From Our Head of Secondary School

Staff leadership in 2025

Friday, 22 November 2024
As we approach the next school year, I’m becoming excited about all it holds in store for Investigator College. Earlier this year we adopted a 7-12 structure under one Head of School. That role has been highly rewarding for me and we have received very positive feedback on the new leadership model. In 2025 and beyond, the 7-12 model will remain and will be further supported by a new leadership team in the Secondary School.
Jodie O'Donnell

Jodie O'Donnell

Head of Secondary School

All year levels from 7-10 will now be supported by one single coordinator, who will be supported by Home Group teachers at each year level, as well as subject teachers and of course the Head of Secondary School. Each coordinator will also take on a HG at their respective year levels and the leadership of one of our four Houses. They will work closely with our House Captains and leaders.

Our Year 11/12 Coordinator will still cover the two year levels, as they will track student SACE progress from Year 11 and we have a number of students engaging in Stage 2 subjects from Year 11. The 11/12 Coordinator will also take a Year 12 HG and work closely with our College Captains and Vice Captains.

In line with our goal to guide every student in their pathway of choice, we are also introducing the position of SACE and Future Pathways Coordinator. This role is designed to engage students in explorations and dialogue about their pathways beyond school, develop and deliver career education programs for Years 10, 11 and 12, and further develop our offerings of VET courses. The SACE and Future Pathways Coordinator will guide and track the progress of every student from Year 10.

The creation and development of these new and exciting positions is in line with the College’s strategic plan and the six pillars that drive our mission and values to create the best pathway for every Investigator College student.

It gives me great pleasure to announce our new leadership team for 2025…

Edwina Bruce: Year 7 Coordinator, College Chaplain & Banksia House Leader

“Over my 20-year career, I have had the privilege of teaching both overseas and locally in independent Anglican schools, spanning Junior and Middle School levels. Prior to joining Investigator College, I spent 12 years teaching Middle School at Woodcroft College, where I also served as the Head of SAPSASA. My time in Middle School was dynamic and rewarding, allowing me to teach a diverse range of subjects while fostering meaningful relationships with students across disciplines. For the past four years, I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching Year 5 at Investigator College. However, I am now eager to transition back into the Middle Years, where I can apply my experience and passion for holistic education to inspire students academically, while also helping them develop a strong sense of character and values.”

Raji Kaur: Year 8 Coordinator & Wattle House Leader

“My name is Raji Kaur, and I completed my studies at Flinders University in 2019. Since 2021, I have been teaching at Investigator College, where I’ve had the privilege of teaching a variety of subjects to diverse groups of students. Having taught along the Fleurieu Peninsula, I gained valuable experience in effective teaching practices and adapting to the needs of different learners. Born and raised in this community, I have a deep and strong connection to the area. I take pride in creating a welcoming and supportive environment that fosters growth and belonging for all students. My commitment to education is driven by my passion for supporting young people, helping them overcome challenges, discover their potential, and thrive.”

Emma McDonald: Year 9 Coordinator & Blue Gum House Leader

“My name is Emma McDonald (previously known as Carter) and I have been a teacher at Investigator College since 2020. Prior to this, after graduating university in 2019, I have taught a variety of subjects in a variety of schools across Adelaide and within the local Fleurieu. I am dedicated to fostering an engaging and supportive learning environment where students can thrive both academically and personally. My passion for teaching is complemented by a love of cooking, which I incorporate into my approach to connect with students, inspire creativity, and foster a sense of community within the classroom. My commitment to student success is evident in my personalised teaching style, encouraging each learner to reach their fullest potential, develop new skills, and build lifelong learners.”

Rachael Egan: Year 10 Coordinator & Waratah House Leader

“I am a passionate teacher who is focused on student wellbeing and sharing my interests in relation to the study of English, with over 20 years classroom teaching experience, predominantly in Middle and Senior School, teaching English. I have experience as a Senior School mentor, as well as leadership experience through the coordination of House programs, assisting in the coordination of curriculum development teams, Year 10 coordination, the wellbeing of Senior School students and as the Chairperson of the Board at St Augustine’s Primary School.”

Simone Bonser: Year 11/12 Coordinator

“With 16 years in education, I bring expertise in teaching, leadership, and student development. Holding a Certificate III in Hospitality (Operations) and having led international study/exchange tours to Laos, Germany, and Italy, I am committed to fostering both the academic and personal growth of students. During my 13 years at fellow Anglican school Woodcroft College, I held roles of Year 10 Coordinator and Head of Home Economics. For the past 18 months, I have had the privilege of serving as Year 11 and 12 Coordinator, collaborating closely with our College Captains and Vice Captains, and assisting students through their SACE journey while prioritising their personal and academic wellbeing.”

Melissa Kerin: SACE & Future Pathways Coordinator

Mel will be joining Investigator College in 2025. She has worked within the public sector for the past seven years and is a dedicated HaSS teacher and active member of HTASA. Mel’s career has evolved through roles such as House Leader and Year Level Manager, where she supported students’ academic and emotional growth. Currently, Mel leads VET, Student Pathways and interdisciplinary subjects such as EIF and Research Project, during which she has developed an extensive network of opportunities for students across the Fleurieu region, working with industry to develop world-class facilities for VET-based learning at her current site. Mel has strong values that influence her student-centred approach as she works to build strong relationships and foster opportunities for every student to thrive.

2025 looks to be an exciting year for Investigator College. We will welcome this new leadership team in the Secondary School and watch in anticipation as our new Innovation Centre begins to take shape.

At this time, I would like to thank the incredible work of some our outgoing leaders in their respective positions. David Marks, current Year 8 Coordinator, Nicole Ranson, current 9/10 Coordinator and Robert Oldham, SACE/VET Coordinator. As longstanding and highly valued members of the Investigator community, they have all fulfilled their roles with professionalism and rigour. Thankfully they remain on staff with us and will pursue other ventures.

With only two weeks remaining after this one, it is a very busy time, but there is so much to look forward to. We wish our Year 10s and 11s all the best for their upcoming exams and Head Start programs.

We also look forward in excitement and anticipation for our Year 12 SACE/VET results to be released on Monday 16 December.

Jodie O'Donnell
Head of Secondary School
learn@investigator.sa.edu.au

Recent College News

Year 12 graduates dream big for 2025 and beyond

Year 12 graduates dream big for 2025 and beyond

Future physicists, lawyers, educators, health professionals and winemakers are among the Class of 2024. We catch up with seven of them to discuss their final year, university studies, and career aspirations.

read more
Early Learning Centre capacity increased

Early Learning Centre capacity increased

More 3- and 4-year-olds than ever before are set to benefit from an early childhood education, as Victor Harbor-based Little Investigators Early Learning Centre expands its capacity.

read more
Farewell for 2024

Farewell for 2024

Investigator College is forging ahead in a new direction as we look to the future and the evolving world that is...

read more