Joanne Sheehy M.Ed, B.Ed (Hons)
Principal

The role of Principal is to lead and direct all Operations on the Prep to Year 12 Arundel Campus. The Principal is responsible for the following: 
• Educational curriculum of the College;
• Promotion of equity and excellence for all;
• Ensuring a high quality of teaching and learning;
• Sound financial management of the College;
• Development of Campus-specific policy;
• Development of all staffing, resourcing and operations of the College required to achieve the Objectives of the College.

Joanne joined A.B. Paterson College in 2003. She has held numerous leadership positions at the College including the Head of Mathematics, Dean of Studies, Head of Senior School, Assistant Principal and now the Principal.  Joanne has a Bachelor of Education (Hons) with double majors in both Physics and Mathematics as well as a Masters of Education in Leadership and Management. 

Joanne has been instrumental in developing student-related programs, structures and policies, most significantly in the areas of student leadership, personal development curriculum and student services.  She combines her strong academic and pastoral background with a collaborative style of leadership and an ardent belief in creating an inclusive educational environment where individual strengths can be encouraged and nurtured.

Charlotte Brook
Deputy Principal

The role of the Deputy Principal is to support the College Principal in leading the management of the school.

Charlotte joined the Mathematics Department of A.B. Paterson College in 2015, moving into the role of Head of Dennis House in 2016, and was appointed to the position of Dean of Senior School in 2018. Prior to arriving in Australia, Charlotte taught at a variety of independent schools in England where she held the leadership positions of Head of House and Gifted and Talented Coordinator.  

Carmel Conlin
Director of Corporate Services

Carmel joined A.B. Paterson College in 2024 and serves as our Director of Corporate Services. Carmel joins us with a wealth of experience and an impressive background in corporate and educational management, having most recently served as the Director of Corporate Services at Varsity College, one of Queensland’s largest independent public schools. With over a decade of experience leading corporate services in the law enforcement sector and dynamic school environments, Carmel brings a strategic and systems-driven approach to our College. Carmel is a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) with a Bachelor of Commerce from The University of Queensland. She is passionate about education and believes in the integral role it plays in shaping futures, not just for individual students but for their entire families. Her commitment to developing and supporting the whole child aligns perfectly with our College’s values.

Simon Edgar
Head of Junior School

The Head of Junior School is responsible for the planning, development, and operation of the Junior School, under the direction of the Principal. The Head of Junior School also has a special responsibility in the development of Junior School staff and is accountable for building positive and effective relationships amongst staff, students, and parents in the Junior School. This includes ensuring communicating in a timely and effective manner with parents and external groups, demonstrating sensitivity and responsiveness when addressing individual challenges and concerns, and recognising student and staff achievement in an appropriate and timely manner. Prior to joining A.B. Paterson College in 2019, Simon held a variety of leadership positions across independent schools in Australia, including the Head of Junior and Middle School at SCOTS PGC College, and Deputy Headmaster – Curriculum at Guildford Grammar Preparatory School in Perth, Western Australia.

Simon considers himself a lifelong learner, which is evidenced by his ongoing commitment to professional and leadership development, having completed a Bachelor of Arts (Primary Education), Bachelor of Education, and a Master of Education, majoring in Educational Leadership. He is currently undertaking leadership courses as well as a Doctor of Education through the University of Southern Queensland.

Jacob Elms
Head of Secondary School

Jacob Elms is an experienced educator with a rich background in educational leadership and a genuine commitment to academic excellence, student well-being, and developing people of character. Jacob holds a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education, and has served in key leadership positions throughout his career.

Jacob's approach to leadership is characterised by a deep sense of care and relatability. Jacob believes in fostering compassionate and relational learning environments where students, staff, and the community thrive. Jacob is passionate about leading people to develop their talents and character, and works extensively to ensure they are supported to achieve their goals and aspirations. Jacob is passionate about quality teaching, learning, and values-based education. He is excited to bring his expertise to A.B. Paterson College, where he will work to inspire and make a positive impact on students, staff, and the school community.

Caitlyn Hoffman
Director of Early Learning

The Director of Early Learning is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Early Childhood Centre, ensuring high quality standards in relation to the National Quality Framework, the Early Years Learning Framework and the National Services laws.

Caitlyn leads a strong and dedicated team of Early Childhood Educators, who work closely together in the development and facilitation of appropriate and meaningful programs for children attending the service.

Caitlyn joined A.B. Paterson College in June 2017 and has been a part of the ever-evolving Early Childhood industry for over 10 years. She completed her Diploma in Children and Community Services in 2009. She is an established Director and has had additional experience in consultation services, providing advice and assistance to many Childcare and Outside School Hours Care Services across Australia. Caitlyn enjoys studying and is currently studying for her Diploma of Leadership and Management. 

Nathan Burgess
Director of Co-Curricular Activities

The Director of Co-Curricular Activities is responsible for leading and overseeing the delivery of the College’s Co-Curricular Program. The Director of Curricular Activities plays an important leadership role to all stakeholders of the College to ensure the delivery of a high performing program.

Nathan Burgess joined A.B. Paterson College in 2022. He is an experienced leader in the Education industry, specifically relating to school-based Co-Curricular programs. Nathan has previously worked in Colleges that have excelled across a number of disciplines, ensuring students have access to a wide range of activities to help them find their niche. Throughout his career in various school leadership roles, Nathan has built successful and sustainable programs through progressive and strategic thinking and planning.

Nathan has a genuine passion for coaching and mentoring, allowing students to foster a lifelong love of all things Co-Curricular. Nathan has a strong interest in progressive theories around coaching/teaching and is always looking for opportunities to implement these theories in his programs.

