About the Public Schools Alliance

The Public Schools Alliance (PSA) extends a warm invitation to all Queensland Public Primary, Secondary, and Special Education Schools, wherever you may be on your school improvement journey. We believe that diversity is our strength, and we celebrate the unique essence of every school.

PSA is a responsive, practitioner-informed network, shaped by current contexts, real challenges, and direct feedback from leaders in schools. We operate as a neutral space, free from political or industrial affiliations, committed to provoking fresh thinking and courageous conversations in educational leadership.

Our programs are deliberately relevant, challenging, and future-focused. We bring leadership lessons from beyond the education sector, connecting members with world-class speakers and thinkers whose insights strengthen strategic, relational, and authentic leadership capabilities. Delegates never walk away empty-handed by ensuring every event equips leaders with practical tools, frameworks, and ideas they can action immediately.

Members gain access to high-quality professional learning, bold and thought-provoking speakers, and a space to explore innovative and evidence-informed solutions for improving student outcomes. PSA pushes boundaries, sparks innovation, and empowers schools to grow beyond expectations. We connect leaders to “warts and all” stories of practice, offering insights from real world challenges and triumphs.

School membership is designed for Executive and Senior Leadership Teams. Membership is flexible and transferable across school leaders, ensuring your team can adapt to changing demands while remaining engaged with PSA’s opportunities and resources.

We also extend opportunities for your student and aspiring leaders to support the next generation of courageous, community-minded changemakers.

Mission & Vision

The PSA connected leadership community is committed to:

  • Empowering Queensland Public Schools to work in partnership with their communities, becoming more responsive to local needs.
  • Leading and improving outcomes across school communities through collaboration, celebration, and the sharing of insights.
  • Harnessing our collective capacity to challenge systemic practices and cultures, driving innovations that benefit all public schools in Queensland.
  • Creating ambitious, successful schools where every child thrives through shared leadership and bold, forward-thinking strategies.

Executive Committee

Meet our dedicated School Principals who volunteer their time to provide access to high quality professional learning for Queensland Public Schools:
John Thornberry

John Thornberry

Executive Principal
Kelvin Grove State College
Elizabeth Foster

Elizabeth Foster

President
Australian Council for
Educational Leaders (ACEL)
Luke Ferdinands

Luke Ferdinands

Executive Principal
Wavell State High School
Jo Hughes

Jo Hughes

Executive Principal
Calamvale Community College
Nigel Hughes

Nigel Hughes

Executive Principal
Varsity College
Anne McLauchlan

Anne McLauchlan

Principal
The Gap State High School
Greg Pierce

Greg Pierce

Executive Principal
Brisbane State High School
Paul Robertson

Paul Robertson

Executive Principal
Kenmore State High School
Phillip Savill

Phillip Savill

Principal
Gumdale State School
Jason Smith

Jason Smith

Principal
Tamborine Mountain State School
Sandra Wright

Sandra Wright

Principal
Lake Clarendon State School
Charlotte Chamier

Charlotte Chamier

Project Manager
Public Schools Alliance
Geo design background