Denise Lofts commences as NSW Secondary Principals’ Council President 

With a focus on Principal Health, Wellbeing and Wisdom for the benefit of community

The NSW Secondary Principals’ Council is pleased to announce Denise Lofts, NSW SPC Deputy President (2024-2026) and Principal, Ulladulla High School, has officially commenced as NSW SPC President for 2024-2026 following the end of Craig Petersen’s second two-year term as SPC President.  

Denise Lofts said she was delighted to take on the role and acknowledged the work of the outgoing President, Craig Petersen: 

“To lead the SPC is a great honour and a privilege. I would like to thank Craig Petersen for his outstanding contribution to the Council. Craig navigated our 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.” 

As Deputy President of the NSW SPC since 2019, Ms Lofts, believes the influence of the Council in shaping education in NSW will only 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. A high-quality public education system is at the heart of my courage and compassion as I serve both principals and their schools. This service, knowledge, and commitment to public education, positions me as a respected voice in NSW education, vital in leveraging our position successfully. I understand the important part we (the SPC) play in the life of a principal. 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’.” 

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 for students, and prosperity for the community more broadly. Thriving school leadership is at the heart of a world class public education system.