In Conversation With The Board
Diana Newcombe – Chair
What is your role on the Pulteney Grammar School Board?
As Chair of the Pulteney Grammar School Board, my role is to lead the Board in its governance responsibilities and ensure our work is strategic, collaborative and future focused. I see myself as a steward of the School’s long term sustainability and an enabler of the conditions that allow Pulteney’s leadership team, staff and students to live the Pulteney values and thrive.
What skills, experience or background do you bring to the Board?
I bring experience in senior executive roles across government, the community sector and regulated industries, with a strong grounding in governance, organisational leadership, public policy, and legal and ethical frameworks. My career has involved leading complex organisations, building high performing teams, and navigating strategic, regulatory and reputational challenges. These experiences help guide the Board’s work with stability, clarity and a focus on both opportunity and risk. I also bring a collaborative leadership style and a commitment to good governance.
I am currently Chief Executive of the Law Society of South Australia. Previously I was General Counsel for Workskil Australia, Manager Legal Practice at the Legal Services Commission of South Australia, and National Director Legal Services for the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. I also spent ten years in the UK as a Partner at Eversheds Sutherland LLP, supporting clients across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
How do you help ensure strong governance and decision making at Pulteney?
As Chair, I prioritise well informed, transparent and accountable governance. I ensure the Board has the right information, expertise and strategic context to make sound decisions. I encourage open discussion while maintaining a disciplined and respectful decision making process. I also work closely with the Principal to support a strong governance and management partnership.
What is your connection to the Pulteney community?
Pulteney is an important part of my professional and personal life. My son has attended since 2020 and as a family we value its ethos, history and strong sense of belonging. Serving as Chair has strengthened my connection to a community that helps young people be their best.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work and your Board role?
Outside of work I enjoy exploring South Australia’s landscapes, staying active in any form possible, the arts and community activities. These pursuits help me maintain balance and perspective.
Katherine Cobb Deputy Chair
What is your role on the Pulteney Grammar School Board?
Deputy Chair of the Board of Governors and Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, leading financial and risk oversight and supporting strategic decision making and long term sustainability.
What skills, experience or background do you bring to the Board?
I am Head of Internal Audit for PwC Australia, with experience in risk, internal audit and emerging technology. I hold a Master’s in Organisational Psychology, a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting, am a Graduate of the AICD, and recently completed executive study at Kellogg on AI Strategies for Business Transformation.
How do you help ensure strong governance and decision making at Pulteney?
I focus on transparent reporting, strong risk and control frameworks, and constructive oversight, enabling informed and financially sustainable decisions.
What is your connection to the Pulteney community?
I have two children at Pulteney, Hunter (Year 2) and Winter (Year 1), and have been part of the School community since ELC. Being a parent provides practical insight and strengthens my commitment to an environment where every student can thrive.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work and your Board role?
Outside of work I am usually shuttling children to activities, enjoying coffee, or running in the Parklands.
Amanda Grocock
What is your role on the Pulteney Grammar School Board?
Governor and member of the Governance and Nominations Committee.
What skills, experience or background do you bring to the Board?
I am an MBA-qualified executive and Director of Corporate Services with over 20 years’ experience across strategy, governance, operations, marketing and stakeholder engagement. I have led organisational transformation, brand and communication strategies, and worked with Boards to align vision, reputation and delivery. I also have not-for-profit and advisory board experience.
How do you help ensure strong governance and decision making at Pulteney?
I focus on clarity of purpose, open dialogue and acting in the best interests of the whole community. I contribute by testing ideas constructively and ensuring alignment with strategy, values and long term goals. I also consider how decisions are experienced by students, families and staff.
What is your connection to the Pulteney community?
I am passionate about education and the role schools play in shaping confident and values driven young people. I value Pulteney’s community, heritage and commitment to both academic achievement and character.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work and your Board role?
Outside of work I enjoy time with family and friends, South Australia’s food and wine regions, staying active, and creative projects that blend strategy, design and storytelling.
