Malena Waibel | Principal
Shellharbour Public School

Malena Waibel is a dedicated and forward-thinking educational leader with over 15 years of experience in public education. Currently the Principal of Shellharbour Public School, she is committed to fostering an inclusive, high-expectation learning culture where every student is empowered to succeed. With expertise in curriculum design, instructional leadership, and teacher capacity-building, Malena has led significant school improvement initiatives focused on lifting outcomes for all learners. Her leadership is grounded in the belief that high expectations, coupled with authentic student voice, are key drivers of school success. At EDUtech 2025, Malena will share practical strategies for embedding high expectations across a school and creating meaningful opportunities for students to lead their own learning. Her session will explore how student voice can inform teaching practice, strengthen engagement, and build a sense of ownership and agency in the classroom. She will also discuss how digital tools can support personalised learning and amplify student perspectives. Known for her collaborative leadership style, Malena works closely with staff, families, and the wider community to cultivate a culture of trust, shared responsibility, and continuous improvement. She is deeply committed to developing confident, capable learners who are ready to shape the future.