Meet the Head of Junior School and Senior Leaders

Meet the Acting Head of Junior School, Mrs Carmen Gaspersic

 

With a strong belief in valuing student individuality and placing wellbeing at the heart of her role, Mrs Carmen Gaspersic is committed to creating a nurturing environment where every student can thrive and engage in learning that inspires them to achieve their personal best.

Mrs Gaspersic holds a Bachelor of Education and Certificate of School Management and Leadership from Harvard. She has held several leadership roles across a variety of Independent schools in Sydney and has been the Deputy Head of Abbotsleigh Junior School since 2020.

Carmen values the meaningful relationships she develops with students, parents and staff and sees these connections as important foundations for a supportive and collaborative educational community.

 

Meet the Acting Deputy Head of Junior School, Mrs Peita van Bussel

 

Peita has led our youngest Junior School learners as the Transition to Year 2 Coordinator since 2017. Joining Abbotsleigh in 2010, her commitment to nurturing student success has been evident in her various roles across the Junior School. Valuing life-long learning, Peita holds a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education, a Postgraduate Diploma of Special Education, Master of Special Education and a Graduate Certificate of Educational Wellbeing.

Peita firmly believes that success emerges from strong academic foundations, with the careful cultivation of skills in critical thinking, problem-solving and perseverance. She holds a voluntary position as part of the NESA Teacher Expert Network, advising on curriculum reform and reviewing the new syllabus documents and support materials, prior to their release. Peita is deeply committed to the wellbeing of girls, fostering initiatives to broaden social-emotional learning and deepen connection and empathy among the students. She delights in the girls’ sense of wonder, encouraging agile and deep learners.