Mr David Radke | Head of College

As the new principal I am conscious that people right across the Grace community will have all kinds of questions and expectations of me. Firstly I am very conscious that I need to learn about the Grace community before I begin to talk about changes or newly identified needs at each campus. My initial goal therefore is to ask questions, lots of them and about many things. So far I have been doing that and I take this opportunity to thank students, staff and parents for their patience as they interact with me in the weeks and months ahead.

I come to the Grace community blessed with a reasonable amount of experience. Following my three years of teaching at Grace from 1985 to 1987, I moved to Immanuel Lutheran College at Buderim as an Acting Head of Department, and after seven years of service there I moved to Good Shepherd College in Hamilton Victoria as Principal. Good Shepherd was my first Prep to Year 12 school. From Good Shepherd the next move was to Tatachilla Lutheran College, just south of Adelaide, and then back to Qld, to St Peters Lutheran College. Across those ten years I served in many administration roles in both colleges, from Curriculum Coordinator to Campus Principal, often filling more than one role at the same time. In 2009 I transferred to Redeemer Lutheran College as Principal, before returning to Grace.

There are many things which excite me about returning to Grace. There is a little familiarity with Grace as a place, and it is most enjoyable to be serving families from 30 years ago, all be it a generation further along. The familiarity also extends in some cases to staff whom I have previously worked with either at Grace or at other Lutheran schools. I am especially pleased to be back in a school which includes the High School Years, Years 7 to 12 as its focus; this is after all my educational specialty. Grace’s move toward contemporary teaching practices that embrace technology, as well as enterprise education evident through such programs as the Traded Skills Centre, the Robotics Program and Grace Academy are all hallmarks of a school wanting to embrace the future. Just as important though is Grace’s commitment to the traditional academic skills and subjects, with a real passion to educate to the highest standard in these traditional disciplines. Lastly on this topic, but most importantly, Grace is not just a school, it is a Christian community striving to make a difference to both its immediate community as well as the wider community; as a Christian educator this is very special.

I believe my goals are quite simple to express, and almost certainly more challenging to achieve. I hope to build on the excellent work of Grace’s principals who have preceded me; their legacy is that they both cared deeply about Grace, excellent education was developed to meet ever increasing needs, and both Mr Stolz and Mrs Butler had the vision, foresight and commitment to introduce new programs which have seen the Grace community constantly challenged to improve individual student outcomes as well as a school as a whole. I think parents choose Grace because it does not stand still, it is always seeking to change in order to meet the new educational needs of the families in the surrounding communities. In forever changing, Grace retains its focus on the Christian faith and aiming to live its Christian values, both of which provide a stable school culture providing surety for the whole school community.

Serving Grace as the Principal can easily become all-consuming and I have learned over many years that it is important to have a thriving life outside of my job. This involves regularly engaging with my family, my wife Naomi, and my two daughters who are no longer at home. My wife and I also enjoy our two dogs, Rocky and Charlie, both with personalities as large as the most boisterous national leader that you could think of. These joys are supplemented with hobbies such as keeping relatively fit, car and motorcycle restoration and woodwork.

I am honoured to be back at Grace and I look forward to the years ahead.

Mr Warren Irvine | Deputy Head of College

I commenced at Grace in 1995, originally employed as a Maths/Physics Teacher.  I have been blessed to serve in roles including Year 11 Coordinator, Head of Mathematics, Head of Curriculum, Head of Caboolture Campus and most recently Deputy Head of College.

Briefly, my current position consists of all aspects associated with supporting the Head of College in pursuing the strategic directions for the College including curriculum development, school culture and campus development, staffing and student welfare. Our team works to ensure compliance with educational authorities such as QCAA, LEQ and ISQ and work closely with students on managing successful educational pathways and outcomes particularly in the Senior School.

My working career briefly started in Financial Services/Banking before changing into teaching and education.

My qualifications include a Bachelor of Science (Maths/Physics), Postgraduate Diploma in Education from University of Queensland and  a Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Leadership.

I enjoy time with my family, working to improve my acreage property and have a financially draining interest in German Shepherds.

Our College Council provides the local governance for the school and is appointed by, and delegated authority from the Lutheran Church of Australia Queensland District.

In consultation with the Head of College, the College Council provides leadership and guidance in areas associated with the School’s Strategic Vision, Master Plan, Building Programs, and Financial and Risk Management.

The eight members of the College Council volunteer their time and experience to ensure that Grace Lutheran College continues to provide quality high school education across North Brisbane and Caboolture, and endeavors to develop the school for the future.

Their own professional career interests span secondary and tertiary education, law, finance, business, engineering and church leadership.

