Ken is dedicated to whole school improvement through targeted professional development and building teacher capacity to improve student outcomes. Ken’s knowledge and expertise in specific curriculum areas is matched by an understanding of whole school curriculum planning and the strategies for developing clear processes to bring about change. As a school leader, Ken’s focus was on teaching and learning and professional development for himself and those he leads. He is a leader focussed on improvement and innovation as well as working with local and wider communities and stakeholders in sustainable ways.
Terry Gallagher Director - Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, State Schools - Performance, Department of Education and Training June 1, 2016
Andre is an effective school leader, with experience in both the classroom and in managing the business side of a large independent school. He understands that quality is to do with results and ensuring young people have the range of skills necessary for their future. I know Andre works collaboratively with other staff in order to see through these ideas. I would recommend him for his unique mix of skills as well as his attention to detail and thoughtful manner.
Debbie Kemish (Hansen), Director: International School at St Paul's School, Brisbane Australia June 2, 2016
Garth is a richly experienced and successful school leader. He is a ‘specialist’ in school improvement. Specifically, Garth assesses a school’s learning community and culture, through a range of sources, to design and implement programs which provide students with optimal learning conditions.
Jeff Carr Chair - St Stephen's lutheran College Council June 3, 2016
This presentation by Ken Swan to the 160 plus teaching and support staff was an excellent catalyst for the implementation of the Pedagogical Framework as staff were able to see the connectedness of the science to the classroom practices we were looking to implement. Whilst we were confident that the new Pedagogical Model was an excellent initiative, we believe the neuroscience further reinforced and validated this for all the staff.
Llew Paulger Principal, Kelvin Grove State College June 5, 2016
Andre is one of those quiet achievers in life. He brings substantial learned-from-experience to any challenging situation. He has high ethical values that are reflected in his daily behaviour. I hold Andre in high regard and trust him implicitly.
Ken Gilbert Independent and Confidential Leadership Development Consultant, Brisbane, Australia June 6, 2016
Garth is knowledgeable, passionate and well informed about current educational and curriculum issues. He has a vision for excellence and is a fine Christian leader. Garth’s ability to think strategically, deeply and to come up with creative solutions to complex matters is widely respected. His personal skills, walking the talk and relating to students are highly regarded.
Rosemary Klingberg Chair - Prince of Peace Lutheran College Council June 7, 2016
I first came across Andre through the CEO Institute where he presented to our group some of his outstanding work in the 'strategy innovation' and implementation space within the education sector. His presentation was inspirational and took us on an engaging tour of the pressures facing the education sector. More importantly, Andre worked through a real time scenario on how one school he worked with was utilising this innovative approach to strategic mapping to prepare the school; the teaching staff; and the student body for the future. It was an engaging presentation and Andre's passion for his work and the future of the sector was clearly evident. His evolutionary strategic thinking approach and the following stakeholder engagement process to implement the project was a real 'takeaway' for us all and something I will use in my own projects going forward.
Laura Bos Marketing, Business Development and Engagement Strategist June 9, 2016
I have known Andre Van Zyl for fifteen years in various capacities including in my role as a board member of St Paul’s School where Andre fulfilled various positions at different times including Deputy Headmaster, Acting Headmaster, Executive Director of Business. More recently I have worked with Andre on Somerset Education consulting activities. I also know Andre’s personally through church, music and associated activities. Andre is a very impressive person of high integrity with a uniquely broad set of leadership, educational and financial skills.
John Somerset President of Independent Schools Quensland & Director, Somerset Education June 10, 2016
Andre is a true professional with a broad range of leadership skills acquired through his years spent in numerous leadership roles. In recent, Andre has provided me with priceless mentorship that has been guiding me through a difficult career transition. In addition, Andre has also been valuable in providing extensive business mentorship on side projects, stressing risks which in general are not easy to identify. He demonstrates high ethics and integrity with all tasks, big and small and is a true people's person.
Sunette Caroll Regional Director for Instructure Global and part-time Entrepreneur June 13, 2016