NSW Secondary Principals' Council names new President

NSW Secondary Principals

The peak body for secondary school principals in NSW has named Denise Lofts as its new President.

Lofts – who takes over from outgoing NSW Secondary Principals' Council (NSW SPC) President, Craig Petersen, following the end of his second two-year term – served as NSW SPC Deputy President and is the Principal of Ulladulla High School.

In a statement today, Lofts acknowledged Petersen’s contributions, saying he navigated the Council’s members through significant educational challenges, a global health pandemic, and natural disasters such as bushfires and floods.

“I look forward to honouring his work and advocacy to ensure the NSW public education system is one of the most highly regarded education systems both nationally and internationally,” Lofts said.

As Deputy President of the NSW SPC since 2019, Lofts believes the influence of the Council in shaping education in NSW will continue to grow.

“I care deeply about our profession and have an enduring commitment to lead, inspire, and support the next generation of Secondary Principals, where the health, wellbeing, and professional growth of school leaders is at the centre of successful schools,” she said.

“A high-quality public education system is at the heart of my courage and compassion as I serve both principals and their schools.”

Lofts said this service, knowledge, and commitment to public education positions her as a respected voice in NSW education, vital in leveraging the SPC’s position successfully.

“I understand the important part we [the SPC] play in the life of a principal,” she said. “I am honoured to be the voice and face of NSW principals with secondary enrolments and will continue to advocate for the wisdom in schools to support public education in the transformation of learning.”

Lofts said the council looks forward to continuing its advocacy for solutions in response to the national data of the accumulated negative impact of the principal role and its complexities on the health and wellbeing of principals to ensure successful schools, positive student outcomes, and prosperity for the community.

“Thriving school leadership is at the heart of a world-class public education system.”