Leadership Team

	Liz Pelling – Principal Liz Pelling joined Colonel Light Gardens Primary School in 2022, transitioning from her previous role at Coromandel Valley Primary School. As she embarks on her second principalship, Liz is dedicated to advancing the Site Learning Plan through close collaboration with the school community to enhance student learning opportunities at CLG. With extensive experience in various curriculum roles, as well as Deputy and Principal leadership positions, Liz is committed to providing leadership and support to staff. She encourages continuous reflection on quality learning initiatives to foster educational excellence. With a passion for student agency and the development of learning dispositions she encourages both creative and evidence based learning approaches. In her role as Principal, Liz also oversees a range of responsibilities, including communication, finance, curriculum initiatives, the Education subcommittee, and staff development.
	Lisa Chakiris - Deputy Principal We are delighted to have Lisa Chakiris as our Deputy Principal for Student Services and Inclusion at Colonel Light Gardens Primary School. With over 10 years of leadership experience, Lisa is passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and supported. Her extensive background includes working in diverse educational settings, such as London, One Tree Hill, and Burnside Primary School. Lisa is dedicated to ensuring that all students have access to the resources and support their need to succeed. She works closely with families and staff to make necessary accommodations and adjustments, catering to the unique needs of each child and fostering a sense of belonging and community. Her commitment to student success makes her a cherished member of our school family.

	Penny Rowe – Assistant Principal Penny Rowe joined Colonel Light Gardens Primary School in 2018 as Assistant Principal, bringing extensive experience from both interstate and international roles within the education sector. Her primary focus is on leading the Junior Primary, Digital Learning, and Literacy programs, ensuring the continuous enhancement of student learning opportunities at CLG. Penny takes pride in building strong relationships with families, students, and staff. She brings a wealth of expertise in teaching and learning, strategic planning, policy writing, play pedagogy, and leveraging digital technologies to enhance learning outcomes. Valuing student agency, Penny enjoys working closely with teachers and students to improve learning outcomes. With a background in diverse areas of the school, she is dedicated to providing leadership and support for staff, encouraging reflection and innovation in teaching practices. Her role also encompasses responsibilities in curriculum development, digital integration, and fostering literacy excellence. Penny is committed to working collaboratively with the school community to drive improvement and inspire a love of learning.
	Stew Nancarrow – Assistant Principal Before joining Colonel Light Gardens Primary School in 2023, Stew Nancarrow served as a Middle School Leader at Blackwood High School, focusing on Learner Improvement and Pedagogy. He also led Learner Agency initiatives at the primary level at Eden Hills Primary School. As Assistant Principal at CLG, Stew is dedicated to fostering high-quality teaching and learning while implementing the new South Australian Curriculum across all year levels. With extensive experience in classroom management, pedagogy, curriculum development, and providing intellectual support and challenge, Stew is committed to supporting the implementation of our Site Improvement Plan, particularly in enhancing Numeracy development and developing Learner Agency across the school. Stew is deeply committed to becoming an integral part of the CLG community and is eager to build on its already strong foundations.
Wellbeing Team
	Michelle Bawden – Wellbeing Coordinator Michelle has been immersed in the CLG culture since 2019, having taught Visual Arts across the year levels. She is passionate about wellbeing and enhancing students’ lives through a positive education approach, and is currently studying a Masters in Art Therapy. Her focus as Wellbeing and Engagement Coordinator is to strengthen student wellbeing and community wellbeing as a whole school priority, with wellbeing critical to shaping a positive future for students and ultimately the world. Michelle will be putting her creative flair into the existing social emotional programs and developing student agency and voice within our shared wellbeing world, here at CLG. Michelle enjoys working alongside students, staff and the community to ensure that people are valued, heard and respected with all their innate gifts and strengths, creating moments that will be memorable and treasured.
	Stew Allen – Positive Behaviour for Learning Coordinator Since joining CLGPS in 2024 as a Year 6 teacher, Stew Allen has taken on the role of Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) Coordinator, drawing on his extensive background in student wellbeing and inclusive education. With previous experience as a Transition Coordinator and Deputy Principal in a DfE behaviour unit, along with work in multiple low-category schools, he possesses a deep understanding of complex behaviours and effective support strategies. Central to his approach is the belief that strong and respectful relationships form the foundation for meaningful behaviour change and student growth. His leadership has successfully implemented PBL practices across the school, fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where all students can thrive. Through consistent modelling, coaching, and collaboration with staff, students, and families, Stew is dedicated to maintaining a positive school culture that empowers students to make responsible choices and achieve success both socially and academically.
	Becky Cassin – Autism Inclusion Teacher Becky has been a part of the CLG team since 2015. In 2023, she embraced the role of Autism Inclusion Teacher. She is passionate about neurodiversity and helping to grow a culture that is strengths based and inclusive. Becky collaborates with teachers and students to enhance understanding of autism, promote autistic student voice and agency, and create student portfolios and personalised resources. She enjoys exploring sensory and environmental adjustments and engaging with our parent community.
	Pamela Hansen – Wellbeing Officer Pamela has been part of the CLGPS community since 2016 and is part of the Wellbeing Team here at GLGPS. Pamela is a Wellbeing Officer and is part of the National Wellbeing Program. Pamela comes from a creative arts therapeutic background and has worked over many community development sectors, which has enriched her life. While here at CLGPS, Pamela continues to promote and support what a healthy and positive wellbeing can look like. Pamela continues to work alongside students one on one and runs social skills programs for small groups. She meets students where they are at and provides opportunities for all students to have a voice and develop a positive sense of self worth, with the intent to equip students and allow them to develop a confidence and resilience within themselves.

Leadership Team

Wellbeing Team