30/04/2026
Get to know Jake Cassell, Director of Teaching and Learning in the high school
- What do you love about your role?
I love being a systems thinker in a school setting; seeing how all areas connect and working to bring them together. I love leadership, engaging with teams across the whole school, and helping bring clarity, purpose and momentum to what we do.
-Why did you decide to get into the education field?
I was fortunate to have both male and female role models at school who deeply influenced me, and I wanted to be that kind of person for young people. The chance to positively shape lives every day is what drew me to this profession and continues to inspire me.
- What do you hope to achieve in this role?
My vision is to improve and streamline the operations of the school so that everything works with greater clarity, purpose and alignment. I also hope to strengthen and enrich our co-curricular offerings so that students are developed in every sense. Ultimately, I want KTC to be recognised as one of the world’s leading split curriculum schools.
-Who is your professional role model and why?
Without a doubt, Rabbi Chaiton, KTC Principal, is my professional role model. He is a man of deep integrity and I have learnt so much from working closely with him. I would also like to acknowledge my predecessors, James Mulhall and Michele Hanwell-Short, who have been wonderful mentors to me and have had a lasting influence on my growth as a leader.
- What do you do to "relax" on the weekend
I have recently made the transition into triathlons after a decade of competitive rowing. I am three quarters of the way through completing my MBA at the University of Sydney and halfway through completing the ISNSW National Flagship Program for aspiring principals. Spare time outside of this is scarce.