Chair: Mr Craig Klinge
Vice Chair: Mrs Louise Farr
Secretary: Mrs Louise Farr
Chair of Finance: Mrs Peta Heit
Other Members:  Mrs Kathy Stock, Mr Garth Hollindale, Pastor David Schmidt, Mr Brad Teakle and Mr Gary Fulton
Consultants: Mr David Radke (Head of College, Grace Lutheran College)

Mr Jason Miles | Head of Caboolture Campus

I started at Grace Lutheran College in 2004 and I was very excited to receive a position teaching Biology, Junior Science and Physical Education. I taught at the Rothwell for 4 years and in that time I did some work as the Deputy Head of Physical Education. I moved to the Caboolture Campus as one of the founding staff members when we opened in 2008. I have many fond memories of our developing campus from mud, to new buildings and our family of ducks who used to live in our current quadrangle area. 

Over my time at Caboolture I have had the opportunity to gain experience in some different roles including Physical Education and Sport Coordinator and the Middle School Pastoral Care Coordinator.

I have just started in the new role of Head of Caboolture Campus where my responsibilities primarily include the daily management of our school day and the oversight of pastoral care.

My hobbies include Soccer, surfing and playing the guitar. I also love Marvel movies. I am absolutely blessed to be part of the whole Grace community and look forward to meeting and working together throughout the year.

Ms Kate McKenzie | Head of Rothwell Campus

As the Head of Campus at Grace Lutheran College Rothwell, I am passionate about fostering a school community where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their best. With a deep understanding of the College’s vision, mission, and values, I am committed to leading a campus that not only nurtures young people but also sets high expectations to prepare them for life beyond Grace.

I bring extensive experience in education and leadership, having most recently served as Head of Teaching and Learning at Grace Lutheran College. In addition to this role, I have also held leadership positions in partnership with the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA), where I worked to strengthen curriculum frameworks and ensure equitable high standards of academic excellence. My leadership is people-centred and mission-driven, with a strong focus on ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

With relationships at the heart of my leadership approach, open communication and collaboration between students, parents, and staff are essential to creating a supportive environment where young people can flourish. I strive to build productive partnerships with parents, ensuring we work together to create the best outcomes for their children and for the College. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, I aim to empower students with the knowledge, skills, competencies, and values they need to succeed in life beyond school in an ever changing and unknown future.

As someone deeply aligned with Lutheran education philosophy, I am proud to lead a campus where Christian values guide everything we do. Together, we can honour the strong history of Grace Lutheran College while building a vibrant future for our students.

While I am not at school, I enjoy being a mother of two and spending time with family and friends. I feel privileged to be part of a community that values connection, care, and a shared commitment to nurturing and empowering young people to improve every day to achieve their personal best.

Ms Monique Atwell | Deputy Head of Caboolture Campus

I commenced at Grace Lutheran College, Rothwell campus in 2010, employed as a Business and Legal Studies teacher. In term 2 of the same year, I moved to the Caboolture campus and have been located here ever since. In 2012, I took on the role as Career Guidance Officer, as well as some aspects of teaching and learning. In 2019, I was appointed as the Head of Teaching and Learning for the Caboolture campus.

The primary purpose of my role is to work with others to build an effective learning community within the College as a whole, providing an optimal environment for student and staff development. I now oversee all aspects of curriculum delivery for this campus including the implementation of the new QCE system. I ensure that we are compliant with educational authorities such as QCAA, LEQ and ISQ and work closely with students and staff on managing successful educational pathways and outcomes particularly in the Senior School.

My initial career was in Human Resource Management (HRM) at the University of Queensland, I thoroughly enjoyed this career, but felt a calling to work with teenagers and thus deciding on a career change in my early 30s to teaching.

I have a Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management), Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) and a Master’s in Education (Leadership & Management). I also have a Certificate IV in Career Development, which I obtained prior to commencing my Career Guidance Officer role.

My hobbies include netball, watching my daughter engage in all aspects of life, going to the gym and spending quality time with family and friends. I feel privilege to be working with the Grace community in my new role and working together to uphold the College’s mission statement.

Mrs Alison Ward | Head of Wellbeing Rothwell Campus

As I begin my Grace Lutheran College journey in 2025, I am both humbled and excited about being in the Head of Student Wellbeing. I am passionate about student welfare, as such I have dedicated my career to honing skills, and building on experience through further education, completing a Master of Education (Counselling) in 2016. My focus is to ensure every student I have the privilege to work with feels valued and has the opportunity to flourish.

For this role, I hope to build upon the wonderful work Grace Lutheran College has done for the past 47 years in caring for and preparing so many young people as positive members of society. By working closely with the Wellbeing Leads, Counselling, Pathways and Learning Enrichment Teams, we will endeavour to create an environment where every student can thrive.

I began teaching as an early childhood educator whilst my children were young before completing my teaching degrees. My first post was at Genesis Christian College as a Performing Arts teacher. It wasn't long before I was given the opportunity as a Year Level Coordinator where I found both joy and purpose.

I then worked in Melbourne as a Year Level Coordinator and Head of Performing Arts and for the past 13 years at Sunshine Coast Grammar School as a Head of Year 8-12 and Dean of Students. For me the most rewarding part of being in Wellbeing is partnering with families as their children grow into the very best version of themselves. There is a deep sense of gratitude and joy to see them walk through the graduating gates into their future, full of purpose and hope.

