Luke Symes
Port Melbourne
Summary
As a seasoned professional with close to 30 years in education, and 15 years in senior educational leadership; I have developed a strong level of knowledge, hold relevant qualifications & certifications, and job specific experience. I have developed a wide-ranging expertise in the field of education-based management, administration, operations, strategy, and teaching & learning. I am passionate about empowering the staff I lead and the emerging leaders I manage and collaborate with, to achieve their personal and professional goals. I have been responsible for guiding staff through professional development training to both further their own careers and knowledge, and to further the success of the organization, whilst maintaining a key focus on student learning and development.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Primary Principal / Head of Campus
Geelong Lutheran College
07.2025 - Current
- Developed and implemented educational programs aligned with curriculum standards.
- Collaborated with staff to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Led professional development sessions to improve teaching methodologies.
- Fostered a positive school culture through community-building initiatives.
- Managed school operations ensuring compliance with educational regulations.
- Facilitated communication between parents, teachers, and administration for transparency.
- Analyzed student performance data to inform instructional strategies.
- Improved teacher retention rates by providing ongoing support, mentorship, and professional growth opportunities for staff members.
- Streamlined administrative processes through effective implementation of new technology systems for scheduling appointments, managing resources or communicating with stakeholders.
Principal
Uppsala International School
07.2024 - 06.2025
- Developed and implemented curriculum enhancements to improve student engagement and performance.
- Fostered a collaborative school culture through regular communication with staff, students, and parents.
- Led professional development workshops focused on instructional strategies and classroom management techniques.
- Monitored academic progress and identified areas for improvement through data analysis and assessment reviews.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by promoting open communication among staff, students, and parents.
- Streamlined administrative processes to increase efficiency in school operations and resource allocation.
- Evaluated faculty performance through observations, feedback, and goal-setting initiatives to promote professional growth.
- Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification.
- Oversaw the development of extracurricular programs that enhanced student life beyond the classroom setting.
Principal
Internationella Engelska Skolan
01.2021 - 06.2024
- Established partnerships with local organizations to enhance extracurricular offerings and community involvement.
- Streamlined administrative processes to increase efficiency in school operations and resource allocation.
- Developed and implemented curriculum enhancements to improve student engagement and performance.
- Fostered a collaborative school culture through regular communication with staff, students, and parents.
- Led school improvement efforts by setting clear expectations for staff performance and providing regular feedback on progress towards goals.
- Implemented innovative approaches to teaching and learning that improved student engagement and achievement levels.
- Mentored new teachers during their induction period resulting in higher retention rates of quality educators.
Deputy Principal / Head of Campus
Bacchus Marsh Grammar
01.2013 - 12.2020
- Facilitated development and implementation of school-wide educational strategies and programs.
- Collaborated with faculty to enhance curriculum delivery and student engagement initiatives.
- Oversaw student welfare programs, ensuring supportive learning environments for all students.
- Led professional development workshops for educators to improve teaching practices and effectiveness.
- Analyzed student performance data to inform strategic decision-making and resource allocation.
- Coordinated communication between administration, staff, parents, and community stakeholders to foster collaboration.
- Mentored new staff members, providing guidance on best practices in classroom management and pedagogy.
- Implemented policies to promote inclusivity and diversity within the school community.
- Coordinated community outreach efforts to strengthen partnerships between the school and local organizations.
- Streamlined administrative processes for efficiency, reducing paperwork and increasing time spent on educational initiatives.
- Evaluated teacher performance through classroom observations, providing constructive feedback for continued improvement.
- Managed budgets effectively while prioritizing resources for maximum impact on student outcomes.
- Administered personnel policies and procedures for school faculty and staff.
- Proven record of developing and implementing school policies to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Prepared school budget and submitted to school board with recommendations for hiring, capital expenditures, and cost-saving initiatives.
Head of Physical Education & Sport
Canadian International School
01.2011 - 12.2012
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction
British International School of Stockholm
01.2005 - 12.2010
- Led curriculum development initiatives to enhance instructional quality and student engagement.
- Collaborated with educators to implement innovative teaching strategies and assessment methods.
- Mentored faculty in integrating technology into lesson plans for improved learning outcomes.
- Designed professional development workshops focused on best practices in curriculum implementation.
Education
Bachelor of Education - Education - Teaching & Learning
University of Ballarat
Ballarat, VICMaster of Education - Educational Leadership And Management
Stockholm University
Stockholm, SwedenMaster of Global Development - Political Science And Government / Human Rights
Griffith University
QLDSkills
- Instructional leadership
- Student engagement
- Parent communication
- Staff management
- Teacher training
- Curriculum design
- Special education
- School operations
- Educational administration
- Organizational leadership
- Relationship building and networking
- Organizational management
- Strategic leadership
- Operational planning
- Public speaking
- Discipline management
- Stakeholder management
- New student orientation
- Innovation management
Certification
ICF: Professional Certified Coach - Level 2
- Certified Neuro Linguistic Programming Practitioner
- Certified Executive Coach
- Certified Organizational Development Coach
- Certified Career Coach
- Certified Leadership Coach
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Swedish
Full Professional
Timeline
Primary Principal / Head of Campus
Geelong Lutheran College
07.2025 - Current
Principal
Uppsala International School
07.2024 - 06.2025
Principal
Internationella Engelska Skolan
01.2021 - 06.2024
Deputy Principal / Head of Campus
Bacchus Marsh Grammar
01.2013 - 12.2020
Head of Physical Education & Sport
Canadian International School
01.2011 - 12.2012
Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction
British International School of Stockholm
01.2005 - 12.2010
Bachelor of Education - Education - Teaching & Learning
University of Ballarat
Master of Education - Educational Leadership And Management
Stockholm University
Master of Global Development - Political Science And Government / Human Rights
Griffith University