Governing Council

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Affil.AIRAH, GAICD, CPA, MBA

Hi, I’m Ben and I have the pleasure of Chairing your Governing Council.

Our eldest daughter is currently in Year 8 and our youngest daughter will be joining GIHS in 2026.  We also live locally in Frewville.

In my role as Chair, governance, culture and people are foremost in my mind.

From a governance perspective, I am a graduate of the AICD and sit on two other boards. The first is a not for profit, the largest disability services provider in the Northern Territory and the second an Indigenous owned property company based out of Alice Springs that distributes all profits back to traditional owners of the region. I chair committees on both boards.

In my day job I am the CEO of local air-decontamination company Plasma Shield Ltd, where we manufacture medical devices that provide clean air.

Prior to Plasma Shield, I was the Head of Asia Pacific for BrainBox AI, an AI start up using predictive AI to reduce emissions. Artificial Intelligence is a keen area of interest – with my wife Sonja, we are also co-founders in a tiny AI company called ImpactAI. (I emphasise tiny…)

I have been lucky enough to work in commercial property with The GPT Group and Lend Lease across management, finance, digital and marketing, technology management and governance.

As you may tell from above, I am originally from Darwin and have lived in Sydney, Melbourne and the UK also. However we have discovered Adelaide and are now locked in.

Outside of work I try my best to be a good dad and husband, I try and fail to stay fit playing a strange game called Wallball and I definitely spend too much time on Tik Tok…

Ask Me About…

• Governance and the process of potentially joining Governing Council;
• The Governing Council Work Plan and what we are focussed on; and
• Any other random questions or feedback regarding Governing Council.

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Hello Glenunga families! As Deputy Chair, I have served 6 years on the Governing Council with particular interests in accelerated education and student wellbeing.

Through my 28 years professional career as a Risk and Audit Leader, some of my roles have included Audit Principal of Telstra Group, Executive Head of Internal Audit of a global agribusiness, Internal Audit Manager of the 5th largest banking group in Singapore and Malaysia, and Risk Advisory Services Manager at KPMG.

My passions include travel, reading (especially classic literature), astrophysics, football, basketball and Japanese green tea!

Ask Me About…

• IGNITE
• IB
• Applying to US and UK colleges / universities

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Hi, I’m Michelle Longden and I’ve been a proud member of the Governing Council since 2022 and I currently hold the position of Secretary, which forms part of the Executive Committee of the GC. I wear a few hats in life — I run my own business here and also support another national business operationally, and I’m also a proud mum of two children and two step children who all attend Glenunga International High School. Like many parents, I juggle family, work, personal and school commitments, but what is of great importance to me is helping our school community thrive.

I joined the Governing Council because I believe that parents play a vital role in shaping the experience our kids have at school. With a background in business and a passion for building strong connections, I bring a practical perspective to school decision-making while always keeping in mind what’s best for students and families.

What I’d love is for parents to see the Council as approachable and relevant. If you’ve ever wondered who to talk to or how your ideas can make a difference, I want to help bridge that gap. For me, it’s about creating open conversations, being visible, and making sure every family feels welcome and a part of our diverse community.

When I’m not working or at school events, you’ll probably find me cheering on my kids, sharing a laugh with friends, or keeping up with the fast pace of life! You may even find me blissfully singing away as I continue to explore one of my passions in life – music 🙂

Ask Me About…

• How have my children navigated the transition from primary school to high school, both through early years and into senior years at Glenunga?
• What resources are available to new families that are becoming part of the Glenunga community?
• What’s the best way to raise an idea or concern with the Council?

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I first got involved with the GIHS through the Financial Advisory Committee, and for me it’s been a wonderful way to step outside the world of hospitals and medicine. My day job is all go — alarms, quick decisions, busy shifts — but being part of the school brings a completely different rhythm. It’s about helping to make sure the school has the strategic support and provide input on educational programs and initiatives to enhance learning outcomes.

