Anna Urban has been appointed as the new Principal at St John’s College Preston

Anna has worked in education for 22 years across the independent and state school sectors, including nine years as a Principal within the state government sector. Anna has worked in a variety of provisions including alternative, specialist and mainstream schools. 

Before joining St John’s College Preston, Anna was the Principal of Charles La Trobe College which has seen her assume responsibility for one of the state’s most complex government schools in Victoria. In order to meet the priorities outlined for her school, Anna completed an audit of the principal class roles to ensure the diversity of programs offered across the college could be managed appropriately. As a result of this process, Anna formed the executive team, establishing trusting and cooperative relationships between the leaders of each of the programs. Anna led the executive team to develop and implement Teaching and Learning Charters, along with learner models and supporting documentation, to facilitate consistent teacher practice at each campus. Anna has worked with key stakeholder groups to improve instruction, increase accountability and build teacher capacity.

Previously, Anna was the Principal of the Northern School for Autism which operates across two campuses. This was Anna’s first Principal appointment and in this role, she oversaw the construction of a new school facility in Reservoir,  opened a Senior School campus at Peter Lalor Vocational College, and established a satellite programs at Norris Bank Primary School.

In her earlier career, Anna held the position of Assistant Principal with Concord School, a special setting for Prep to Year 12 students.  Prior to this, she taught English and Drama as a secondary school teacher.