LPA Board of Directors

Daniel Weller, Director & Chair  

BEd (Secondary), Master of Learning Innovation (Early Childhood Teaching), Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Leadership 

Daniel commenced as Principal of Holy Trinity Lutheran College, Horsham, in 2017 and is currently the Principal at Good Shepherd Lutheran Primary School in Croydon Hills, Victoria. Originating from Queensland his career has spanned over many various leadership roles and responsibilities. Daniel demonstrates a passion for making thinking routine in a complex world, Positive Education and wellbeing, while nurturing a primary focus on student development and growth. 

He is a member of the Association of Heads of Independent Schools Australia (AHISA), and has sat on numerous educational and church committees. 

David Field, Director

BEd , Graduate Diploma Of Theology

David commenced as Principal of Maitland Lutheran School in 1997. Prior to this he was a Teacher at Unity College from 1989-1993 and St Michael’s Lutheran Primary School in Hahndorf from 1994 to 1996. 

He was the Association of Independent Schools of South Australia (AISSA) Targeted Programs Director from 2012-2015 and sat on their Indigenous Education Committee from 2003-2011. David’s area of expertise and passion for Indigenous Education is reflective in his practice. 

He is a Board Member of Immanuel College and Elder and Church Council member of St Paul’s Lutheran Church, Maitland. 

Francois Pienaar, Director

BSc (Sciences) / Higher Educational Diploma, FDE Guidance & Psychology (Further Educational Diploma in Education), Master of Educational Leadership

Francois brings over three decades of dedicated educational leadership experience, spanning South Africa and Australia, to the Lutheran Principals Australia (LPA) board. With a rich background encompassing roles from Head of Department to Principal, Francois has spent the last decade serving as a Principal within Lutheran Education, currently leading Unity College Murraylands SA.

His journey includes significant tenures at institutions like Navigator College, Crossways and Living Waters Lutheran College, where he showcased his prowess in pedagogy, relationship building, and administrative acumen. Notably, Francois has a talent for fostering robust partnerships with stakeholders, both within and beyond College communities, to enhance educational outcomes for students.

Beyond his professional endeavours, Francois finds solace and joy in the outdoors, indulging in activities like hiking, camping, fishing, and sports. Family holds a paramount place in his life, evident in his frequent visits to his children in Port Lincoln, particularly since the arrival of their first grandson, Ezra. He also actively participates in the community as a member of St Michael’s Lutheran Church in Hahndorf.

Fiona McAuliffe, Director

BEd, Med

Fiona started her career in education as a mathematics teacher and has experienced a number of management roles across a variety of areas including Head of Senior Years, Director of Studies, IB Diploma Programme Coordinator and Head of Mathematics. Since beginning her current role as Principal at Good News Lutheran College in 2020, the college has had rapid growth in enrolments and outcomes. This has included the opening of an Early Learning Centre and a second campus.

Having extensive experience in implementing and maintaining International Baccalaureate frameworks, she has spent many years as a curriculum expert in South Australia. Curriculum delivery, especially the IB curriculum has been a large part of her professional career, demonstrating a passion for inspiring learners of all ages.

As a passionate educator and Principal at Good News Lutheran College, Fiona brings experiences from across different states and educational environments.

John Thompson, Director

BEd (Secondary Physical Education), Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Leadership

Growing up in the Adelaide Hills, John commenced his connection with Lutheran schools as a pre-service student at Faith Lutheran School Secondary (now known at Faith Lutheran College) in Tanunda (South Australia) before commencing as a graduate teacher at Unity College, Murray Bridge (South Australia) in 2000.

As a Physical Education and Outdoor Education Teacher, John enjoyed engaging with students outside of the classroom, growing a passion for the outdoors and developing greater sense of self and the world around them.

His career has spanned over various teaching and leadership roles including Head of Sport, Year Level Coordinator, Learning Leader, Deputy Principal and Principal. John commenced his principalship at Victory Lutheran College, Wodonga (Victoria) in 2015 and has worked across the three regions of Lutheran Education Australia as a leader.

In his private time, John enjoys playing golf, wine tasting, travelling and spending time with his family, and is a passionate AFL supporter. John is married to Laura and has two children Elijah and Maggie and a dog called Monty. John has been an LPA Board Member since July 2023.

Kelvin Grivell, Director

B. Ed., Grad Diploma Theology (Ed.), M. Ed., MBA 

Growing up in South Australia, Kelvin started his teaching career in 1998 at St Mark’s Lutheran School in Mt Barker, in the Adelaide Hills. In 2001 he jumped at the chance to be a founding staff member at Encounter Lutheran School, Victor Harbor, where he spent most of his time as a classroom teacher in Years 5-7.

In 2005, he and his wife Skye relocated to the UK to teach and travel for a year. Kelvin spent most of his year at Ramridge Primary, Luton. After returning to Australia in 2007, Kelvin was appointed as Principal of Our Saviour Lutheran Primary in Aberfoyle Park. After serving there for 5 years, he accepted the role of Principal at Encounter Lutheran College as it embarked upon a journey into secondary schooling.

Kelvin is currently in the final stages of his Doctoral studies, with a particular focus on researching hopeful leadership. Kelvin joined the LPA Board in July 2023.

Trudy Moala, Director

Dip. T; B.Ed; M.Ed

Trudy commenced as Principal of Grace Lutheran Primary School in 2017.  Her career has spanned many roles including Early Childhood and Upper Primary Teaching, Deputy Head of Primary School and Head of Primary School in four schools including an International School in Tokyo, Japan.

Trudy’s passion in Primary Education includes inclusive education, quality literacy and numeracy programs and ensuring that families feel connected and valued in the school.

She is a member of the Independent Primary School Heads’ Association (IPSHA) having served on its executive previously and as the Australian Primary Principals Association (APPA) representative for Queensland Independent Schools. She serves Lutheran Education Queensland on the Enterprise Bargaining Committee and as a member of the LPAQ executive. Trudy joined the LPA Board in January 2024.