love life, love learning, love people
Welcome to my website. This year, 2025, I celebrate 37 years in my career as an educator. I am pleased to share my ongoing learning journey with you.
The Doug Thomas Project: Recharge, Reflect, Reimagine!
In August (2025) after close to 18 years in the role, I finished up as Principal of Claremont College, Randwick. I’m now pleased to share that I’m taking a Professional Pause - calling it 'The Doug Thomas Project: Recharge, Reflect, Reimagine!' I do not have immediate plans for the future, I choose to embrace this season as a time to rest, restore, and heal -seeking renewed energy, balance, and peace, both emotionally and mentally. I remain hopeful and optimistic about the path ahead, trusting God's timing and grace to lead me. I plan to stay curious and open, guided by my passions, especially my volunteer work helping vulnerable and marginalised kids with Project Help India, while most importantly prioritising my health and cherished relationships with family and friends.
Though stepping back from formal leadership, my commitment to helping others flourish and make a difference remains central to who I am, wherever my journey may lead professionally and personally.
A little about me...
I love life and learning. I am passionate about the environment, social justice, advocating for the education of kids and people in poverty and making the world a happier and better place. www.projecthelpindia.co is incredibly important to me. I am so proud of my team at Project Help India who work tirelessly for so many kids who otherwise have limited opportunity and little resources to be able to attend school.
Even though I have currently 'stopped to smell the roses' I am committed to helping others flourish and contributing to Australian and Global inclusive education ..and making the world a better place however I can.
Significant Career Achievements
2008-2025 - During my time as Principal of Claremont College the school was, as still is, recognised for its educational excellence and innovation. The school’s whole-school learning space transformation and refurbishment project received a number of architectural awards and world-wide attention for the implementation of an innovative team focussed co-teaching model. Words cannot express how much I loved this job and this school.
2025 - Recognised as one of Australia's Most Influential Australian Educators for 2025 (Educator Magazine)
2023 - The Australian Primary School Principal of the Year (Non Govt).
2024 and 2023 - Education Hot List Top 50 (2023 & 2024) - demonstrating expertise in linking theory and practice, and designing and implementing innovations that provide students with high-quality educational experiences during these unprecedented times."
2024 (IFIP) Global Inclusion Award. From submissions from 39 countries across the globe, 149 organisations and individuals were recognised and celebrated across eight categories – architecture and design, corporate and business, culture, education, social impact, health, sports, leisure and tourism. A meticulous evaluation of all applications was conducted by a distinguished panel of inclusion specialists representing each of these sectors. The aim of the awards is to:
“shine a light on the diverse inclusion challenges that the world faces and to showcase existing best practices that can guide others towards ensuring equitable access and benefits in education, employment, culture, and leisure activities worldwide”.
As an educational leader I was so thrilled for my school to be recognised in this way. For me personally, the reason why I initially chose to become a teacher was to work in a school where students with disabilities and special needs were included in a mainstream setting. More recently, my professional experiences at Claremont have equipped me for giving back - working in India advocating for marginalised and vulnerable children, especially those with disabilities and slum kids who have limited or no access to a school and education.
Conference Presentations over the years
2011 - AISNSW Primary Conference (Sydney)
‘Implementing a Thinking and Learning Curriculum’
2016 - AISNSW National ICT Conference (Canberra)
‘Developing and implementing a successful ICT Strategic Plan’
2016 - AISNSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Conference (Sydney)
‘Our Journey and Initiatives at Claremont College’
2016 - EduTECH (Brisbane)
‘School Transformation and Change Management’
‘ICT Strategic Planning for Business Managers’
2016 - Criterion Conferences (Melbourne and Sydney)
‘Flexible Learning Spaces and the Claremont College Research Project’
2016 - Criterion Conferences (Sydney)
‘Ensuring Student Engagement within a Differentiated Curriculum’
2017 - Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development ASCD
Empower Conference (Los Angeles)
‘Co-Teaching Aussie Style’
2017 - Criterion Conferences (Sydney)
‘Flexible Learning Spaces and the Claremont College Research Project’
2017 - Learning Environments Australasia (LEA) Masterclass
‘The Claremont College Transformation story: Pedagogy and Learning Spaces’
2017 EduTECH Asia, K-12 Leadership Strand (Singapore)
‘Assessing the Hallmarks of Outstanding 21st Century K-12 Leaders’ (panel member)
‘Co-Teaching in Flexible Learning Spaces’ (2 hour workshop, co facilitator)
2018 Learning Environments Australia (LEA) National Conference (Sydney)
The Claremont College Story (School tour and visitors’ presentation)
2019 National Future Schools Expo and Conferences, Leadership Strand (Melbourne)
‘Planning for the Future: Change, Strategic Planning and a Leadership Toolkit for Disruption and your Personal Wellbeing’ - speaker
‘Strategies for School Leaders to Realise Learning Improvement’ - Principals’ Panel
2019 Informa Conferences School Planning, Design & Construction Summit (Melbourne)
Transforming Learning Spaces: Educational research, design and leadership principles to consider for sustained success.