Tim Grosser
Director of Operations and Planning

As part of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Operations and Planning is responsible for the day-to-day organisation of the College, the efficient coordination and effective utilisation of staff, the development of staff, and the planning associated with major events, functions and the College calendar.

Tim joined A.B. Paterson College in 2015 as Head of Mathematics and was appointed as Director of Operations and Planning in Term 4, 2017. Prior to this, he has held senior roles in independent schools in both Queensland and New South Wales.

Sean Tobin
Director of Communications and Strategic Partnerships

As Director of Communications and Strategic Partnerships, Sean is responsible for advancing and supporting community and industry engagement activities and partnerships that enhance A.B. Paterson College’s reputation. He leads and drives the strategic agenda for branding, marketing, communications, and issues management.

Sean joined A.B. Paterson College in 2024. In the same year, he joined College Principal Joanne Sheehy and Chairman David Tanner on the NFL Academy Asia-Pacific mission tour, travelling across the United States and the United Kingdom as part of a discovery mission. Sean is also a Strategic Communications lecturer at Bond University, educating Queensland’s next generation of communication, advertising and digital leaders.

Rebecca Taylor
Director of E-Learning

The Director of E-Learning works closely with the staff and students from Prep – Year 12 on all matters relating to curriculum, pedagogy and instructional techniques; and with the Director of Teaching and Learning and other Senior Leaders to ensure the very best educational outcomes for students in the Junior School.

Rebecca joined the College in 2008 as a primary school teacher following her graduation from the College as a student and her university studies. She has international teaching experience following her appointment in England and has held a range of leadership positions at our College, including eMentor, Head of Instructional Leadership and Development, Head of Learning Analytics, and Deputy Head of Junior School: Teaching and Learning. 

Liam Burke
Deputy Head of Secondary School

The Deputy Head of Secondary School is responsible for the pastoral development and care of students, including both the formal Pastoral Care program, based upon Positive Education principles, and the operational pastoral care of all students within the Senior School.

Having originally pursued a career in Science, Liam began his teaching journey after a back operation gave him time to reflect on his true calling. He went on to complete a Bachelor of Education at RMIT, including Science units, and emerged as a qualified Primary (Generalist) and Secondary (Maths, Science and P.E.) teacher.

Over the coming years, Liam held various roles in Primary and Secondary schools in Queensland and Victoria, including Head of Campus, Maths and Science teacher, as well as teaching at a special assistance school for disengaged and disadvantaged students. It was here that his passion for student wellbeing grew. In his most recent previous role, Liam helped pilot a state-first Year 9 program, focusing on personal development as a priority for students at such a critical age in their development.

Liam was excited by the opportunity to join A.B. Paterson College in 2020 where he enjoys having a positive impact on the wellbeing and pastoral care of students every day.

Joanne Kember
Deputy Head of Junior School

Deputy Head of Junior School is responsible for the wellbeing and care of staff and students from prep to year six as well as the operations of the Junior School in partnership with the Head of Junior School.

Jo is a passionate and experienced educator and leader who has extensive experience across a junior school setting. Prior to joining A.B. Paterson College, Jo held the role of Deputy Principal at Whangaparaoa Primary School in New Zealand had has returned to the Gold Coast to be closer to family.

Jo brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role having taught and served in leadership roles internationally, including the United Kingdom, South Korea, and New Zealand.

Her personal philosophy as an educator, centres on fostering a learning environment that prioritises personal growth, well-being, and cultural competence.

Anna Whannell
Director of Teaching and Learning

As the Director of Teaching and Learning at A.B. Paterson College, Anna is passionately committed to ensuring the highest quality of education for all students. Her dedication to academic excellence is reflected in her collaborative leadership style, working closely with staff to foster an environment where every student can thrive.

Anna brings a breadth of experience to her role, having held various leadership positions within education across curriculum development, pedagogy, and data analysis, as well as a background in human resources and recruitment.

Anna looks forward to continuing to uphold the College's commitment to educational excellence. She is driven by a true passion for delivering an education that not only enables students to achieve outstanding academic results but also equips them with essential knowledge and skills for success in life beyond the College.

Beth Claydon
Deputy Director of Teaching and Learning Years 7-12

Beth Claydon serves as our Deputy Director of Teaching and Learning for Years 7-12. With extensive experience in teaching, learning, and the Australian Curriculum, she also holds a background in curriculum development and implementation, Digital Literacy, and Technologies.

Having contributed to the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), and the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) across diverse education sectors, Beth brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. She is passionate about fostering innovation in learning and is eager to collaborate with our community to create a culture where everyone thrives. 

Beth is committed to delivering a high-quality education to each of our learners, incorporating modern technologies, supporting staff, and cultivating a forward-thinking culture of learning. In her own words, "Education is not just about imparting knowledge; it's about empowering students to navigate life's challenges with resilience and curiosity." Beth is dedicated to creating pathways for learners to succeed and flourish in an ever-evolving educational landscape.

Georgina Burrows
Director of Teaching and Learning: Prep to Year 6

Georgina joined A.B. Paterson College in 2001, and has adored being part of the College community as a classroom teacher across various year levels of the Junior School. With a deep-rooted love for education and a passion for fostering growth and development, Georgina is beyond excited to embrace her latest role as the Director of Teaching and Learning Prep to Year 6. 

Kris Klutke
Director of ICT

The Director of ICT is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of the ICT Department and drives the delivery of ICT services and programs for the College.