As a mum of four and a grandmother of seven I value family and how every child is unique and cherished. I love the theatre, writing and reading books, singing and AFL Football.

I look forward to being a part of the beautiful Grace Community and building a future together that is bright.

Ms Hayley Lalor | Rothwell Campus

I am an experienced and enthusiastic English teacher, having taught all year levels, including several senior English courses for many years and marking external exams in NSW.

Before starting my Masters in Education Leadership and dappling in some other study, I completed a Bachelor of Teaching (secondary) and a Certificate IV in Christian Ministry and Theology. I also completed a Bachelor of Communications (journalism) prior to that where I enjoyed a brief career in Events, Public Relations and writing.

I am a passionate educator who enjoys working with school leadership teams to foster learning environments for all students that will help them succeed post-school. This includes tertiary courses and workplaces that are dynamic and demanding. I strive to develop school learning cultures built on high expectations, respect, inclusion, and positive parent partnerships. I value education programs based on meeting student needs and personal goals, with literacy and numeracy skill development, differentiation, and 21st century skills. I believe that we are all lifelong learners in our ever-changing world, and we should always strive to be data-informed and continually improving.

I love the warmth, gentleness, and values in the Grace community, and I am really happy in the Head of Teaching and Learning role, working alongside some wonderfully experienced and wise school leaders, our dedicated Learning Leads, and committed teaching staff. I feel very grateful to be part of this great school and community, and I look forward to the work ahead!

Outside of school, you might find me enjoying my daily walks, and spending time with one of my cocker spaniel dogs. I also enjoy the Arts, probably stemming from years of dance classes in my youth, among other musical pursuits. Although I will always be a Blues supporter, I have come to deeply appreciate the friendliness and camaraderie in the Queensland culture, not to mention a great lifestyle blessed with lots of sunshine, beautiful outdoor spaces and nature.

Ms Monique Atwell | Caboolture Campus

I commenced at Grace Lutheran College, Rothwell campus in 2010, employed as a Business and Legal Studies teacher. In term 2 of the same year, I moved to the Caboolture campus and have been located here ever since. In 2012, I took on the role as Career Guidance Officer, as well as some aspects of teaching and learning. In 2019, I was appointed as the Head of Teaching and Learning for the Caboolture campus.

The primary purpose of my role is to work with others to build an effective learning community within the College as a whole, providing an optimal environment for student and staff development. I now oversee all aspects of curriculum delivery for this campus including the implementation of the new QCE system. I ensure that we are compliant with educational authorities such as QCAA, LEQ and ISQ and work closely with students and staff on managing successful educational pathways and outcomes particularly in the Senior School.

My initial career was in Human Resource Management (HRM) at the University of Queensland, I thoroughly enjoyed this career, but felt a calling to work with teenagers and thus deciding on a career change in my early 30s to teaching.

I have a Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management), Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) and a Master’s in Education (Leadership & Management). I also have a Certificate IV in Career Development, which I obtained prior to commencing my Career Guidance Officer role.

My hobbies include netball, watching my daughter engage in all aspects of life, going to the gym and spending quality time with family and friends. I feel privilege to be working with the Grace community in my new role and working together to uphold the College’s mission statement.

Mr Peter Kellett | Manager of Community & Innovation

I commenced working at Grace in 2003. I am responsible for Managing Grace Innovation and Enterprise – the College’s community focused program.  GI&E seeks to engage the wider community on a local, national and global level.  Our programs are principally based on Technology (Robotics), Music and Performing Arts and well as active Sports programs.  I am also totally responsible for all the College Libraries and Senior Studies Centre (including the after school homework club).

I grew up in mining towns where I learnt a considerable amount about IT working for mining companies in my later teen years. After formal study I used these IT skills in the classroom and was given a teaching position at Harristown State High School.

Seeking employment in the independent sector I then spent 7 years as IPT specialist at Toowoomba Grammar School where I also assisted in the boarding environment. In 2003 my wife and I moved to Brisbane and I was fortunate enough to be given a position of added responsibility at Grace Lutheran College. My role has grown and evolved ever since.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts - Politics and Law (UNE), a Graduate Diploma of Education - Secondary (UNE), and a Graduate Certificate in Computer Science (Monash).

Something you probably didn’t know about me is that I love plane spotting!

Mrs Kylie Briais | Business Manager

I joined the Grace community in 2018 as a part time Management Accountant in the Finance office. Since this time, I have continued working in the Finance office, where I have been the full time Finance Manager for a number of years and am now working as the Business Manager.

After studying a Bachelor of Business (Accountancy) degree and then going on to complete my CPA Program, I have spent my working career in business/accountancy. I have specialised in Company Accounting and worked across several different industries in the agricultural and property sectors. Whilst the education sector is quite different to other areas I have worked in, the accounting principles stay the same!

After spending much of the working week in an office environment, I enjoy outdoor activities in my spare time, like gardening, camping and motorbike riding. I also enjoy spending time with my family and our kelpie dogs.