2019 IPSHA Leadership Masterclass (Sydney)
‘Exploring Future School Leadership’
2019 International Confederation of Principals Convention (Shanghai)
- ‘Are you a Future Schools Leader?’
2019 EduTECH Asia, K-12 Leadership Strand (Singapore)
- ‘Co-Teaching: A model for student and teachers’ (workshop co-facilitator)
- 'Change, Strategic Planning and a Leadership tool-kit for disruption and your personal well-being’ (Pecha Kucha presentation)
- ‘Being a Future School Leader’ Teacher Tech Talks (Round Table Facilitator)
2020 School Building & Maintenance Summit (online delivery)
Claremont College: A case study focussing on transforming learning spaces whilst drawing on specifics such as educational research, design and leadership principles for sustained success.
2024 ASCD Annual Conference (USA, Washington DC)
‘Creating a Happy, Safe, and Connected School – An Australian Case Study’. My presentation explored the key features of learning space design and collaborative teaching, along with research-informed considerations to enhance respectful relationships, belonging, and connectedness in an inclusive elementary school setting.
2024 4th National Indigenous Empowerment Summit (Brisbane)
‘Creating inclusive and supportive schools that foster connection, belonging and safety.’ My talk focussed on three main points; Understanding the key elements of connection for thriving at school, Providing teacher education on trauma-informed practice to deepen understanding of underlying challenges, and, Fostering trust among students, teachers and families through open communication, listening, collaboration and consultation.
2024 EduTECH (Melbourne) Keynote Speaker (School Teachers' Stream)
'More Than Just a Teacher: Reclaiming the significance of the role and impact of teachers.'
You are never ‘just’ a teacher. It’s crucial to put the spotlight back on the importance of primary school teachers – especially in the lives of children, families, and communities. The transformative power of education, guided by skilled and dedicated teachers, and educational leaders not only shapes minds but also has the potential to profoundly impact and uplift entire communities.
August 2024 - panel speaker at University of NSW BREATHE: Airborne Threats to Health Workshop hosted by UNSW ENG (MME).
This event focussed on airborne threats in both indoor and outdoor environments, aiming to promote advancements in health and medical research. In collaboration with the NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence (CRE) BREATHE the workshop will bring together leading experts in aerosol science to raise awareness and foster innovation at UNSW Engineering, with the goal to build collaborative and innovative partnerships with the scientific community, governmental bodies, industry stakeholders, and the public.
Leadership Mentoring and Teacher Training
The Doug Thomas Project: Recharge, Reflect, Reimagine!
In August (2025) after close to 18 years in the role, I finished up as Principal of Claremont College, Randwick. I’m now pleased to share that I’m taking a Professional Pause - calling it 'The Doug Thomas Project: Recharge, Reflect, Reimagine!' I do not have immediate plans for the future, I choose to embrace this season as a time to rest, restore, and heal -seeking renewed energy, balance, and peace, both emotionally and mentally. I remain hopeful and optimistic about the path ahead, trusting God's timing and grace to lead me. I plan to stay curious and open, guided by my passions, especially my volunteer work helping vulnerable and marginalised kids with Project Help India, while most importantly prioritising my health and cherished relationships with family and friends.
Though stepping back from formal leadership, my commitment to helping others flourish and make a difference remains central to who I am, wherever my journey may lead professionally and personally.
A little about me...
I love life and learning. I am passionate about the environment, social justice, advocating for the education of kids and people in poverty and making the world a happier and better place. www.projecthelpindia.co is incredibly important to me. I am so proud of my team at Project Help India who work tirelessly for so many kids who otherwise have limited opportunity and little resources to be able to attend school.
Even though I have currently 'stopped to smell the roses' I am committed to helping others flourish and contributing to Australian and Global inclusive education ..and making the world a better place however I can.
Significant Career Achievements
2008-2025 - During my time as Principal of Claremont College the school was, as still is, recognised for its educational excellence and innovation. The school’s whole-school learning space transformation and refurbishment project received a number of architectural awards and world-wide attention for the implementation of an innovative team focussed co-teaching model. Words cannot express how much I loved this job and this school.
2025 - Recognised as one of Australia's Most Influential Australian Educators for 2025 (Educator Magazine)
2023 - The Australian Primary School Principal of the Year (Non Govt).
2024 and 2023 - Education Hot List Top 50 (2023 & 2024) - demonstrating expertise in linking theory and practice, and designing and implementing innovations that provide students with high-quality educational experiences during these unprecedented times."
2024 (IFIP) Global Inclusion Award. From submissions from 39 countries across the globe, 149 organisations and individuals were recognised and celebrated across eight categories – architecture and design, corporate and business, culture, education, social impact, health, sports, leisure and tourism. A meticulous evaluation of all applications was conducted by a distinguished panel of inclusion specialists representing each of these sectors. The aim of the awards is to:
“shine a light on the diverse inclusion challenges that the world faces and to showcase existing best practices that can guide others towards ensuring equitable access and benefits in education, employment, culture, and leisure activities worldwide”.
As an educational leader I was so thrilled for my school to be recognised in this way. For me personally, the reason why I initially chose to become a teacher was to work in a school where students with disabilities and special needs were included in a mainstream setting. More recently, my professional experiences at Claremont have equipped me for giving back - working in India advocating for marginalised and vulnerable children, especially those with disabilities and slum kids who have limited or no access to a school and education.
