Meet the new campus principal in Riverlea Park
Schools
Award-winning educational leader Dr Sandra Hewson has been appointed as the inaugural campus principal of Xavier College Riverlea Park ahead of its anticipated opening in 2027.
Dr Hewson will conclude her current tenure at St Mark’s College, Port Pirie, at the end of Term 2. She has led the school since 2022 and leaving her beloved St Mark’s, where she is currently principal, will be bittersweet.
“I’ve been here for four-and-a-half years and in the Pirie diocese for 11,” she says.
“I absolutely love my job. While I’m extremely excited about the job I’m going to, I’ve never had such mixed emotions about leaving, because it’s just been such a special place. I really enjoyed being here and have such good rapport with staff, the students and the community. It’s been a very special part of my career so I shall miss it enormously.”
Following a comprehensive recruitment process, Dr Hewson’s appointment marks a significant milestone as the first key leadership position for the new campus, which will initially cater for students from Reception to Year 6, with a planned expansion through to Year 12.
The campus will support families in one of South Australia’s fastest-growing residential communities, with strong early interest already shown through more than 300 enrolment applications.
With more than 36 years of teaching and leadership experience across Australia, the United Kingdom and Europe, Dr Hewson brings extensive expertise in educational excellence, student wellbeing and inclusive learning practices. She also has a Doctorate in Education.
Dr Hewson was born in the UK and her love of education began during childhood.
“I always wanted to be a teacher,” she says. “When I was growing up my parents would tell me that they could clearly see me as a teacher. When I was in primary school I’d set up a blackboard in the garden and educate my teddies and dolls.”
For her efforts over the years, Dr Hewson was the recent recipient of the 2026 Catholic Education Award in the category of Leadership Excellence. She was praised for demonstrating profound capacity to lead with integrity, compassion, and vision, shaping school cultures where every individual is recognised as created in the image and likeness of God.
Her leadership was also noted for not only being professional in its excellence, but spiritual in its depth, reflecting a genuine vocation to serve and to form faith-filled learning communities.
“There’s something about being in a really instructive, respectful relationship where you’re seeing people grow and you’re facilitating that growth,” Dr Hewson says. “I’ve loved every class I taught and had time for every student I taught and there have been many over the years.”
When she commences her new role in Term 3 this year, Dr Hewson will play a key role in leading the establishment of the Riverlea from the outset. As campus principal, Dr Hewson will work under
the leadership of College Principal Mark Flaherty and alongside the leaders of Xavier College’s existing campuses.
“One of the things I love is identifying – in students and staff – the capacity they don’t see in themselves and nurturing that,” she says. “It’s a real pleasure to see people take on challenges, flourish and build their self-confidence when they didn’t think it was possible.”
Catholic Education South Australia Executive Director, Dr Neil McGoran, said the appointment reflects Xavier College’s strong vision for the future and commitment to building a thriving school community across all Xavier College campuses.
“Dr Sandra Hewson is a highly respected and accomplished leader who cares deeply about students, families and staff,” Dr McGoran said.
“She understands the importance of building strong relationships and creating an environment where young people can grow and thrive, making her well placed to lead the new Riverlea Park Campus.”
Her dedication to leading school communities shows no sign of slowing down.
“I love my work as much now as when I started, perhaps even more,” she says. “I can see the impact quality Catholic education has on the lives of students, staff and families and it is a real privilege to be able to shape that experience and growth in a leadership capacity.”
Families and educators looking to be part of the new campus should visit xavier.catholic.edu.au/riverlea-park
