Helen Aguiar GAICD
Helen Aguiar has more than 30 years of experience across diverse school contexts. Her leadership expertise spans all aspects of school strategy and operations, including teaching and learning, leadership development, governance, community engagement and driving innovation and strategic improvement.
Helen currently serves as Director, School Programs and Services at the Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia (AISWA) where she is a member of the Executive Team. In this role, Helen provides strategic leadership and guidance to 166 independent schools across the state of Western Australia. Her portfolio includes responsibility for policy and compliance, school psychology, health and wellbeing, inclusive education, workplace relations, child protection, First Nations education and Principal advisory services.
Between 2019 to 2023, Helen was Principal of Perth College. Helen’s earlier leadership roles included Dean of Students, then Vice Principal at All Saints’ College (2008 – 2018); Head of Department then Deputy Principal and at Emmanuel Catholic College in Beeliar (2000 – 2007); and her teaching, then first middle leadership role (Year Coordinator) at Lumen Christi College, Martin (1995 – 1999).
Committed to continuous professional growth, Helen is currently completing a Doctorate in Education, researching the wellbeing experiences of newly appointed teachers in independent schools. She holds two Master of Education degrees (Leadership and Management and Religious Education – Pastoral Care) from the University of Notre Dame Australia and a Bachelor of Education degree from Curtin University, Western Australia. Helen is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).
Beyond her formal roles, Helen is a respected educational commentator, contributing opinion pieces to The West Australian and The Australian newspapers and appearing on national and local radio, including ABC and 6PR. She is known for her advocacy on issues such as student wellbeing, youth mental health, educational equity and school culture.
