Meet New Head of Senior School, Zac Savage

As a highly experienced leader and senior school educator, Zac Savage values strong partnerships with his students as they prepare for life beyond the school gates.

“The final years of school are an exciting time. Students begin to carve their own path and consider future directions. As educators, we work in partnership with students to help guide them to make good decisions. This is what I find rewarding about working with senior students, walking alongside them as they figure the big things out,” he said.

Zac is currently Deputy Head of Senior School at St Peter’s College and before that was Director of Boarding at Prince Alfred College and Director of Boarding at Westminster School.

Zac is pleased to be joining Pulteney’s leadership team in 2024, where he will actively participate in shaping the direction of the School.

“I look forward to building relationships as quickly as I can and supporting the School in a meaningful way that will contribute to its ongoing success.”

During the early 2000s, Zac spent time working on the APY Lands in Aboriginal communities as a literacy coordinator and later at Wiltja Boarding College for Aboriginal students in Adelaide.  He believes that fostering a positive and safe environment for students is key to successful outcomes and an area where he can make a meaningful impact.

According to Zac, open communication between families, students, and teachers is significant to tackling the challenges that come with the senior years of school.

“Sharing information is a huge part of my role. Families need to know what is happening at school and of course, they know their children in ways we do not, so to have a close relationship built on trust and respect means when things come up, we are in it together,” he said.

Pastoral care is a core strength of Zac’s leadership. He developed wellbeing and pastoral care programs while in a coeducational setting at Westminster School and understands their significance in the modern-day educational environment.

“Today we are facing challenges that are unlike previous generations, so it is important to grasp how wellbeing and health impact students’ lives.”

“Again, this comes back to building meaningful, authentic relationships via listening to one another. I am excited to be joining Pulteney because of the School’s values and vision for its learners. I am committed to overseeing a senior learning environment which enables students to be their best self and I know Pulteney is already doing this well. I am keen to learn from those already leading, to improve where we can, and to understand the distinctive character of life at Pulteney”.

Zac Savage commenced as Head of Senior School in Term 1 2024.