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

John Thornberry
Executive PrincipalKelvin Grove State College

Elizabeth Foster
PresidentAustralian Council for
Educational Leaders (ACEL)

Luke Ferdinands
Executive PrincipalWavell State High School

Jo Hughes
Executive PrincipalCalamvale Community College

Nigel Hughes
Executive PrincipalVarsity College

Anne McLauchlan
PrincipalThe Gap State High School

Greg Pierce
Executive PrincipalBrisbane State High School

Paul Robertson
Executive PrincipalKenmore State High School

Phillip Savill
PrincipalGumdale State School

Jason Smith
PrincipalTamborine Mountain State School

Sandra Wright
PrincipalLake Clarendon State School

Charlotte Chamier
Project ManagerPublic Schools Alliance


