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The AISSA’s annual Appreciation Event provides a meaningful opportunity for us to acknowledge and thank the many individuals and organisations whose support throughout the year has strengthened the Independent school sector.
The event celebrates those who have contributed to the AISSA, its member schools, and the broader sector through sharing their time, expertise, and insights through committees, reference groups, mentoring, or special initiatives. At the event we also extend our sincere gratitude to our Priority Partners, whose ongoing support helps us to deliver high-quality services and programs to our member schools.
Each year, a select group of individuals is recognised with the Noel Volk Award for their exceptional service to the AISSA and/or our member schools.
We thank all our partners and volunteers for their contributions, and we warmly congratulate this year’s Noel Volk Award recipients:
Michelle Benison (centre) with AISSA Chief Executive Anne Dunstan (right) and AISSA Chair Shannon Warren (left)
Michelle Benison – Director, National Relations and Policy Directorate, Department for Education
Michelle played a pivotal role in negotiating the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement – Full and Fair Funding 2025–2034 and the corresponding bilateral agreement. Her commitment to genuine consultation ensured that South Australia’s Independent school sector was well represented. Michelle’s commitment to facilitating productive communication between the State and Commonwealth governments and the AISSA which is greatly appreciated.
Paul Hunter (centre) and Jeff Thorpe (right) with AISSA Chair Shannon Warren (left)
Paul Hunter Director Corporate Services – Woodcroft College and Jeff Thorpe Business Manager – Cedar College
Paul and Jeff have been instrumental members of the School Resources Reference Group, offering expert advice and practical support across operational priorities for an extended period. Their mentorship of new business managers has helped shape a strong, informed leadership community within Independent schools.
Colleen O’Rourke (centre) with AISSA Chief Executive Anne Dunstan (right) and AISSA Chair Shannon Warren (left)
Colleen O’Rourke – Leader of Digital Innovation, Hills Christian Community School
Colleen’s visionary leadership in STEM, AI, inclusion, and sustainability has transformed student learning. Colleen is a keen supporter of the AISSA professional learning initiatives, generously sharing her knowledge and expertise with the sector through webinars and workshops.
Rebecca Garrett (centre) with AISSA Chief Executive Anne Dunstan (right) and AISSA Chair Shannon Warren (left)
Rebecca Garrett – Head of Teaching and Learning (Years 7–10), Trinity College, Blakeview
Rebecca’s deep expertise in mathematics education has empowered educators across the Independent school sector. Rebecca is known for her generosity, professionalism, and she has invested significant time in developing and sharing school-based stories of practice, providing colleagues with real-world examples that inspire reflection and innovation.
Carolyn Grantskalns & Janet Farrall (centre) with AISSA Chief Executive Anne Dunstan (right) and AISSA Chair Shannon Warren (left)
Carolyn Grantskalns & Janet Farrall – Former Chief Executive & Former Senior Educational Consultant, AISSA
To help mark the AISSA’s 50th anniversary, Carolyn and Janet undertook the monumental task of searching archives, including collections in the State Library, to collate vast amounts of information in chronological order to form the basis of an interactive historical timeline. Their meticulous research and storytelling have preserved the legacy of the AISSA and honoured the people and milestones that shaped our journey.
Mike Potter (right) with AISSA Chief Executive Anne Dunstan (left) and AISSA Chair Shannon Warren (centre)
Mike Potter – Chief Executive Officer, Tyndale Group of Christian Schools
Mike’s tenure on the AISSA Board has been marked by thoughtful leadership. He understands the importance of sector unity, particularly in times of change, and has generously offered both his time and expertise to support the collective interests of member schools. He has contributed to the network of support we enjoy and he has worked to foster collegiality amongst our schools and their leaders.
Uncle John Lochowiak (right) with AISSA Chair Shannon Warren (left)
Uncle John Lochowiak – AISSA Board Member and Cultural Adviser
Uncle John’s wisdom, cultural insight, and heartfelt engagement have enriched AISSA’s work since 2022. A Wadi (initiated Man) with deep ties to many language groups across Australia, Uncle John brings a unique and compassionate perspective that continues to guide and inspire the AISSA and our member schools.
Emily Brookes (centre) with AISSA Chief Executive Anne Dunstan (right) and AISSA Chair Shannon Warren (left)
Emily Brookes – Principal, Torrens Valley Christian School
Emily has demonstrated leadership in mentoring emerging principals, generously sharing her expertise and wisdom with Heads new to the sector to support these leaders to feel supported, equipped, and confident as they navigate the complexities of school leadership. Emily has advocated for inclusive, values-based learning environments and has shared her school’s practice across our network for the benefit of all AISSA schools.
We also extend our thanks to our 2025 Priority Partners NGS Super, Compass Education and Swanbury Penglase for their support throughout the year.
We are delighted to officially share the recipients of the 2025 Compass Wellness Experience, following the formal announcement at the 2025 AISSA Governance Conference on Friday, 20 June.
This initiative, delivered in partnership with Compass Education, an AISSA Priority Partner, seeks to give back to the people who give so much – school staff.
After reviewing many thoughtful and heartfelt submissions, we’re pleased to congratulate the following winners:
Each recipient has won a bespoke on-campus Wellness Experience for their staff, including a smoothie bar, chair massages, and personalised wellness packs – designed to offer meaningful care and promote wellbeing.
Thank you to all who applied, and congratulations again to our winners. Your dedication to creating supportive, healthy school environments is what this initiative is all about.
Please read the latest AISSA Bulletin:
The Association of Independent Schools of South Australia is delighted to welcome Swanbury Penglase as a new priority partner.
Swanbury Penglase is a multi-disciplinary, award-winning architectural practice headquartered in Adelaide, and working with clients both locally and nationally. The firm has worked alongside schools to deliver strategic campus master plans as well as designing engaging places of learning for ELC through to Year 12 students and University students.
“School campus planning and building design is a key factor in creating functional and effective learning environments,” Anne Dunstan, Chief Executive of the AISSA says.
“For many years Swanbury Penglase has been working with schools across South Australia to design campuses and buildings that support their long-term goals and enhance student outcomes.”
“We are delighted to welcome Swanbury Penglase as our newest priority partner, and to harness their expertise to support Independent schools across our network.”
Andrew Phillips, Director at Swanbury Penglase says, “We are thrilled to partner with the AISSA, and to work with the Association and its broader network of partners to support Independent education across the state.”
“Education has become a key portfolio in our business. Across our 36 years we have worked with and engaged a diverse range of school communities to help them realise their goals. We look forward to working with the AISSA to share these learnings across their member schools, and to support their broader work.”
Swanbury Penglase is a multi-discipline design practice offering design consultancy services in the fields of architecture, interior design, landscape architecture and heritage architecture. The practice has developed long term relationships with education organisations and during this period services provided have included architectural and landscape architectural master planning which incorporates a strong focus on school and community consultation, compliance audits of buildings, heritage advice, refurbishment of existing buildings and new builds to create contemporary and engaging learning environments.
Swanbury Penglase joins the AISSA’s priority partnership network; a group of allied businesses dedicated to supporting Independent schools across the state. With the support of partners and sponsors the AISSA will continue to offer the vital development opportunities for leaders and teachers that underpin a thriving and vibrant Independent school sector.
For more information about the AISSA visit: ais.sa.edu.au
For more information about Swanbury Penglase visit: swanburypenglase.com
Contacts
Lucinda Pow
Senior Manager Partnerships, Events and Communications
Association of Independent Schools of South Australia
(08) 8179 1423
Andrew Phillips
Director
Swanbury Penglase
(08) 8212 2679
0414 466 903