Conference Presentations over the years
2011 - AISNSW Primary Conference (Sydney)
‘Implementing a Thinking and Learning Curriculum’
2016 - AISNSW National ICT Conference (Canberra)
‘Developing and implementing a successful ICT Strategic Plan’
2016 - AISNSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Conference (Sydney)
‘Our Journey and Initiatives at Claremont College’
2016 - EduTECH (Brisbane)
‘School Transformation and Change Management’
‘ICT Strategic Planning for Business Managers’
2016 - Criterion Conferences (Melbourne and Sydney)
‘Flexible Learning Spaces and the Claremont College Research Project’
2016 - Criterion Conferences (Sydney)
‘Ensuring Student Engagement within a Differentiated Curriculum’
2017 - Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development ASCD
Empower Conference (Los Angeles)
‘Co-Teaching Aussie Style’
2017 - Criterion Conferences (Sydney)
‘Flexible Learning Spaces and the Claremont College Research Project’
2017 - Learning Environments Australasia (LEA) Masterclass
‘The Claremont College Transformation story: Pedagogy and Learning Spaces’
2017 EduTECH Asia, K-12 Leadership Strand (Singapore)
‘Assessing the Hallmarks of Outstanding 21st Century K-12 Leaders’ (panel member)
‘Co-Teaching in Flexible Learning Spaces’ (2 hour workshop, co facilitator)
2018 Learning Environments Australia (LEA) National Conference (Sydney)
The Claremont College Story (School tour and visitors’ presentation)
2019 National Future Schools Expo and Conferences, Leadership Strand (Melbourne)
‘Planning for the Future: Change, Strategic Planning and a Leadership Toolkit for Disruption and your Personal Wellbeing’ - speaker
‘Strategies for School Leaders to Realise Learning Improvement’ - Principals’ Panel
2019 Informa Conferences School Planning, Design & Construction Summit (Melbourne)
Transforming Learning Spaces: Educational research, design and leadership principles to consider for sustained success.
2019 IPSHA Leadership Masterclass (Sydney)
‘Exploring Future School Leadership’
2019 International Confederation of Principals Convention (Shanghai)
- ‘Are you a Future Schools Leader?’
2019 EduTECH Asia, K-12 Leadership Strand (Singapore)
- ‘Co-Teaching: A model for student and teachers’ (workshop co-facilitator)
- 'Change, Strategic Planning and a Leadership tool-kit for disruption and your personal well-being’ (Pecha Kucha presentation)
- ‘Being a Future School Leader’ Teacher Tech Talks (Round Table Facilitator)
2020 School Building & Maintenance Summit (online delivery)
Claremont College: A case study focussing on transforming learning spaces whilst drawing on specifics such as educational research, design and leadership principles for sustained success.
2024 ASCD Annual Conference (USA, Washington DC)
‘Creating a Happy, Safe, and Connected School – An Australian Case Study’. My presentation explored the key features of learning space design and collaborative teaching, along with research-informed considerations to enhance respectful relationships, belonging, and connectedness in an inclusive elementary school setting.
2024 4th National Indigenous Empowerment Summit (Brisbane)
‘Creating inclusive and supportive schools that foster connection, belonging and safety.’ My talk focussed on three main points; Understanding the key elements of connection for thriving at school, Providing teacher education on trauma-informed practice to deepen understanding of underlying challenges, and, Fostering trust among students, teachers and families through open communication, listening, collaboration and consultation.
2024 EduTECH (Melbourne) Keynote Speaker (School Teachers' Stream)
'More Than Just a Teacher: Reclaiming the significance of the role and impact of teachers.'
You are never ‘just’ a teacher. It’s crucial to put the spotlight back on the importance of primary school teachers – especially in the lives of children, families, and communities. The transformative power of education, guided by skilled and dedicated teachers, and educational leaders not only shapes minds but also has the potential to profoundly impact and uplift entire communities.
August 2024 - panel speaker at University of NSW BREATHE: Airborne Threats to Health Workshop hosted by UNSW ENG (MME).
This event focussed on airborne threats in both indoor and outdoor environments, aiming to promote advancements in health and medical research. In collaboration with the NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence (CRE) BREATHE the workshop will bring together leading experts in aerosol science to raise awareness and foster innovation at UNSW Engineering, with the goal to build collaborative and innovative partnerships with the scientific community, governmental bodies, industry stakeholders, and the public.
Leadership Mentoring and Teacher Training
- Volunteer Teacher Training and Leadership Mentoring, Kotdwara, India (2013 - present)
- Mentor a Principal as part of the AIS NSW Leadership ‘Flagship Program’ (2015 -2018, 2023 and 2024)
- IPSHA NSW New Principals Mentor Program (2018 and 2022)
- Watoto Principals Mentorship, Executive Leadership Team Development, Strategic Planning and School Improvement Review, Kampala Uganda (2018)
- Mentor of leaders and teacher training at ‘Vision Rescue’ (NGO), Mumbai, India (2013 - 2019)
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