Leadership Team
Principal's Welcome
Welcome and thank you for considering Waverley College for your son’s education.
At Waverley, we strive to empower every student to reach their potential. We are a Catholic school for boys in the Edmund Rice Tradition that is proud to be unique for our inclusive community and authentic and innovative approach to educating young men of faith and integrity from Years 5 to 12.
As Principal, I believe that it is our responsibility to partner with you in supporting your son to grow cognitively, socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Since the College’s foundation in 1903, Waverley graduates have made significant contributions to all aspects of life in Australia and internationally. Our holistic approach to education focuses on the relationship between innovative teaching and learning, formation and wellbeing. We focus on nurturing connection, building capacity and resilience, and developing character, collaboration, creativity and a love of learning.
At the heart of the College is a strong sense of community. We are a proud member of Edmund Rice Education Australia - a global network of more than 280 schools and entities across 22 countries, educating over 200,000 students worldwide. We are also fortunate to benefit not only from outstanding educational and sporting facilities, but also from the support and expertise of our dedicated staff, College Advisory Council, Old Boys’ Union, and parent body. It is this collaboration that truly enhances your family’s journey with us.
I warmly invite you to join us at one of our Open Days so that you and your son can experience the College for yourselves.
College Leadership Team
Principal, Mr Graham Leddie
BA GradDipEd MEDL MRE MACE
Mr Leddie has served as Principal of Waverley College since 2017 and brings more than 20 years’ experience in educational leadership across leading Australian schools. He is committed to an environment where young men flourish academically, socially and spiritually, with a strong emphasis on high-quality teaching and student wellbeing. Prior to Waverley, he held senior leadership roles at St Joseph’s Nudgee College, The Rockhampton Grammar School and SCECGS Redlands. Holding Master’s degrees in Educational Leadership and Religious Education and completing the Stanford Business Executive Program, Graham leads the College’s strategic direction with a focus on innovation, formation and lifelong learning.
Deputy Principal - Teaching & Learning, Ms lynsey porter
BA (Hons) PGCE English
Ms Porter is the Deputy Principal - Teaching & Learning and brings more than 20 years experience in education across the UK and Australia. Formerly Head of English and Director of Curriculum at Waverley College, she is widely respected for her expertise in curriculum and pedagogy. Lynsey holds qualifications from the University of Liverpool, the University of Manchester and Australian Catholic University, and is undertaking a Master of Educational Leadership. She leads academic programs and teacher development to support confident, independent learners prepared for a changing world.
Deputy Principal - Students, Mr JOHN ALLEN
MSc (Science & Medicine of Athletic Performance), GradDipEd (PDHPE), BA (Human Movement Studies)
Mr Allen is the Deputy Principal - Students and brings more than 20 years’ experience in teaching across Australia and the UK. Prior to Waverley College, he held senior leadership roles at Trinity Grammar School and previously taught in Oxford, England and other Australian schools, developing expertise in pastoral care, wellbeing and student leadership. With qualifications from the University of Oxford and extensive experience supporting student growth and character formation, John leads the strategic development of student care, discipline, and wellbeing, fostering a culture where boys are known, valued and challenged.
Junior School Director, Ms ALANNA JAMES
BEd in Special Education
Ms James is the Director of Junior School and brings more than 15 years’ experience in independent education. With a background in special education and previous roles including Acting Deputy Principal and Head of Primary, she focuses on evidence-based teaching, student wellbeing and strong partnerships with families. Alanna works to create a safe and supportive learning environment where boys build confidence, curiosity and strong foundations for learning.
Director of Curriculum, Ms Martina Cooper
BA(Hons) GradDipEd, GradDipCatechetics, GradDipTESOL
Ms Cooper is the Director of Curriculum and brings more than 20 years’ experience in curriculum leadership, including Head of Religion at Waverley College. Educated in Ireland, she holds postgraduate qualifications in education, catechetics and TESOL and has extensive experience as an HSC marker and Supervisor of Marking. Martina develops academic programs that promote holistic education in the Edmund Rice tradition and support globally minded students.
Director of Student Wellbeing, MS Rebecca Gair
M.Ed (Education Leadership), GradDipEd (Secondary), GradCertRE, BEd Health Science
Ms Gair is the Director of Student Wellbeing and focuses on forming confident and compassionate young men through a whole-school wellbeing approach. With qualifications in Health and Movement Science and a Master of Educational Leadership, she has led the development of the College’s wellbeing framework and immersion experiences. Rebecca promotes the connection between physical health, mental fitness and academic engagement, fostering resilience, purpose and service.
