A widely recognised leader in education in Australia and internationally, in 2019, Dr Helen Drennen AM, was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Studio Schools of Australia.

Previously, Helen served 15 distinguished years as Principal of Wesley College in Melbourne. She was the first female to be appointed Principal in the College’s 152 years history. Between 2003 and 2018, Helen led the College through an historic period of transformation, innovation and change.

Helen’s career has spanned Victorian State, Australian National, and International Education, and she has taught in both Government and Independent school sectors in Australia and overseas.

Helen is currently the Chair of the International Baccalaureate Board of Governors, with Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, serving in this role since November 2020. In 2010, Helen was made a Fellow of the Australian College of Educators (FACE) and a Fellow of the Australian College of Educational Leaders (FACEL) in 2011. In 2016, she was recognised in the Australia Day Honours list as a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia.

Rita Rose is a senior finance and corporate services executive with more than 20 years’ experience strengthening governance, improving systems, and driving organisational growth across education, health, and Aboriginal community‑controlled organisations. With a background in Big 4 advisory and senior roles including CFO, Director of Business Operations, and Executive Manager – Corporate Services, she brings deep expertise in financial management, risk, compliance, and multi‑entity reporting.

Rita is known for delivering operational efficiencies, enhancing cost recovery, and implementing robust frameworks that support sustainable expansion. She holds a Master of Professional Accounting, a Bachelor of Information Technology (Business), and a Certificate in Governance Practice. As Business Manager, she supports Studio Schools’ strategic direction by ensuring strong financial stewardship, compliance and high‑performing corporate operations.

In joining Studio Schools, Rita brings a passion for education, community impact, and operational excellence — supporting the organisation’s mission to deliver innovative, place‑based learning pathways for young people.

Ben Marsland is the Acting Principal of Yiramalay Studio School, where he is committed to creating purposeful educational opportunities that empower young people to thrive culturally, academically, and personally. Beginning his career as a music educator, Ben has built a diverse leadership portfolio across some of Australia's most respected independent schools.

Ben’s Yiramalay story commenced in the 2010s when he led three early Induction Programs. Prior to returning to Yiramalay, Ben served as Head of Wesley at Clunes, leading a renowned residential learning program centred on personal growth, experiential education, and community living. He also held the position of Deputy Principal at Scotch Oakburn College in Tasmania, one of the state's leading independent schools and home to Tasmania's largest boarding community.

Ben's leadership philosophy is grounded in relationships and a belief in the transformative power of education. He is passionate about fostering student wellbeing, developing high-performing teams, and working alongside communities to create learning environments where every young person can discover their potential and build a successful future.

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Rosie Tabuaucu is an experienced educator, teacher trainer and school leader with extensive expertise in Indigenous and remote education across Australia and Fiji. 

Prior to SSA, Rosie led Wulungarra CommunitySchool, a remote Aboriginal independent school in the Kimberley region, for eight years. Her career also includes teaching roles at CAPS Kurrawang and CAPS Coolgardie, and school leadership positions in Fiji.

Rosie holds a Master of Education specialising in Assessment, Measurement and Evaluation, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Good Governance. She is registered to teach in both WA and the NT.

Rosie is deeply committed to equity, cultural respect and improving outcomes for Aboriginal students. She believes education can transform lives by building the confidence, skills and aspirations young eople need to succeed.

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