David Jemmett
What is your role on the Pulteney Grammar School Board?
Governor and member of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.
What skills, experience or background do you bring to the Board?
I have extensive Board experience and educational governance background, including six years as Chair of Girton Grammar School, a regional independent school of 1300 students.
How do you help ensure strong governance and decision making at Pulteney?
I focus on governance, risk, compliance and strategy, with an added emphasis on student welfare. My AICD learning and Executive MBA support strong and considered decision making.
What is your connection to the Pulteney community?
I do not have a direct connection, but am passionate about independent education and shaping well rounded future leaders. My children have benefited from similar schooling experiences.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work and your Board role?
Basketball, cycling, ocean swimming, time at Carrickalinga, and walking the dogs along the beach with my wife.
Kate Lyttle
What is your role on the Pulteney Grammar School Board?
Governor and member of the Strategic and Capital Works Committee (since 2021), and Finance and Risk Committee (since 2023).
What skills, experience or background do you bring to the Board?
I bring expertise in corporate governance, risk, strategy, property, projects and construction. I spent 12 years as a corporate lawyer in mergers and acquisitions and governance, followed by 12 years in property, projects and construction law. I also serve on the Property Council of Australia SA Industrial and Logistics Committee.
How do you help ensure strong governance and decision making at Pulteney?
My legal background and AICD training provide a strong understanding of board responsibilities. I bring a curious and analytical approach, ensuring decisions are in the best interests of the school and support the Principal and executive team.
What is your connection to the Pulteney community?
I have three daughters at Pulteney, all starting in ELC. I am deeply invested in the school community and its success for all students and staff.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work and your Board role?
Pilates, hiking, travel, trying new restaurants and spending time with friends.
Andrea McDougall
What is your role on the Pulteney Grammar School Board?
Diocesan nominee, providing a link between the School and the Anglican Diocese of Adelaide, and member of the Governance and Nominations Committee.
What skills, experience or background do you bring to the Board?
Senior leadership experience within the Anglican Diocese, including strategic planning, pastoral oversight, governance and leading communities through change. I also bring experience in discipleship formation and community engagement.
How do you help ensure strong governance and decision making at Pulteney?
I seek to ensure governance reflects Anglican values of community, respect and dignity. I prioritise child safety and wellbeing, open communication, and approaches grounded in grace and integrity.
What is your connection to the Pulteney community?
My husband and two daughters are Old Scholars, giving my family a strong connection to the School. I value its commitment to character, faith and learning.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work and your Board role?
Time with family, friends and our two dogs, reading, walking, travel, and engaging with the arts and community life.
Christopher Prance
What is your role on the Pulteney Grammar School Board?
Governor and Chair of the Governance and Nominations Committee.
What skills, experience or background do you bring to the Board?
Over 30 years as a school principal in government and independent schools, along with roles at AISSA and Anglican Schools SA. I have also worked on the Education Standards Board and multiple school boards, and currently provide independent consultancy in governance, leadership and strategy.
How do you help ensure strong governance and decision making at Pulteney?
I draw on my board experience to focus on listening, respectful behaviour, preparation and effective governance. I encourage open and honest discussion and opportunities for reflection and growth.
What is your connection to the Pulteney community?
Our two children are Old Scholars and my wife Judi taught at Pulteney for 14 years.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work and your Board role?
Family and friends, staying active, the beach, music, good wine and laughter.
Tim Ridgway
What is your role on the Pulteney Grammar School Board?
I was appointed to the Board as the representative of the Old Scholars Association. I am very proud to represent Old Scholars as the largest stakeholder group of School community. There are literally hundreds of Old Scholars who continue their connection with the School and contribute in so many different ways to our rich and diverse community.
What skills, experience or background do you bring to the Board?
I am an organisational psychologist with 30 years of experience in Leadership Development, Psychological Assessment, Strategic Planning and Organisational Review with a wide range of local, national and international organisations. I also have extensive board experience with the Psychology Board of Australia (AHPRA), the Leukemia Foundation of Australia and Disability Living Inc., and I have conducted numerous board reviews and performance reviews of CEO’s and executives.
