Deborah Harman

Deborah has been the Principal of Balwyn High School since 2009.

Deborah is committed to quality education across the sector. Her leadership and influence have focused on curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, and professional learning. She has been widely recognised for her innovative and successful Leadership Development Program for aspirant leaders that attracts more than 70 teachers and education staff annually.

In 2021 Deborah was awarded the inaugural VEEA Colin Simpson Secondary Principal of the Year award. In 2023 Balwyn High School was awarded the VEEA Outstanding Provision for High Ability Learners (Secondary) and the overall Lindsay Thompson Excellence in Education Award.

In 2023 Deborah was named as the third recipient of ACEL Victoria’s Debbie Locco Leadership Award.
Deborah has been an Executive Member of TAASS since its formation in 2015 and has served as Executive Chair since 2017. She is passionate about ensuring the highest quality SEAL program at Balwyn High School by advocating for and enabling opportunities that extend, enrich, connect and challenge students across all six years of their learning experience.

Deborah’s leadership of TAASS has encouraged members’ schools to learn with, and from one another, and to provide exceptional learning opportunities for principals, teaching staff and SEAL students.

Deborah is committed to maintaining the fidelity and quality of all SEAL programs across the Academy and has loved being part of Accreditation and Reaccreditation processes that bring her into contact with member schools and their dedication to our gifted and talented students.

Away from education, Deborah loves reading, the theatre, and spending time with her two granddaughters.