St Peter's Girls' Leadership

Cherylyn Skewes commenced as Principal of St Peter’s Girls at the start of 2023, bringing a wealth of educational and leadership experience from ELC to Senior School. She holds a Master of Education (Curriculum and Administration Studies) and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. With core teaching expertise in Years 7 – 12 English and German, Cherylyn’s career journey boasts breadth and depth. She held various leadership roles at St Peter’s College in Adelaide, was founding Principal of the reimagined Annesley Junior School and spent five years as Principal of Leibler Yavneh College in Melbourne. In 2022, Cherylyn was invited to join Independent Schools Victoria as a Principal Consultant, developing strategies with educational experts and Principals. Cherylyn has an abiding passion for the holistic and future-focused education of girls, and a strong belief in the important and unique role that committed school communities such as Saints Girls play in the lives of our children.

Prior to her arrival at Stonyfell, Lauren Sutton was the Director of Students at Mary MacKillop College where she performed various leadership, pastoral care and wellbeing roles for a decade. She is a graduate of Flinders University with a Bachelor of Education and Arts (Secondary), and more recently, a Master of Education (Management and Leadership). Lauren appreciates the value of all-girls’ education, and has a particular interest in student leadership, student agency and student voice. She is also extremely passionate about health and fitness, and has a long association with netball including competing in the State League.

Emma Smerdon (née Bailey, Patteson 2005) holds a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability, a Master of Teaching, and a Master of Education (Learning and Leadership). She advocates for the middle years as a time of growth, grounded in well-rounded learning experiences. Emma has a deep understanding of the value of connection and the importance of fostering relationships to empower girls in their educational journey. A highly regarded Old Scholar and staff member at St Peter’s Girls’ School for the past decade, Emma’s leadership progression reflects her many contributions to the School’s ongoing growth.

Marika is an experienced educational leader with an unwavering commitment to girls’ education and inspiring excellence in teaching and learning. With over 20 years of teaching and leadership experience, Marika brings great insight and expertise to Saints Girls. She is dedicated to nurturing every student’s academic, social, emotional, physical and spiritual development. She believes in cultivating curiosity, creativity and a rich love for learning, supporting both students and educators to excel. Her passionate belief in holistic girls’ education aligns closely with our School values and commitment to inspiring students to become women of character and influence. Marika has presented at national educational conferences, led dynamic academic research projects and is currently shaping future-focused educational outcomes for girls.

Karen’s career reflects a distinguished track record across various sectors, particularly in finance and executive leadership roles. She has held pivotal positions, including Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and General Manager, in both private and public organisations in Australia and the UK. Her expertise spans industries such as Health, Disability, Tourism, Engineering, Legal, and B2B/B2C services. With a strong commitment to governance and a comprehensive approach to business management, Karen holds a Master of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Business, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She is also a Fellow of the Certified Practising Accountants (CPA) Australia. Karen’s passion for community service is evident in her extensive involvement in the not-for-profit sector. She served as both a member and Chair of St John Ambulance SA and continues to contribute as a current board member of St John Ambulance Australia. Karen is also a current board member of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.

Belinda’s career spans diverse sectors and across values-driven organisations. With management expertise in strategic marketing, stakeholder engagement, partnership development and donor stewardship, she is a passionate advocate for the advancement function in schools and active committee member of the sector association, Educate Plus SA/NT Chapter. Prior to joining St Peter’s Girls, Belinda held the position of Advancement Manager at Saint Ignatius’ College Adelaide, leading the Enrolment, Community, Marketing, Communications and Philanthropy functions. Belinda holds a Master of Business Administration and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Belinda grew up in Victoria and attributes much of her life success to her mother Margaret Downs Head Prefect 1956, who embraced the education afforded to her at St Peter’s Girls and modelled the School values in all aspects of her life beyond her time at school.

Liz is a highly skilled teacher, successful leader, and advocate for Early Childhood Education. She has a diverse range of experiences across Early Learning to Year 7 and brings an incredible dedication and skillset to the role of ELC Director. Liz has a passion for developing quality future-focused education programs for our youngest learners and recognises the importance of each child’s unique learning journey.

James Lawes is a Chartered Accountant and auditor with more than 18 years’ experience working for Ernst & Young (EY) in Queensland, Victoria and South Australia. He has advised several clients across a wide range of industries, including media and entertainment, manufacturing, aged care and education. James and his wife, Beba, currently have one daughter at the School. James chairs the Executive and Finance Committee and is a member of the Project Control Group and Risk Committee.

Specialising in property and construction, Daniel Dello Iacovo is the Managing Director of Trice, an asset, development and project management company he founded in 2008. Daniel, who commenced his career as a Quantity Surveyor, has more than 25 years’ experience in successfully creating, shaping and delivering property solutions locally and internationally. With a Bachelor’s degree in Building, Daniel is a Member of the Australian Institute of Project Management and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, and has held the office of committee Chair with the Property Council of Australia. His experience comprises creation and repositioning of assets in a number of sectors including education, health and wellbeing, horticulture, as well as various commercial ventures.

Carol Fort is distinguished leader with a rich background in academia and education. With a proven success in undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs, Carol has served in pivotal roles, including Director of various academic programs and Dean of International Studies at Flinders University. Carol has served as the SACE Board Chief Assessor for History, as well as being the President of the History Council of SA. Her leadership roles also extend globally, having been a Course Leader at UNESCO IHE, Delft, Johannesburg, Tampere (Fi), and Yunnan. Carol Fort brings a wealth of experience, a passion for education, and a commitment to fostering leadership and innovation to her role as a board member. Her multifaceted background and dedication to academic excellence makes her a valuable addition.

Former Head Prefect Rebecca Slimming (Kennion 2013) is a passionate Saints Girl who has maintained a strong connection with the School having been a member of the Old Scholars’ Council, a tutor for the Old Scholars’ Tutor Program and an organiser of interstate reunions. In 2018, Rebecca completed a double degree in Law with First Class Honours and Psychology at the University of Adelaide. She then moved to Sydney where she formally commenced her legal career and was admitted as a solicitor. In 2021, she worked as a Tipstaff to the Honourable Justice Helen Wilson in the Supreme Court of New South Wales. Since 2022, she has assisted local and international clients with complex commercial disputes. Rebecca chairs the Risk Committee and is a member of the Finance Committee.

Lauren is a marketing strategist and entrepreneur, and an experienced Non-Executive Director, as well as being a current parent and Old Scholar of the School. She leads Marketing and Business Development at Craig Linke: a multi-disciplinary interior design and building company she co-founded with her husband, Craig. Starting as a print journalist, Lauren’s career spans journalism, marketing, political advisory and communications roles. Highlights have included three years leading a scaled marketing team at Facebook (Meta) in San Francisco, and a stint in Burberry’s marketing team in London. Both of Lauren‘s children attended the ELC, with her daughter Sophia, subsequently commencing in Mid-Year Reception in 2023. A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Lauren currently sits on several not-for-profit Boards. She is a member of the School’s Project Control Group and Governance & Nominations committee.