Director of Identity and Global Advocacy, Ms Suzanne Walsh
Bachelor of Education (BEd), Master of Education (MEd)
Ms Walsh is the Director of Identity & Global Advocacy and brings more than 30 years’ experience in Catholic education across Australia and the United States. She holds a Bachelor of Education (BEd) and a Master of Education (MEd), and has a strong background in pastoral leadership and youth ministry. Suzanne supports faith formation and service learning throughout the College, helping students live the values of faith, compassion and service in action.
Director of Co-curricular, Mr Stephen O’Donnell
MEd (Educational Leadership), BEd Human Movement and Health Education
Mr O’Donnell, is the Director of Co-curricular and brings more than 20 years’ experience in teaching across Australia and the UK. Holding a Master of Educational Leadership, he has coached and led numerous sporting programs including CAS premiership teams, Nippers Surf Life Saving and representative rugby. Stephen oversees a broad co-curricular program that promotes participation, teamwork and character development through sport and cultural activities.
Director of ICT, Campus & Innovation, MR Simon Potter
Simon Potter is Director of ICT, Campus & Innovation and has been part of the Waverley College community since 2005. Originally from the UK, he built his career in network infrastructure and technical leadership before emigrating to Australia. Simon oversees the College’s technology systems and digital infrastructure, ensuring reliable services that support teaching, learning and innovation across the campus.
Business Manager, MR Andre Airola
Andre Airola is Director of Business Services and a Certified Public Accountant with more than 20 years’ experience in financial management across Australia and Brazil. Previously at St Catherine’s School, he specialises in financial governance, operational efficiency and strategic planning. Andre oversees the College’s business operations and financial stewardship to support sustainable growth aligned with the College’s mission.
Waverley College Advisory Council
Mr Patrick McClure AO - Chair
Mr McClure AO is a respected leader in the social purpose sector with extensive experience in governance, policy, and community development. A proud Waverley College Old Boy, he is passionate about ethical leadership, social impact, and supporting initiatives that strengthen communities.
Ms Claire Anstis
Ms Anstis is an interior designer and stylist with experience in residential and hospitality projects. She is a proud parent and Waverley College collaborator, bringing creativity and attention to detail to her work.
Ms Fran Grant
Ms Grant is a Yuin woman, educator, and passionate advocate for Indigenous education and reconciliation. Known to students at Waverley as “Aunty Fran,” she works to create opportunities, celebrate culture, and support positive outcomes for First Nations communities.
Ms Danika Johnston
Ms Johnston is a senior marketing and commercial executive with 24 years’ experience in media and digital strategy. A proud parent at the College, she is passionate about using her expertise to drive innovation, creativity, and positive social impact.
Ms Joelle Kinsella
Joelle Kinsella is an Educational and Developmental Psychologist with 19 years’ experience and a strong commitment to young people’s mental health, early intervention and student wellbeing. She has worked across primary and secondary schools in Dublin, London, Melbourne and Sydney, including roles at Shore School and previously at Waverley College. She currently works in private practice, supporting adolescents and their families across a broad range of needs.
Joelle holds a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) from University College Dublin and a Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental) from Monash University. She is registered with AHPRA and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society.
Mr Todd Cunningham
Mr Cunningham is a senior police leader with 34 years’ operational experience across community and specialist policing. A Waverley Old Boy, he brings expertise in leadership, emergency management, and risk, and has worked closely with local, State and Federal agencies.
Dr Mark Schrembri
Dr Schrembri is a medical and veterinary professional with global experience in pastoral care, residential colleges, and healthcare. He has held leadership roles at UNSW, Harvard, and the University of Sydney, and works as a doctor in women’s health at Royal North Shore Hospital.
Mr Grant Dillon
Mr Dillon is Head of Commercial Finance and Merchandise Planning at BIG W with extensive experience in finance, audit, and business innovation. He brings expertise in commercial strategy and data analysis, and is a parent at Waverley College.
Mr Graham Leddie
Mr Leddie has led Waverley College as Principal since 2017. He holds master’s degrees in Educational and Religious Leadership and has extensive experience in school leadership, strategic management, and innovative education practices.