A Glenelg private school has announced a new principal after its previous head left the college midway through term 1.
St Peter’s Woodlands (SPW) Grammar School former head of early years and deputy principal Sarah Noell has taken the top job at the reception to year 6 college.
Ms Noell had been acting principal after Helen Finlay left the school in March.
“Having been part of the SPW community for the past eight years, I have experienced first-hand the incredible commitment, care and passion of our students, staff and families,” Ms Noell said.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue leading this wonderful school and look forward to building on our strong foundations as we embrace the future together.”
School council chairman Reverand Michael Lane said the principal was appointed for her qualities including strong internal leadership.
“Leading a school is about far more than strategy and decision-making,” he said.
“It is about building relationships, creating a shared vision and ensuring that every child feels known, valued and supported.
“Throughout her time at St Peter’s Woodlands, Sarah has embodied these qualities every day.”
The previous principal, Ms Finlay, left the school midway through term 1 after she took a role at Oxford Falls Grammar in NSW to move with her husband closer to their elderly parents.
She began as principal at St Peter’s Woodlands in 2020 after moving from Sydney.
During her time at the Glenelg private college, Ms Finlay was named on The Advertiser’s 2024 Power 20 list of influential South Australian principals.
That year, she was named Primary School Principal of the Year (independent school) at the Australian Education Awards.