Meet the Executive

Terrie Jones

Principal

MEd, BA, GDipEd

Terrie has more than 20 years of experience in education, from teaching in government and independent schools to studying across Australia, the UK and the US. She is accredited at the level of Highly Accomplished Teacher with the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership and the NSW Educational Standards Authority, and has presented many national and international conferences. Terrie has been celebrated for her pioneering work in service-learning and commitment to developing students’ academic, social and intellectual engagement from their earliest days of learning to the end of Year 12. She believes that the best learning happens when students feel safe and supported with teachers who understand them, and in building a strong ethos of pastoral care within school communities.

Kate Hill

Chief Operating Officer
BCom, CA

Kate is an experienced business leader with over 20 years’ experience in business corporate accounting, financial management and operations. Kate has an impressive record of success in leading finance teams and working collaboratively to implement innovative, results-oriented solutions. She is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants ANZ and is currently working towards her MBA from Deakin University. Kate joined CGGS after 12 years at Trek Bicycle Corporation, where she was the CFO for the Asia Pacific region.

Kate is Canberra born and bred, although has spent many years of her schooling and work-life in Asia and the Middle East. She has a son at Marist College and a daughter at CGGS.

Peter McDonald

Deputy Principal, Head of Junior School
MEd, GradCertEd (Maths), GradCertBusAdmin, BEd, MACEL

Peter is an experienced primary educator and university lecturer who holds four university qualifications in the areas of education, mathematics, and business. With a firm commitment to international mindedness and delivering outstanding student learning, he has held various school leadership positions both in Australia and internationally. As a published academic focusing on teacher development and inquiry-based learning, he has presented at conferences in Japan, Singapore and Taiwan. A member of the global International Baccalaureate Educator Network, Peter supports IB schools throughout Asia and the Pacific as an IB workshop leader and programme leader. As a specialist mathematics teacher, Peter holds a keen interest in supporting students to develop a passion for learning, using, and enjoying mathematics.

Joanna Leaman

Executive Director (Staffing)
M.Ed (Admin), B.SC, DipTchg

Joanna rejoined CGGS in 2021 after having worked at the school from 2012 to 2018, most recently as the Head of Mathematics. She was the Academic Director in another Canberra school for three years before returning to girls education. Prior to this, Joanna worked as a Senior Advisor for the Royal Society of New Zealand (RSNZ), leaving that role when her family moved to Canberra in 2012. Joanna was a Deputy Principal in two Wellington (NZ) schools, prior to her role with RSNZ. As a Mathematics and Science teacher, Joanna is passionate about promoting Science, Mathematics and Technology as important subjects to consider when in Years 11 and 12.

Ellena Papas

Executive Director (Operations)
BEd, BMus, ML

Ellena graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Education majoring in Music (Primary and Secondary). She also holds a Bachelor of Music, Performance from UQ. Ellena is an experienced senior leader, passionate about girls' education and a great believer in a holistic approach to the development of children and young women. She held the position of Dean of Co-curriculum at Brisbane Girls Grammar School for four years and prior to that was the Director of Music at Sunshine Coast Grammar, Moreton Bay College and St Margaret's Anglican Girls School. Ellena is a professional musician who has played with the Queensland Symphony and a Rhythmic Gymnastics Judge who has participated in the Sydney Olympics and the Commonwealth Games.