Headquarters:
21-23 Richardson Drive, Wynn Vale, SA, 5127
Year founded:
1987
Number of employees:
50
Phone:
(08) 8282 6000
Email:
office@goldengrove.sa.edu.au
Website:
goldengrove.sa.edu.au
LinkedIn:
au.linkedin.com/company/golden-grove-lutheran-primary-school
“With less focus on textbooks, students now engage more in experiential and inquiry-based learning and have ample opportunities to work in collegial groups using various thinking routines”
Jay Halai, Minarah College
GOLDEN GROVE LUTHERAN PRIMARY SCHOOL
William Wallace
Principal
Tim Kriewaldt
Deputy Principal
Jayne Zadow
Director of PYP, Teaching and Learning
Leadership
William is an experienced educator who has held senior leadership roles in a range of independent schools over the past 20 years. He was a finalist for The Educator’s Primary Principal of the Year (Non-Government category) in 2020 and 2021, and was on The Educator’s Hot List in 2020.
Principal
William Wallace
Tim has been a member of the Golden Grove Lutheran community for over 20 years. He has a broad range of experience, having taught overseas, and is a longstanding and respected deputy principal. He has conducted extensive research in the areas of student wellbeing, positive education, neuroscience and learning support.
Deputy Principal
Tim Kriewaldt
Jayne brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the leadership of learning and pedagogy at Golden Grove. She is a highly regarded member of the IB and SA PYP networks, is an accredited PYP workshop leader, as well as having a wealth of governance and musicianship experience.
Director of PYP, Teaching and Learning
Jayne Zadow
“With less focus on textbooks, students now engage more in experiential and inquiry-based learning and have ample opportunities to work in collegial groups using various thinking routines”
Jay Halai, Minarah College
“We will ensure students address meaningful real-world problems and use specific protocols [so that] all voices are heard. Project-based learning will be emphasised to develop key skills such as research, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration”
Jay Halai, Minarah College
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“We will ensure students address meaningful real-world problems and use specific protocols [so that] all voices are heard. Project-based learning will be emphasised to develop key skills such as research, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration”
Jay Halai, Minarah College
“With less focus on textbooks, students now engage more in experiential and inquiry-based learning and have ample opportunities to work in collegial groups using various thinking routines”
Jay Halai, Minarah College
Read on
Award Winner
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Tanya Rowland
Business Manager
Tanya is an experienced business manager with a strong focus on achieving holistic outcomes for school communities that reflect their Christian ethos. Tanya holds an MBA and has a diverse range of volunteer experience, contributing her governance expertise to a range of non-profit and charitable organisations.
Business Manager
Tanya Rowland
Steve Uscinski
Deputy Headmaster, Teaching and Learning
Steve Uscinski leads the team of the studies directorate. In his more than 20 years at BGS, he has served as a teacher of English, coach of rugby and cricket, director of the senior dramatic production, boarding housemaster, school administrator and curriculum innovator and leader.
Deputy Headmaster, Teaching and Learning
Steve Uscinski
Wallace says research has shown that within this philosophy, children become more confident, can operate better as part of a group, are more assertive, and become more independent learners and better problem-solvers.
As a Primary Years Programme school, Golden Grove divides ‘taking action’ into five essential elements: participation, advocacy, social justice, social entrepreneurship, and lifestyle choices.
“These ideas have been put together to support these elements of action, and to encourage learners to take meaningful action to make a difference in the world,” Wallace explains.
“Our students are mentored within our village learning cluster structure to engage in social justice and philanthropic projects as an integrated component of their learning each year. Our student representative council and student leaders also lead the taking of action. The school has young people involved in philanthropy, giving or volunteering programmes or projects.”
Wallace points to some examples of recent student-initiated projects, which include formation of a student-led government to discuss and implement strategies to support the school’s betterment, and the student body developing and rolling out a regular initiative to support the ‘Backpacks for SA Kids’ campaign, which provides practical resources that contribute to the care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people during periods of dislocation from home and routine care.
“Our students have also designed and helped with the creation of the nature play areas and chill-out zones at the school to support the student wellbeing of their peers,” Wallace says.
“Students have organised and held regular fundraisers for many years to support a range of charities, including the Australian Lutheran World Service to support refugees and the underprivileged in third-world countries, as well as also supporting other organisations to achieve the same.”
Wallace says this culture of philanthropy, community service and learning about social justice has been supported through the peer and buddy program within the school community and embedded throughout the IB Primary Years Programme curriculum.
“Student self-reported wellbeing has been high for a number of years, much of which has been attributed to engagement in these programmes.”
Cognisant of the critical role that STEM education plays in preparing young people for the future, Golden Grove Lutheran Primary School is always exploring new opportunities to upskill its students in this critical area. Fortunately, the school is uniquely placed in close proximity to the Adelaide Planetarium at the University of South Australia, the SA Space Industry Centre and SA Space Park.
“It is clear that a number of STEM careers will be available in this field in future years, and that engagement with the space industry will add a further rich diversity to the primary school curriculum which we deliver,” Wallace adds.
