6 Melbourne Public School Leaders to Know in 2026

Jonno White
Aug 1
3 min read

Melbourne’s public schools carry a big brief. They help young people learn, grow and find their place while supporting families and communities through constant change.

In 2026, that work calls for leaders who can hold learning, wellbeing, culture and trust together. These six principals offer useful examples from different Melbourne school communities.

This is not a ranking. It is a practical starting point for education leaders who want to notice how others are guiding schools with care and clarity.

1. Tamy Stubley

Principal, Melbourne Girls’ College

Tamy Stubley is Principal of Melbourne Girls’ College. The college’s leadership team places her at the head of a public school focused on girls’ education, learning and wellbeing.

Her principal message highlights excellence, teamwork and diversity. That combination makes her work useful to follow for leaders thinking about high expectations, belonging and opportunity in the same school community. You can also follow Tamy Stubley on LinkedIn.

2. Adam Cribbes

Principal, Fitzroy High School

Adam Cribbes is Principal of Fitzroy High School. The school’s principal page says he joined the role in Term 4, 2025.

His leadership sits inside a school with a distinctive community story and a senior learning partnership at Wurun. That makes his transition worth watching for leaders interested in continuity, collaboration and thoughtful change. You can also follow Adam Cribbes on LinkedIn.

3. Deborah Harman

Principal, Balwyn High School

Deborah Harman is Principal of Balwyn High School. The school’s 2026 parent information connects her role with current work on learning spaces, community support and student wellbeing.

The update points to a theatre extension, campus improvements and an expanded wellbeing team that includes occupational therapy support. It is a useful example of school leadership linking facilities, care and educational opportunity. You can also follow Deborah Harman on LinkedIn.

4. Kellie Ind

Principal, Box Hill High School

Kellie Ind is Principal of Box Hill High School. A May 2026 school update identifies her in the role during the school’s successful re-accreditation of its accelerated learning program.

That update shows a leader supporting specialist learning while recognising the staff and students who make it work. Her public writing also stresses respectful relationships, high expectations and professional learning. You can follow Kellie Ind on LinkedIn.

5. Karen Wade

College Principal, Mount Waverley Secondary College

Karen Wade is College Principal of Mount Waverley Secondary College. In an April 2026 principal’s report, she reflects on a term spanning teaching, learning, student achievement and family life.

Her updates regularly connect school events with the wider learning culture. That steady communication offers a practical example of how a large school can keep its community informed and focused. You can also follow Karen Wade on LinkedIn.

6. Sue Harrap

Principal, The Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School

Sue Harrap is Principal of The Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School. Her April 2026 principal’s update covers student learning, the school’s annual report and partnership with families.

The update shows leadership expressed through reflection, recognition and clear communication. It is a useful example for anyone thinking about how a school leader can connect achievement with a strong sense of community. You can follow Sue Harrap on LinkedIn.

What these leaders show

Strong school leadership is not one style or one set of achievements. It is the daily work of setting direction, supporting people, making careful choices and keeping students at the centre.

These six leaders show different ways that work can become visible. Their examples can help other education leaders think more clearly about culture, communication, learning and trust.

About the Author

Jonno White is the founder of Consult Clarity, a keynote speaker, leadership consultant and author. He helps leaders build organisations people would move cities to work at, with practical ideas they can use on Monday morning.

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