Leadership Team
Leadership Team
Perth College is led by a Principal, Vice Principal, Director of Junior School, Director of Learning and Teaching (7 to 12), Director of School Operations (PK to 12), and Director of Finance.
Our Leadership Team provides vital support in daily operations and strategic direction for staff and student wellbeing, and learning and teaching.
For more information about our School Council, please visit our Governance page.
Sarah McGarry | Principal
Sarah is a dynamic educator with an impressive 25-year career in teaching, leadership, and consultancy across Australia. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Music Studies from the University of Queensland, where she also lectured at the School of Music. Her academic journey also includes studies at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Sarah has shared her expertise through presentations at educational conferences and study tours both nationally and internationally. Sarah joined Perth College as Principal in October 2024, where she continues to work closely with the School Council and Leadership Team to drive the school’s strategic vision, fostering a culture of growth, innovation, and excellence in education.
Lynda Giglia | Vice Principal
Lynda has rejoined Perth College as Vice Principal for Term 1. She previously held this position from 2017 until July 2022. This role supports the Principal, in all aspects of the School’s leadership, and works closely with key staff across the Junior and Senior Schools
Katy Howes | Director of Junior School
Katy shares a great passion for community and nurturing a positive school environment. For the past fifteen years she has proudly held several leadership positions in Australia and internationally, and most recently joined us from another private girls’ school where she developed a strong interest in supporting young people to become confident and motivated lifelong learners. Katy holds a Master of Education (Leadership), a Bachelor of Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in Education (Primary) from Edith Cowan University. She also has a Professional Certificate in Positive Education from the University of Melbourne. The theory of positive education strongly influences and guides Katy’s leadership style and pedagogy. Improving and fostering wellbeing for students, staff and the greater Perth College community is always at the heart of Katy’s decision-making.
Nicole Blyth | Director of Learning and Teaching (Years 7 to 12)
Nicole has joined us after working for more than 20 years in private all-girls education, across several leadership positions. Nicole has previously held senior leadership positions including Dean of Academics overseeing academic administration and teaching and learning data management, and before that, she held the role of Dean of Teaching and Learning. Nicole has significant experience in leading Learning and Teaching departments through change to create thriving and collaborative learning communities. She is known for taking an innovative and well-researched approach to delivering educational excellence, ensuring students are prepared for our changing world. Nicole holds a Master of Education with Honours from the University of Western Australia focussed on ICT and teacher training. She also has a Bachelor of Education (Chemistry and Physics) and a Bachelor of Arts (Secondary Education) from Edith Cowan University.
Gary Racey | Director of School Operations
Gary has held numerous senior leadership positions in various education sectors and has a Master of Educational Leadership. He is passionate about 21st century learning and pedagogy that engages young people and prepares them to be global citizens. He seeks to influence the world of education to change, mold, and transform students’ lives for the better, through a technology-driven approach coupled with self-directed learning and a pastoral philosophy. He is passionate about preparing children to be resilient, and responsive to an ever-changing world, and to develop values that will enable and encourage them to serve the wider community. These goals and aspirations revolve around creating an environment that leads education; a contemporary approach to thinking, teaching, and learning that embodies a culture of innovation.
Alana Maitland | Director of Wellbeing (Years 7 to 12)
With over a decade of experience across Melbourne, London, and Perth, Alana brings a strong background in leadership and a passion for enhancing student wellbeing. For the past seven years, Alana has worked at a private school in Melbourne, where she led a team of staff in fostering a positive learning environment for students. Alana holds a Master of Education from the University of Melbourne with First Class Honours, where her research focused on Leadership and Positive Education. Additionally, she obtained her Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard Business School Online, further enriching her ability to lead with a strategic and student-centred approach. Driven by a deep commitment to enhancing student wellbeing, Alana continuously seeks opportunities to create an environment where students can flourish.
Candice Heapes | Director of Finance
Candice comes with over twenty years’ financial and business management experience across education management, sporting organisations, oil and energy, manufacturing, not for profit, construction, and mining industries. Nine of these years was in an executive leadership capacity. She brings extensive experience in financial management and governance within the education sector, highlighted by a role as Director Finance and Risk at The Scots College, and Business Manager and Company Secretary at Ascham School and Kambala School in Sydney. Candice holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Management Accounting from the University of Stellenbosch, an MBA from the Australian Institute of Business, and professional qualifications as a Chartered Accountant and GAICD.
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We inspire joy in learning every day. Our academic and co-curricular programs are thoughtfully designed to empower girls, fostering confidence, determination, and a love for learning in a supportive environment. Ready to learn more?
