Announcing Lauriston’s 9th Principal, Sabine Partington

Dear members of the Lauriston Community,

On behalf of the School Council, it is with great pleasure that I announce that, following an extensive search, Ms Sabine Partington has been appointed as the 9th Principal of Lauriston Girls’ School, commencing in January 2026, as we celebrate Lauriston’s 125th year.

Emerging as the unanimous choice of the School Council from a field of exceptional candidates, Sabine’s distinguished leadership across independent schools and her commitment to Lauriston’s purpose as a School for Life were evident throughout the selection process.

Sabine brings a compelling vision for academic excellence, student and staff wellbeing, and thoughtful innovation, ensuring Lauriston continues to prepare girls for life beyond the school gates with purpose and confidence. Her visits to both our Armadale and Howqua campuses affirmed her deep alignment with Lauriston’s values and strengthened her resolve to lead Lauriston with clarity, care and ambition into the future.

Sabine is currently Deputy Principal (P–12) at SCECGS Redlands, a highly regarded independent school in Sydney. She supports the Principal, Board and Executive Team across strategy, risk management, student and staff wellbeing and child safeguarding. Redlands includes two campuses in Cremorne and a High Country Campus in Jindabyne, home to a long-running residential program, aligned in many ways with the values of Howqua.

Prior to Redlands, Sabine was Head of Teaching and Learning at Haileybury, where she contributed to exceptional academic outcomes across five campuses and helped launch Haileybury Pangea, the school’s online campus. Her qualifications in Mathematics, Computer Science, Education, and Educational Leadership from Monash University and the University of Melbourne, complement earlier career experience in the federal public service and corporate financial services in both Australia and the UK.

Passionate about fostering a culture of rigorous learning, character development and empowerment of young women to thrive in a changing world, Sabine is committed to working in close partnership with families, staff and the wider community to ensure every Lauriston student is known, challenged and supported to realise their aspirations and shape their future with confidence.

Upon accepting her appointment, Sabine shared:

“I am deeply honoured to accept the appointment as Lauriston’s 9th Principal. It is a privilege to build on the legacy of those who have led before me, and to serve the School as it enters its next chapter. I am especially looking forward to getting to know the girls, staff, families and the broader Lauriston community in the new year.”

Sabine, her husband Allan, and their son Henry are excited to return to Melbourne and join the Lauriston community later this year. We are fortunate to have a generous timeframe to support a smooth and thorough transition. Sabine looks forward to working closely with Susan Just and the School’s leadership team and to connecting with students, staff and families once she formally joins the Lauriston community.

As we look ahead, we will also take time to honour the remarkable leadership of Principal Susan Just, whose 15 years of service have shaped Lauriston in profound ways.

Please join me in warmly congratulating and welcoming Sabine and her family. We are excited for the future and confident that, under her leadership, Lauriston will continue to flourish as a beacon of educational excellence and holistic development.

Claudette Leeming 

Chair, 
Lauriston School Council