“Students from Golden Grove traditionally progress to Endeavour College at Mawson Lakes for their secondary education, which is co-located with the Adelaide Planetarium on the Uni SA Mawson Lakes Campus.”
Wallace says this provides “a natural impetus” for the school’s engagement with the One Giant Leap Foundation and for students from Years 1–6 to be engaged with the Asian Herbs in Space, Postcards in Space and Space Wattle scientific programmes.
“Through our ongoing partnership with the One Giant Leap Foundation and the CSIRO STEM Professionals in Schools programme, we look forward to STEM education continuing to evolve as a key component of the contemporary and innovative education we provide,” he says. “As an innovative school, we have great capacity to adapt in an agile way to align with emerging trends in the STEM area.”
“We will ensure students address meaningful real-world problems and use specific protocols [so that] all voices are heard. Project-based learning will be emphasised to develop key skills such as research, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration”
Jay Halai,
Minarah College
Greg Thorne
Deputy Headmaster, Co-curricular
Jacqui Zervos
Executive Director, Educational Innovation
Rebecca Campbell
Head of Middle School
Inma Beaumont
Executive Director Advancement and Community Relations
Greg Thorne joined BGS in January 2019. He is an experienced educational leader with a broad range of proficiencies. He has expertise in student wellbeing roles, curriculum leadership and school administration. Greg was part of the senior leadership team at Nudgee College for eight years, most recently as the director of activities for sport and culture. He has also been chairperson of multiple GPS Association sub-committees.
Deputy Headmaster, Co-curricular
Greg Thorne
Jacqui Zervos joined the School in 1995 as a teacher of geography and history, having completed her initial teacher qualification at The University of Queensland in 1987 and then spending seven years teaching with Education Queensland. She is well known as a passionate and exemplary teacher of geography and took on the position of head of year in 2001. During the following five years as head of year, Jacqui completed her Master of Education at UQ with a major study into boys’ education. She was appointed head of middle school in 2006. In 2018, she was seconded to her current position and in 2020 was confirmed as executive director, educational innovation on a permanent basis from 2021.
Executive Director, Educational Innovation
Jacqui Zervos
Rebecca Campbell joined BGS in mid-2013 as the School’s first head of Years 5 and 6. She has spent the past 15 years working in GPS boys’ schools. A dedicated educator, she is committed to creating a positive learning culture that supports the holistic development of each student. Rebecca is a graduate of the University of Newcastle, where she completed a master’s degree specialising in educating boys. In recent years, she has attained a Professional Certificate in Instructional Leadership through the University of Melbourne. Rebecca fulfilled the head of middle school role in Term 1 2017 and from 2018 to 2020. She was appointed to the position of head of middle school in 2021.
Head of Middle School
Rebecca Campbell
Inma Beaumont joined BGS at the beginning of 2020. She is an experienced advancement professional, having implemented fundraising and engagement operations for three different units over six years at The University of Queensland. Inma led the fundraising campaign to renovate the Forgan Smith Building, home to the TC Beirne School of Law at UQ. She subsequently spent three years as director of advancement at the UQ Faculty of Health, where she conceived and delivered a major gifts program. Her fundraising experience follows a 15-year career in finance, including as CFO of Citibank Australia. She is a non-executive director of UN Women Australia, Speech Pathology Australia and Women’s College at UQ.
Executive Director Advancement and Community Relations
Inma Beaumont
Diana Godfrey joined Fidelity in 1995, and is currently the senior vice-president, human resources and corporate affairs. She has 27 years of industry experience and has driven innovation and transformative changes to employee benefits, talent development, charitable and diversity and inclusion programs, which have strengthened Fidelity Canada’s position as a top caring employer. She championed the implementation of Fidelity Canada’s value proposition, committed to improving the employee experience to meet their individual needs and the community at large. Fidelity Canada has been recognized with multiple employer awards and designations, which celebrate its work culture and atmosphere, corporate philanthropic initiatives, and health and benefits, to name just a few.
Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Affairs
Diana Godfrey (she/her/hers)
Cameron Murray is the senior vice president, client services and CIO for Fidelity Investments Canada ULC. In this capacity, he oversees both technology and operations for the organization in Canada. He joined Fidelity in December 1999 as Vice President, Systems Operations. He currently serves as a member of the board of directors for FundSERV, where he has been an executive committee and board member since 2002. He is also on the board of directors for Fidelity Investments Canada ULC.
Senior Vice President, Client Services and Chief Information Officer
Cameron Murray
Sarah M Stewart has more than 15 years
of strategic leasing and customer care experience in residential property management. She is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Centurion’s national leasing platforms, residential lead generation, and overall customer experience excellence through operation
of the company’s internal customer
service department.
Associate Vice President,
Leasing and Call Centre Operations
Sarah M Stewart
Sarah M Stewart
Associate Vice President,
Leasing and Call Centre Operations
Karen Bannister, CM
Vice President, Marketing
Dave Longbottom
Chief Technology Officer
Alex Ventura
Head of Marketing
Damian Palovick
Senior Vice President of Underwriting
AXA XL – Delegated Authority Programs, North America
Dr. Mary Lavoie
Head of Risk Management and Senior Vice President
AXA XL – Delegated Authority Programs, North America
Mark Bernacki
Chief Underwriting Officer
Ryan Armijo
Chief Operating Officer, Underwriting Division
Bob Petrilli
President, Underwriting Division
Wallace says research has shown that within this philosophy, children become more confident, can operate better as part of a group, are more assertive, and become more independent learners and better problem solvers.