As a parent of young kids, I see every day how much a good school matters. I know how important it is for children to feel safe, inspired, and encouraged as they grow. I strongly support Glenunga International High School’s values — ExcellencePB, OpportunityU, International Mindedness and Harmony — which capture exactly what a nurturing and inspiring school environment should be. My own cultural background has shaped my outlook on community, respect, and perseverance. Growing up, in a home where Hindi and Punjabi were spoken, I learned the importance of looking out for others, celebrating diversity, and working hard while remaining grounded. I want children to feel encouraged to explore opportunities, embrace differences, and strive for excellence, while always staying connected to the people and communities around them.

One of my favourite lines from Kipling’s If is: “If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds’ worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,” it reminds me to make the most of every moment, whether at work, at home, or contributing to GIHS.

Ask Me About…

• Role of Governing Council and Financial Advisory Committee.
• Transition from lower year levels to Year 10 and above.
• IGNITE program.

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Hello or Hallo! My name is Cornelia Koch and I am a parent member of Governing Council. I have two students at the school. I love that the school is so multi-cultural. My partner and I are migrants to Australia and in our household you can hear English, German and Serbo-Croatian and eat food from German roasts or cakes to Bosnian stews and sweets, mixed with Vegemite and lamingtons. Both children are fluent in German and one is even planning on going to University in Germany. Glenunga International High School is a great fit for our family.

I am Co-Chair of the Community Engagement Committee (CEC). The Committee organises events for families and parents to build a community within the school. In my day job I am a Senior Lecturer in Law and a Teaching Specialist at university. I find it wonderful that the school makes students take responsibility for their learning and focusses on developing 21st century professional skills. These lay the foundation for successful and fulfilling lives for our young people.

Ask Me About…

• How parents can get involved in Governing Council family and parent events.
• The school’s wellbeing program, especially Elevate and the work that the Pod team is doing.
• Having children at GIHS when you have not gone through school in Australia yourself.

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I’m a local parent with three kids at GIHS in Year 8 , 9 and 11, so I’ve got a front-row seat to the many opportunities and challenges our students experience across different year levels.

Outside of school life, I run my own IT consulting business, working with councils and organisations to help them adapt, solve problems, and deliver better services. I bring those same skills to my role on Governing Council – listening, suggesting practical solutions, and helping ideas turn into action.

As co-chair of the Community Engagement Committee, I’m passionate about finding ways for parents to feel more connected to what’s happening at Glenunga and making sure our students can explore the many academic, cultural, and co-curricular opportunities available to them. Over the years, my kids have been involved in sport, debating, leadership programs, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award, so I understand how much these experiences shape their confidence and sense of belonging.

Ask Me About…

• Helping your student find their place at Glenunga.
• Navigating the school journey from junior to senior years.
• How you can get involved and stay connected as a parent in the school community.

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We have three kids, two boys already at GIHS and one girl on her way to Glenunga via Unley Primary School. I grew up in Queensland and have worked and lived across Australia, in Asia, the US and in Europe. A lawyer by training, I have spent most of my life working as a public servant, in Canberra, Washington DC and, most recently, here in Adelaide. As a family, we are involved with the local surf life saving, soccer and open water swimming communities and we are getting to know the mountain biking scene too. As a member of the GIHS Governing Council, I aim to bring my diverse personal and profession experience to the Council’s work in a way that helps the Council to make sound decisions and to be useful to the school community.

Ask Me About…

• The 5Cs and why they matter.
• Pathways to a public service career.
• Preparing to study or work overseas.

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Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and Fellow Certified Practicing Accountant (FCPA) with over fifteen years’ experience in consolidation reporting within both financial and management accounting functions. Expertise encompasses monthly financial, budget and forecasting analysis and the implementation of process improvements. Strengths include strong technical knowledge and interpersonal skills, combined with an ability to identify trends, risks and opportunities to develop and deliver viable strategies and solutions ensuring the achievement of successful business outcomes.

Current board experience includes Chair of Women’s Safety Services, Treasurer of Glen Osmond Primary School, and member of the GIHS FAC Committee.

Ask Me About…

• Year 7 and 8 student matters
• Governing Councils connection to Community Engagement
• Governance of Governing Council

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My name is Christian Frandsen and I have been a proud member of the Governing Council since 2022. My wife and I are the parents of two students currently attending GIHS. We are a multi-cultural family that has lived and worked on five continents—only missing Antarctica and Latin America to complete the set!

