Principals in Residence
Aaron Wolaniuk, Leadership Excellence Division
Aaron joined the Academy in July 2024, working as part of the Pathway to Principalship and VAPA teams. Before he joined the Academy, Aaron spent the last 4 years working in the South Western Victoria Region in several roles focused on school improvement including DSSI Leadership Partners Executive Principal, Acting Senior Education Improvement Leader, Acting Executive Director School Performance and Senior School Improvement Practice Lead. Throughout his career Aaron has worked in a range of early childhood, primary and secondary school settings, as a kindergarten director, and school leader and teacher, including 6 years as principal at Keilor Primary School. Aaron lives in Eynesbury with his wife and 2 children.
Adam Hogan, Leadership Excellence Division
Adam is passionate about leadership development, education, and supporting communities to grow and thrive. Adam began his career studying chemical engineering and science at the University of Melbourne, followed by a Graduate Diploma of Education at Monash University. Adam has served with Victoria Police, where he was Dux of the Police Academy and later awarded the Angela Taylor medal. Adam has worked as a teacher, principal and education executive, with a strong track record of achieving outcomes and transforming schools. Adam completed his Master of Education (Leadership) with first class honours, and was awarded Dux of his Master of Business Administration (MBA). Adam currently lives in Gippsland, is substantive principal of Lowanna College, an Executive Director of the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund, and in his spare time enjoys sport, music, photography and family time.
Catherine Devine, Teaching Excellence Program
Catherine is a passionate English teacher and has held numerous senior leadership positions in secondary schools in Melbourne, regional Victoria and remote Western Australia. More recently, Catherine completed a PhD in transformational dialogue, and was a system level leader designing professional learning for teachers and advising school leaders towards school improvement. She is excited to work at the Academy as a Principal in Residence to support quality teaching and learning. Outside of work Catherine enjoys reading, live theatre and music, and watching the Western Bulldogs win.
Dean King, Leadership Excellence Division
Dean brings over 30 years of experience in education to the Academy, previously serving as Principal of Elisabeth Murdoch College. He is passionate about school improvement, with a strong focus on teacher development, evidence-based practice, and building effective learning cultures. Dean holds a Master’s in School Leadership, a degree in Mathematics and Physical Education, and a Graduate Diploma in Sport Management and Marketing. He has completed key leadership programs such as Unlocking Potential and Evolve, and is trained in Growth Coaching, Open to Learning Conversations, and Agile leadership. Outside of school, Dean is a proud father of three, enjoys an active lifestyle, and can often be found outdoors—especially on a mountain bike trail.
Jennifer Watson, Leadership Excellence Division
Jennifer joined the Academy as a Principal in Residence in August 2025. She is the substantive principal of Beverley Hills Primary School. Prior to joining the Academy, Jennifer served as a member of the Monash-Manningham Network Executive and facilitated the Academy’s Inspire: Emerging Leaders program for the Inner East area. With over 20 years of experience in education, both in Secondary and Primary settings, Jennifer is passionate about creating environments in which both students and educators thrive. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, Gradate Diploma in Education, Master of Education in Language and Literacy, and is committed to lifelong learning. She believes in building staff capabilities, ensuring coherence, and establishing the power of collaboration to drive academic excellence and wellbeing in schools. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband and four children.
Kirrily George, Leadership Excellence Division
Prior to moving into a role as Principal in Residence at the Academy, Kirrily spent 2 years in the North Eastern Victoria Region office as a Professional Learning Community regional manager, and prior to that, 6 years as principal at Camelot Rise Primary School. Kirrily feels incredibly fortunate to work at the Academy and looks forward every day to engaging with and supporting fellow principals and aspirant leaders. Such work enables her to engage her passion for effective educational leadership. Outside of work, Kirrily loves spending time with family, including her dog Oregon, and creating pottery.
