Nicola Forrest, Principal

BEd(Sec) MSchLead

Nicola was appointed Principal of the College in August 2019 and has been a staff member at Cornish since 2013 and was previously Deputy Head of the Cornish Campus of St Leonard’s College. She has worked in both independent and government schools.

Specialising in curriculum design, pedagogical leadership and innovation in middle years education, Nicola presents workshops and keynote addresses for educators throughout Australia.

Tim Edmonds, Deputy Principal – Head of Primary

BEd(Prim&Sec) GradCertEd (Leadership&Management)

As a Head of School, Head of Teaching and Learning and Deputy Principal, Tim has led exceptional schools in South Australia, Victoria and Hong Kong, implementing significant school transformations at all of these schools.

He has a deep passion for inquiry learning and future-focused pedagogy and supporting teachers to teach with great passion.

Cornish College has the values and vision that resonate strongly with him.

Sarah Dodd, Deputy Principal – Head of Secondary

BEd(Sec)

Sarah has worked at the College since its inception as an educator of Physical Education, Science and Health Education. Prior to her current role, Sarah was the Head of Middle Years at the College and a leading teacher in a government school.

Sarah is a strong communicator and is an authentic leader who is committed to a positive team culture. Passionate and knowledgeable about wellbeing, Sarah focuses on building positive relationships with all stakeholders.

Both her children attend the College.

Laurent Julicher, Deputy Principal – Head of Learning

BA DipEd GradDip(TAL) GradCert(AdolCoun)

Laurent joined the Cornish community at the beginning of 2020 as Director of Student Learning and as a Humanities teacher. Prior to this, he was the Head of Years 11 and 12 at Woodleigh School for 22 years.

Laurent is committed to fostering the unique value of each student, creating sustainable citizens to make a difference in a range of arenas.

He has thoroughly enjoyed transitioning to Cornish with its focus on creativity, innovation and community.

Jeanette Russell, Director of Early Learning Centre

BEd(Prim) DipTeach

Jeanette has worked as a teacher in the Early Learning Centre since the College opened in 2012 and was appointed Director of the Early Learning Centre in 2015.  Jeanette has also worked in primary schools and local and independent kindergartens.

As an advocate for the rights of young children, Jeanette holds a strong image of the child, knowing they are capable, competent and curious. She is passionate about the importance play and time outdoors has on children’s learning and development.

Jeanette has presented to educators both internationally and within Australia.

Martin Massey, Business Manager

BBus(Acc) CPA MAICD

Martin has worked in a number of schools within the independent school sector over more than 25 years, including Brighton Grammar and Peninsula Grammar. He joined Cornish College as Business Manager in 2011.

He’s a self-confessed ‘cricket tragic’ who enjoys travel and spending time with his family.

Dennis Freeman, Director of Community Relations

GradCert(ArtsAdmin) FAMI CPM MEdPlus

A senior communications and marketing professional, Dennis has more than 20 years’ experience in the independent school sector, having previously led the marketing team at one of Australia’s largest independent schools. He is highly experienced in all aspects of communications, marketing, alumni and community relations and is delighted to be able to bring that knowledge and experience to Cornish College.

Dennis is also a passionate musician, having performed with many of the major symphony orchestras in Australia and has also worked for many years as a music assessor for the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority.

Matthew Arnott, Director of Operations

BSc PGradDipEd

Matthew joined the College in 2024 as Director of Operations. Prior to this, he worked in operations roles in New South Wales and at Toorak College.

He is dedicated to ensuring that schools operate both efficiently and effectively on a day-to-day basis, through the use of innovative and the latest educational software offerings, and is also committed to helping students to develop a growth mindset.

With a passion for sustainability Matthew is excited about the prospect of making Cornish College a leader in this area.