Profile
“Westfield Specialty and I have been trying to make sure we are opportunistic in the marketplace and that has allowed us to grow profitably and create a broader and more diversified portfolio”
Jack Kuhn
Westfield Specialty
Amanda von Kanel is a highly accomplished educator known for her ability to cultivate meaningful teaching and learning relationships with students, colleagues and families.
With a steadfast commitment to student leadership and empowerment, she champions innovative programs that promote student agency through enterprise, resilience and entrepreneurship.
By forging connections between school students and community businesses, along with industry mentors, von Kanel has created invaluable real-world opportunities for students to launch and manage their own start-ups, garnering local, state and national recognition for many participants.
Her passion for student engagement and advocacy is evident in her development of leadership workshops that equip students with essential skills for success in both business and life.
Understanding the importance of student-driven initiatives, von Kanel has implemented student-led leadership workshops, organised peer mentoring programs, and supported service projects that extend into the wider community.
In addition to these initiatives, von Kanel oversees the Year 10 Micro-Credentials Program, which emphasises transferrable skills that enhance the curriculum and cultivate future leaders.
A highlight of von Kanel’s work in 2024 was her guidance in leading Canterbury’s United Nations Day – a major annual event that celebrates the school’s diverse cultural community through language, food, dance, music, art, crafts and a digital world map of connections.
Planned and executed entirely by students, this vibrant festival exemplifies her commitment to experiential learning and inclusive community building.
182 Old Logan Village Road, Waterford, Qld 4133
07 3299 0888
a.vonkanel@canterbury.qld.edu.au
linkedin.com/in/amanda-von-kanel-67b7a0125
canterbury.qld.edu.au
Amanda von Kanel
Director of Student Development and Teacher – Senior School
Canterbury College – Waterford
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“The biggest challenge is getting everyone comfortable with the pace that I’m looking for to drive our buildout and growth. How I deal with it is by being open and transparent, and responsive to questions or concerns”
Jack Kuhn
Westfield Specialty
2012–2016
2017–2022
2023
2024
Present
Primary and High School Teacher at the Department of Education
2012–
2016
2017–2022: STEAM Coordinator, Barty's Place Curriculum Creator, Wellbeing and Curriculum Coach at A.B. Paterson College
2021–2022: Shortlisted finalist for the TeachX’s Innovation in Education Award
2017–
2022
Acting Director of Administration at Canterbury College
2023
Director of Student Development at Canterbury College
Future Anything’s Educator of the Year National Award Finalist
Member of Future Anything’s Team of the Year National Award Finalist
Shortlisted finalist for the TeachX’s Innovation in Education Award
2024
Principal at Trinity College North School since 2020
Volunteer Educational Consultant with Camp Quality
Forum Chairperson of EduMind ANZ Conference
Present
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