Lisa Conibeer, Leadership Excellence Division
Lisa joined the Academy in August 2025, working as part of the Leading Excellence Division in Principal Programs. Before joining the Academy, Lisa was the Principal of Riverbend Primary School, a growing school in Wyndham Vale, Victoria which she has led since its establishment. She has over ten years of experience as a principal and is focused on building strong school cultures that support student learning, staff development and community connection. She is committed to providing all students with access to high-quality teaching and learning, and to building environments where students are engaged, curious and supported to achieve their best. At Riverbend, she has led the development of a collaborative, inclusive culture with a clear focus on wellbeing, equity and continuous improvement. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys spending time with her family, going to the AFL and getting to the beach as often as possible.
Mark Hanson, Leadership Excellence Division
Mark joined the Academy as a Principal in Residence in October 2025, bringing with him extensive leadership experience from his time as Principal of Knox Park Primary School. Prior to this, Mark was an active member of the Knox Network Executive, contributing to strategic leadership across the network. Over more than a decade in principalship, Mark has developed a strong commitment to building inclusive, high-performing school communities. He is passionate about empowering educators, nurturing student potential, and cultivating learning environments that spark curiosity and a love of learning. Throughout his career, Mark has led the implementation of a range of programs designed to promote academic excellence, with a particular focus on supporting high-ability learners. He firmly believes that children can achieve extraordinary things when provided with the right opportunities and support.
Phillip Coloca, Leadership Excellence Division
Phillip joined the Academy in 2024 as a Principal in Residence in the Leadership Excellence Division. Prior to joining the Academy Phillip worked as a teacher and a leader across both the primary and secondary sectors, as well as within DE regional leadership. Most recently, he was the founding principal of Eynesbury Primary School which opened in 2021. Phillip also has experience as a campus principal at Copperfield College and as a student achievement manager in the South Western Victoria Region. Passionate about high quality teaching and learning that is evidence-informed, Phillip is a firm believer in the power of instructional leadership to positively impact young people and their outcomes. When not at work, his time is dedicated to his family which includes 2 wonderful children and an active chocolate-brown labrador.
Sarah Dalton, Teaching Excellence Division
Sarah joined the Academy as a Principal in Residence in August 2025 from her substantive role as principal of Niddrie Primary School. Prior to joining the Academy, Sarah was Network Co-chair for the Moonee Valley Network Executive and had been an active member of the Network Executive for four years. With experience in Primary, Secondary and Specialist settings, Sarah believes all learners can develop their talents, be proud of themselves and their cultures, and look to the future with hope. She holds a Bachelor of Education (Primary), a Postgraduate Diploma in TESOL, a Master of TESOL, and a Master of Education (Gifted Education). Outside of work you will find her in the outdoors as much as possible, enjoying time with her family and playing taxi service to her three children’s sporting and musical pursuits.
Simon O’Brien, Teaching Excellence Program
Simon has been a dedicated educator in primary schools over the past 20 years. He brings a wealth of experience in school leadership, coaching and mentoring. Simon is excited to be a Principal in Residence in the Teaching Excellence Division, working alongside the finest educators in the state. Simon has been a Principal in the Barwon region for over 7 years, most recently as the Principal at Torquay P-6 College for just under 18 months. Over the past 4 years he has been a member of his Network Executive Team. He has led the renewal of communities of practice in his network, improvement projects in numeracy, and a partnership program with the Quaglia Institute focused on improving student voice and aspirations in a diverse range of schools in the Geelong region. Outside of work, Simon is dad to 3 amazing children and loves spending time outdoors.
Terrance Keilar, Leadership Excellence Division
Terry has 25 years’ experience in education, predominantly in a primary school setting. Terry was an assistant principal for 5 years, and principal of Ararat West PS for 11 years, during which time he was on the Network Executive Team, a Network Chair and a first year Principal Mentor. With a passion for education, Terry enjoys working with middle leaders and building their capacity through development of their capabilities and disposition in relation to themselves, others and their teams. In his personal time, Terry enjoys holidaying with family, mountain bike riding and watching his favourite footy team, Collingwood. Living in the Grampians, he is heavily invested in community and volunteers his time on local committees and events.