How do you help ensure strong governance and decision making at Pulteney?
Some of the critical domains for our Board are our Financial Sustainability, Risk (especially student safety, reputation, regulatory), Educational Performance and Culture and Staff Wellbeing. I have a high level of experience and expertise in most of these domains and I see my role as asking the right questions of the Executive of the School to ensure that their operational implementation within these domains are aligned with our overall strategic direction and the specific strategic objectives of the School. Having an awareness of cognitive biases and a strategic and future focussed lens, I believe it is important for board members to bring challenge to our conversations without the conflict, to ensure that we are making effective decisions in the context of a VUCA environment, and to ensure our decisions serve the best interests of the organisation and our students.
What is your connection to the Pulteney community?
I am an Old Scholar (1978 – 1983), have served on POSA and as President of the Old Scholars Football Club, played over 250 games for POSFC, and regularly support careers events at the school. Both of my children, Sophie and Elliot, attended Pulteney as did my uncles, Denis and Chris Sullivan.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work and your Board role?
I most enjoy being with family, cooking meals from different cultural origins and sharing nice wine with them all at home. I also derive great joy from seeing my extended family of children playing for the Pulteney Football Club – Sophie, Anne-Marie, Georgina and Elliot all play for Pulteney and they all actively support the social and administrative functions of the Club.
Leah Schubert
What is your role on the Pulteney Grammar School Board?
My role on the Pulteney Board is as a Governor and member of the Governance and Nominations Committee.
What skills, experience or background do you bring to the Board?
I bring over 35 years’ experience in the People and Culture field, including executive leadership roles and currently as a Director of a consulting firm, partnering with organisations to strengthen leadership capability, organisational culture, workforce strategy, and executive performance.
How do you help ensure strong governance and decision making at Pulteney?
I support strong governance and sound decision-making by bringing a strategic people lens, asking thoughtful and future-focused questions, and ensuring decisions align with the school’s purpose, values, and long-term sustainability.
What is your connection to the Pulteney community?
I have been part of the Pulteney community since 2009, when my daughter commenced in ELC, graduating in 2022. During that time, I really valued being actively involved in the school, including as a class representative, supporting the Performing Arts program, and contributing as a member of the Friends of Performing Arts Committee.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work and your Board role?
I love spending time with family and friends, cooking and keeping fit.
Mark Thompson
What is your role on the Pulteney Grammar School Board?
My role on the Pulteney Grammar School Board is to help shape the School’s long-term strategic direction and ensure it remains well positioned for future success. Drawing on my background in strategy, commercial leadership and infrastructure, I contribute to Board discussions on growth, sustainability and long-term investment, helping to ensure decisions are made with both immediate impact and future generations of students in mind.
What skills, experience or background do you bring to the Board?
My background includes leading large-scale transformation, shaping operating models, and guiding organisations through periods of growth and change. This provides a practical perspective on strategy, governance, innovation and long-term value creation.
How do you help ensure strong governance and decision making at Pulteney?
I bring a strong orientation toward innovation and constructive challenge, helping ensure the Board’s decision making is both forward-looking and well tested. I contribute by asking thoughtful questions, challenging conventional thinking where appropriate, and encouraging consideration of new opportunities and approaches. At the same time, strong governance requires balancing innovation with disciplined oversight, ensuring decisions are robust, well informed and aligned to Pulteney’s long-term strategic priorities and values.
What is your connection to the Pulteney community?
One of my son’s has attended and the other is still attending Pulteney. Serving on the Board is an opportunity to give back to a school that has/is playing an important role in my family’s life and to help support its continued success for future generations of students.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work and your Board role?
Outside of work and Board commitments, most of my time is spent supporting my children’s co-curricular and sporting activities! I also have a passion for snow skiing and when there is no snow I enjoy spending time on the river and water skiing. These activities provide a good balance to a busy professional and family life.