As a Primary Years Programme school, Golden Grove divides ‘taking action’ into five essential elements: participation, advocacy, social justice, social entrepreneurship, and lifestyle choices.
“These ideas have been put together to support these elements of action, and to encourage learners to take meaningful action to make a difference in the world,” Wallace explains.
“Our students are mentored within our village learning cluster structure to engage in social justice and philanthropic projects as an integrated component of their learning each year. Our student representative council and student leaders also lead the taking of action. The school has young people involved in philanthropy, giving or volunteering programmes or projects.”
Wallace points to some examples of recent student-initiated projects, which include formation of a student-led government to discuss and implement strategies to support the school’s betterment, and the student body developing and rolling out an annual initiative to support the ‘Backpacks for SA Kids’ campaign, which provides practical resources that contribute to the care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people during periods of dislocation from home and routine care.
“Our students have also designed and helped with the creation of the nature play areas and chill-out zones at the school to support the student wellbeing of their peers,” Wallace says.
“Students have organised and held termly fundraisers for many years to support a range of charities, including the Australian Lutheran World Service to support refugees and the underprivileged in third-world countries, as well as also supporting other organisations to achieve the same.”
Wallace says this culture of philanthropy, community service and learning about social justice has been supported through the peer and buddy program within the school community and embedded throughout the IB Primary Years Programme curriculum.
“Student self-reported wellbeing has been high for a number of years, much of which has been attributed to engagement in these programmes.”
Cognisant of the critical role that STEM education plays in preparing young people for the future, Golden Grove Lutheran Primary School is always exploring new opportunities to upskill its students in this critical area. Fortunately, the school is uniquely placed in close proximity to the Adelaide Planetarium at the University of South Australia, the SA Space Industry Centre and SA Space Park.
“It is clear that a number of STEM careers will be available in this field in future years, and that engagement with the space industry will add a further rich diversity to the primary school curriculum which we deliver,” Wallace adds.
“Students from Golden Grove traditionally progress for their secondary education to Endeavour College at Mawson Lakes, which is co-located with the Adelaide Planetarium on the Uni SA Mawson Lakes Campus.”
Wallace says this provides “a natural impetus” for the school’s engagement with the One Giant Leap Foundation and for students from Years 1–6 to be engaged with the Asian Herbs in Space, Postcards in Space and Space Wattle scientific programs.
“Through our ongoing partnership with the One Giant Leap Foundation and the CSIRO STEM Professionals in Schools program, we look forward to STEM education continuing to evolve as a key component of the contemporary and innovative education we provide,” he says. “As an innovative school, we have great capacity to adapt in an agile way to align with emerging trends in the STEM area.”
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Sarah M Stewart has more than 15 years
of strategic leasing and customer care experience in residential property management. She is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Centurion’s national leasing platforms, residential lead generation, and overall customer experience excellence through operation
of the company’s internal customer
service department.
Associate Vice President,
Leasing and Call Centre Operations
10
Alexis Hill
Chief Information Officer
Alexis Hill joined BGS in April 2022 as the School’s first chief information officer to lead the Digital Transformation Program, which aims to use technology and data to enhance student outcomes. As a senior executive with over 14 years of experience in commercial and government industries, she has substantial experience in digital transformation leadership. Alexis has held CIO and director roles that focused on driving technological and organisational change in complex environments. She holds a Bachelor of Business degree and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Chief Information Officer
Alexis Hill
Despite being one of Adelaide’s leading independent schools, Golden Grove Lutheran Primary School is by no means resting on its laurels. It is always looking for new ways to keep students inspired and its ever-growing team of talented staff supported.
An example of this is the school’s partnership with School Aid which, together with Golden Grove’s staff, is conducting a longitudinal study on the positive wellbeing and mental wellness effects of students’ engagement in social justice and philanthropy. This work was recognised by the Governor-General, who recognised Golden Grove with School Aid accreditation, making it the first school in South Australia to achieve the coveted qualification.
Another driving factor of Golden Grove’s success is its innovative model of peer leadership, which is centred on community service and charity work. Since its inception, the model has introduced a strong focus on student agency through 'Golden Time,' an elective learning programme for Year 3–6 students, which enables the design, selection and evaluation of learning in a similar manner in which secondary students choose electives.
“Our approach enables children to learn in an award-winning ‘village style’ cluster learning framework as students move from ‘discovery’ in the Foundation Year to ‘foundations and growth’ in Years 1 and 2, ‘collaboration and experimentation’ in Years 3 and 4, to ‘specialisation and launching’ in Years 5 and 6,” principal William Wallace tells The Educator.
“Our teaching and pedagogical practices are highly effective due to our innovative cluster structure, which reduces the likelihood of using a lock-step approach to learning and better enables the flexible progression of students through the curriculum, particularly in relation to the literacy and numeracy developmental progressions.”