At the end of Term 4, we will farewell Mrs Linda Chiba, our Deputy Principal, as she retires after 12 years of dedicated service to the College. Mrs Chiba’s leadership, wisdom and care have profoundly shaped our community, and we look forward to celebrating her remarkable contribution later this term.
When a role such as Deputy Principal arises, it presents a valuable opportunity for a school like ours to reaffirm its identity and look confidently to the future. The Deputy Principal plays a pivotal role in the daily life and ongoing success of the College, particularly in the Senior School, helping shape its tone, direction and rhythm, and leading our staff with care and camaraderie.
Following an extensive recruitment process, conducted in partnership with Hutton Consulting, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Sarah Golsby-Smith as the new Deputy Principal of PLC Sydney, commencing in January 2026.
Dr Golsby-Smith brings to the role a wealth of experience in education, a strong Christian foundation, and a deep passion for teaching and learning. She has served PLC Sydney for eight years as Head of Learning and Teaching and previously held leadership roles at The Scots College and SCEGGS Darlinghurst.
Principal Dr Paul Burgis shared:
“Sarah is an exceptional educator and leader who understands both the heart and purpose of our College. Her commitment to academic excellence, holistic education, and the flourishing of each girl aligns beautifully with our vision for the future.”
We warmly congratulate Dr Sarah Golsby-Smith on her appointment and look forward to her leadership in this important role.
Dr Golsby-Smith is a passionate teacher and leader whose work reflects a deep belief in the transformative power of the classroom. She is committed to cultivating a love of learning, fostering curiosity, and encouraging students to embrace excellence not out of fear of failure, but through joy in discovery.
Sarah has taught in government and independent schools across Sydney and Vancouver, in boys’, girls’ and co-educational settings. She has held senior leadership positions at The Scots College, where she served as Dean of Humanities, and at PLC Sydney, where she has been Head of Learning and Teaching since 2017.
She holds a PhD in English, with a focus on how knowledge is developed through classroom conversations, and has published widely on theology, literature and education. Her writing has appeared in academic journals as well as The Sydney Morning Herald, ABC Religion & Ethics and the Centre for Public Christianity.
At the heart of Sarah’s work is her Christian faith, through which she sees every student as one of the wonders of Creation, loved by God. Sarah is married to Jonathan and they have three children.