evidence-informed teaching, student wellbeing, community engagement and global-minded learning.
Under his leadership, Yeronga has accelerated growth, strengthened academic outcomes, expanded international opportunities and enhanced pathways for student success. Known for his genuine care for people, collaborative approach and belief in every student’s potential, Orford leads with compassion, trust and a commitment to creating an inclusive school community where students and staff thrive.
Principal
Ben Orford
Phuong Truong is deputy principal of Senior School and the International Student Program at Yeronga State High School. With a background in teaching in EALD and humanities and a passion for empowering students to find meaningful pathways within and beyond education, ’her contribution to student success has been exponential.
Truong believes in each student’s capacity to achieve and works hard to ensure that each student is well-supported to navigate their education and their future. ’Her contribution to the lives of each young person that she meets is inclusive and kind, and students and staff value her passion and dedication.
Deputy Principal - Senior School and International
Phuong Truong
Matthew Peterson is a deputy principal at Yeronga State High School, bringing 16 years of dedicated service to the school community. Throughout this time, he has held leadership roles including head of department, year coordinator, dean of students and deputy principal, playing a pivotal role in Yeronga’s growth and development. He has also worked across a range of Queensland schools and international education settings. Passionate about the middle years of learning, Peterson builds strong relationships with students, staff and families to foster belonging, engagement and success. Deeply invested in Yeronga, he is committed to creating opportunities that enable every student to thrive.
Deputy Principal - Middle School
Matt Petersen
Tania Williams
Deputy Principal - Junior School
Tania Williams, while new to Yeronga State High School, brings more than 35 years of experience across primary, special, secondary and regional education settings. As a Deputy Principal, Tania contributes a wealth of expertise in inclusive education, school improvement and student wellbeing. Holding a Master of Inclusive Education, she has a strong passion for creating equitable learning environments where every student is valued, supported and empowered to succeed.
Throughout her career, Williams has led initiatives that strengthen inclusive practice and foster a culture of belonging. Known for her strong focus on relationships, she builds trust and connection across the school community, working collaboratively with staff, students and families to promote wellbeing, engagement and success.
Deputy Principal - Junior School
Tania Williams
Natalie Pavlakis
Business Manager
Natalie Pavlakis has been part of the Yeronga State High School community since 2022 and has served as business manager since 2025. She leads with integrity and professionalism, fostering a collaborative team culture focused on engagement, innovation and success.
Pavlakis played a key role in developing the school’s Master Plan and is now working with the leadership team to bring this vision to life through strong financial management and strategic planning.
Business Manager
Natalie Pavlakis
Christine Furner
Director of Professional Learning
Claire Napoli
Director of Advancement and Engagement
Adam Wollins
Director of ICT
David Sexton
Director Business Services
Chris Furner has held a number of teaching and leadership positions across state and independent schools. A career highlight has been the completion of a PhD on how to boost teacher learning across all career stages as a means to improve practice and accelerate student learning outcomes. She enjoys developing whole-school staff development initiatives and professional learning programs that inspire and encourage teachers and leaders and coaching them towards “outstanding teaching”.
Director of Professional Learning
Christine Furner
As the director of advancement and engagement, Claire Napoli’s role encompasses internal and external communications, enrolment, branding, school events, community relations, alumni, archiving and reception. She has a degree in business and over 20 years of marketing and business development experience. Napoli started her career in public relations and event management before moving into marketing and business development roles in the professional services sector, particularly corporate law firms.
Director of Advancement and Engagement
Claire Napoli
Adam Wollins joined Hills Grammar in July 2023. He has over 20 years of experience in the education sector, including in schools, TAFEs, universities and the NSW Department of Education. He has a proven track record in the effective creation, development and leadership of high-performing ICT transformational and operational support teams.
Director of ICT
Adam Wollins
As Director of Business Services, David oversees the financial, operational and commercial aspects of the School. In this role, he contributes to shaping and implementing strategic initiatives, supports business sustainability and enables the next phase of campus development, including the 10-year Master Plan and Strategic Plan (2026–2028).
He is an accomplished executive leader with over 25 years of experience at C-Suite and Board level spanning diverse sectors including education, not-for-profit, disability, sport and professional services. He has extensive experience shaping and executing strategic plans, driving income growth and diversification, master planning and major capital projects, stakeholder engagement, leading high-performing teams and managing complex budgets.
Director Business Services
David Sexton
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YERONGA STATE HIGH SCHOOL
SPECIAL REPORT
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Bio
Adam Basaldella
Manager – Claims
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Product Manager
Claire Watson
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Commercial Manager
Stephen McMillan
“Having close connections with our parents, staff and community, is integral to a rich learning environment. When we work together, we can achieve amazing things”
Karen Yager,
Hills Grammar
“I believe that students learn in a supportive environment with passionate and inspiring teachers and staff. We surround our students with positive creative and inspiring people, enthusiastic about their own learning and keen to immerse students in the spirit of life-long learning across the whole community”
Karen Yager,
Hills Grammar
Yeronga State High School is a proudly co-educational Independent Public School with a long-standing commitment to providing quality pathways to success for every student. Since opening in 1960, the school has built a strong reputation for academic excellence, inclusive education and innovative programs that prepare young people for life beyond school.
Guided by the values of Quality, Harmony and Sustainability, Yeronga provides a rich and diverse learning environment where students are challenged, supported and empowered to achieve their personal best. Alongside strong academic and vocational pathways, students have opportunities to participate in extensive sporting, artistic, cultural, leadership and community engagement programs that foster confidence, resilience and lifelong learning.
Home to students representing more than 70 countries and speaking 74 languages, Yeronga celebrates diversity as one of its greatest strengths. The school is recognised for its expertise in supporting multilingual learners through high-quality English language programs and innovative teaching practices, while its international program creates global learning opportunities through study tours, exchanges and international partnerships.
Student voice and wellbeing are central to the Yeronga experience. The school believes that when students identify a need, meaningful opportunities should be created to address it. This philosophy has led to initiatives such as the award-winning Horizon Women’s Hub, which empowers young women through mentoring, leadership development and industry partnerships. A wide range of student-led programs, leadership opportunities and community partnerships ensure students are active contributors to shaping their school culture.
A multidisciplinary wellbeing team, together with strong partnerships with families, universities, industry and community organisations, provides comprehensive support for every learner. This collaborative approach ensures students are equipped with the academic, social and emotional skills needed to thrive both during and beyond their schooling.
Technology and innovation further enhance learning across all curriculum areas, expanding access to specialist subjects and preparing students for an increasingly connected world. Whether students pursue university, apprenticeships, vocational education or employment, Yeronga is committed to developing confident, capable young people who are ready to embrace future opportunities.
At Yeronga State High School, every student is encouraged to discover their strengths, contribute to their community and create their own pathway to success within an inclusive, high-expectation learning environment.
