 "Arcadia College")
Arcadia College is very fortunate to have an exceptional and dedicated Board of Directors. They lead the vision of the organisation by developing a sustainable long-term growth strategy to help disadvantaged youth re-engage in education.
Our Staff
Aaron Devine is a respected education and board executive with over 20 years of leadership experience in Australia's top educational institutions. He's dedicated to student success, ensuring equitable access to quality education for all, regardless of their circumstances.
Aaron's expertise spans both tertiary and school education. He led the establishment of TAFE Queensland Brisbane with over 40,000 students was the CEO of the Gold Coast Institute of TAFE, and led Charles Darwin University and the Drysdale Institute to Training Provider of the Year. His background also includes legal experience as a Solicitor in Victoria, specializing in Commercial Law, Civil Litigation, and Employment Law.
Aaron has held key advisory roles in the Tasmanian government, serving as a Senior Adviser to the former Premier of Tasmania and Senior Policy Adviser to the Minister for Vocational Education and Training.
Aaron is highly regarded for his governance and leadership skills and his expertise is regularly sort in his role as a non-executive director.
Tahlia is the Principal of Arcadia College. She brings a wealth of knowledge to the school and holds a Bachelor of Education (Secondary), a Bachelor of Behavioural Studies (Psychology), and a Master of Forensic Mental Health. Additionally, she is currently a Doctoral Candidate at Southern Cross University, researching the topic of School Improvement through the Arts. Tahlia believes that Arcadia College provides a unique form of education. The motivated and committed staff facilitate an innovative and flexible educational program, with a focus on individual opportunity and success. Tahlia is very proud of how the school has grown and evolved since its beginning. As the school moves to a new campus at Robina in 2021, Tahlia’s focus is to continue to cater for a unique student group, and to foster and support their individual successes. The aim is that the students will be healthy, happy, and successful learners who continue on their individual pathways into a prosperous adulthood. Tahlia draws inspiration from Elliot Eisner; an educator and educational researcher. His quote: “Art is literacy of the Heart.” is among Tahlia’s favourites. On weekends and school holidays, Tahlia can be found performing at venues on the Gold Coast as a Country Music Artist. She has also toured and recorded in Tennessee, USA.
Kim believes Arcadia College provides a creative and supportive approach to education by providing young people with lifelong skills to enhance their learning. We have programs that focus on student interests and personal growth to equip students to be prepared for their future and achieve their potential.
Abbey Walsh is the Assistant Principal of Senior School at Arcadia College. She is passionate about providing an inclusive environment with a focus on authentic post schooling outcomes. Abbey believes Arcadia’s unique approach fosters an environment for personal success within and beyond the classroom.
Her tertiary educational journey began with a Bachelor Degree in Psychological Science, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Secondary). In addition to this, she is currently completing her Masters of Education (Leadership). This academic foundation has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively engage and support Arcadia's diverse student body.
In Abbey's role, she oversees the Senior School's staff and students, ensuring that educational pathways are tailored to foster real-world success for each student. Abbey works closely with Southern Cross University, in delivering the UniStart Program which allows automatic entry into university for all successful Year 12 candidates. She is deeply committed to nurturing not only academic excellence but also the social and emotional well-being of her students.
Outside of her professional life, Abbey enjoys the theatre, DIY furniture projects, and spending quality time with her friends and family. These personal interests help maintain balance and enrich her life; serving as a constant reminder of the importance of nurturing passions both inside and outside the classroom.
Samantha Dunemann is the Assistant Principal of Senior School and Head of Teaching and Learning at Arcadia College. She is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment that encourages and supports students to reach their full potential. Sam believes that Arcadia College’s approach to teaching and learning nurtures a space where each student can experience individual success.
Her love for education began by studying a Bachelor of Education/Bachelor Human Services (Child and Family Studies). This equipped her to have a holistic approach to teaching. Sam has since completed a Master of Education (Educational Wellbeing) to support the college to instil wellbeing practices and initiatives across the community, that meet the needs of our diverse learners.
As part of her role, Sam assists in ensuring Senior School students have tailored pathways that meet their strengths and interests as well as supporting the design of curriculum across the college. Sam is passionate about implementing creative curriculum delivery that allows the students to feel safe, valued and represented.
Sam enjoys spending time outdoors, connecting with nature through activities like fishing, exploring waterfalls and maintaining her hobby farm. She also has a passion for creativity and finds it therapeutic to create things from scratch.