Professionally, I am a Technical Director and Structural Bridge Designer. So, I am passionate about STEM education and my commitment to increasing diversity within engineering and related fields. I believe in creating inclusive pathways for all students to explore and thrive in STEM careers.

I feel privileged and lucky that we ended up at GIHS, because I really appreciate the values-based culture. Our family has experienced the benefits of this firsthand, particularly through the support and understanding shown to one of our daughters who has learning and development difficulties. It’s a culture that fosters belonging, growth, and resilience.

Ask Me About…

• Topics you want Governing Council to consider.
• STEM careers and diversity in engineering.
• The values-based culture at GIHS and its impact on student wellbeing.

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I’m a parent of three, including twin daughters who are in Year 10 at GIHS in 2025. A migrant from Kenya, every day is an adventure like none other as my family navigates life in Australia.

Professionally, I hold graduate qualifications in Agriculture and postgraduate degrees in both Economics and Psychology. My career has spanned various sectors, both in Australia and internationally, giving me a broad perspective and a deep appreciation for diverse educational and career pathways.

Fluent in English, Swahili, and Luhya, I value open communication and cultural connection. As a proud advocate of cultural integration, I enjoy sharing my heritage and contributing to conversations that build understanding, respect, and inclusion across our school community.

Ask Me About…

• The well-being of minority children in our large multicultural school.
• Transitioning from private schools or enrolling from outside the GIHS zone.
• School finances and budgeting processes.

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Throughout my career in global corporate organisations, primarily in Europe, my passion for learning and innovation has been a consistent thread. I have always been drawn to opportunities that expand knowledge, encourage curiosity, and empower others to grow.

I am the parent of two daughters, one currently in Year 8 (2025) and the other preparing to transition into high school next year. This personal connection has motivated me to support their school community by contributing both a parent’s perspective and my professional experience. I am committed to helping GIHS build partnerships with community and industry to enrich student learning and provide every student with the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Another topic close to my heart is the mental health and wellbeing of young people. I believe it is vital that every student feels safe, supported, and valued. A strong sense of belonging and wellbeing is also instrumental in enabling them to learn effectively, build resilience, and thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Early in my career, I was particularly inspired by Sir Ken Robinson’s TEDx talks. His call for a paradigm shift in education, away from standardisation and towards creativity and innovation, resonated with me. His belief that education should prepare us not only for the jobs of today but also for the evolving skill sets of tomorrow remains highly relevant. This perspective continues to guide how I view the future of work and the role of education in preparing students for it.

Ask Me About…

• Anything you are curious about and believe I might have some insights on
• Opportunities and experiences for Years 7 and 8 students
• The future of work and the impact of technologies such as AI

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Hello, my name is Jennifer and I’m proud to serve as a community member on the Governing Council at Glenunga International High School. I work in the South Australian State Government in a Human Resources role and bring with me a strong understanding of people, communication, and community engagement.

As a bilingual speaker fluent in both Chinese and English, I’m deeply aware of the cultural differences and sometimes contrasting expectations that families from diverse backgrounds may experience. These differences can often create barriers to understanding, particularly when it comes to navigating the school system, programs like the Ignite program, and important pathways like IB and SACE. I’m passionate about bridging cultural and language differences within our school community. I would like to help to strengthen connections between the school and its diverse parent community.

Having two children enrolled in the Ignite program, I know how important it is for families to feel informed and supported throughout their child’s educational journey. My goal is to act as a bridge between the school and families, helping to break down cultural and language barriers and ensure clear communication on both sides. I aim to address any misunderstandings that may arise due to differing cultural expectations, while also making sure that the unique needs of all students are respected and met. I aim to be a resource for families who may face language barriers or have questions about the school’s programs. By facilitating open discussions and ensuring that all voices are heard, I hope to help foster a more connected and inclusive environment for students and their families.

Through open conversations and providing resources in both English and Chinese, I hope to make the school environment more accessible and inclusive for all families. I look forward to supporting the school in fostering a sense of community and ensuring every student’s success.

Ask Me About…

• Ignite program
• School transitions
• IB and SACE pathways