Meet the Head of Junior School and Senior Leaders
Meet the Head of Junior School, Ms Larissa Cameron
Ms Larissa Cameron is a highly experienced educational leader whose purpose is to inspire a love of learning and foster deep connection through the engagement of hearts and minds. With 25 years of experience in the independent school sector, her work is grounded in a strong commitment to educational excellence.
Ms Cameron is passionate about raising a generation of girls who recognise and use their voice with courage and integrity, often surprising themselves by achieving more than they believed possible. Her leadership is rooted in trust and in a profound belief in the transformative power of education.
She is dedicated to building collaborative, high performing school cultures where both staff and students flourish. With a strategic and relational approach, Ms Cameron supports positive change, nurtures staff growth, prioritises student wellbeing, and leads school operations with clarity and vision.
Ms Cameron holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor of Education, and was awarded a scholarship to the National Flagship Principal Development Program. Her university research explored the development of trust within high performing collaborative learning cultures.
Since joining Abbotsleigh at the start of Term 4 in 2025, Ms Cameron has formed warm and trusting connections across the school community. Her positivity, calm presence, and relational leadership have supported a smooth and energising transition into a new season for the Junior School.
Meet the Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing and Engagement, Mrs Carmen Gaspersic
With a strong belief in valuing student individuality and placing wellbeing at the heart of her role, Mrs Carmen Gaspersic is committed to creating a nurturing environment where every student can thrive and engage in learning that inspires them to achieve their personal best.
Mrs Gaspersic holds a Bachelor of Education and Certificate of School Management and Leadership from Harvard. She has held several leadership roles across a variety of Independent schools in Sydney and has been the Deputy Head of Abbotsleigh Junior School since 2020.
Carmen values the meaningful relationships she develops with students, parents and staff and sees these connections as important foundations for a supportive and collaborative educational community.
Meet the Deputy Head of Junior School – Learning and Pedagogy, Mrs Peita van Bussel
Mrs van Bussel has served in a range of leadership roles across the Junior School since joining Abbotsleigh in 2010, demonstrating a sustained commitment to student growth and excellence in teaching and learning. Since 2026, she has held the role of Deputy Head of Junior School – Learning and Pedagogy, following her service as Acting Deputy Head of Junior School from 2024. Peita is recognised as a Lead Teacher (NESA and AITSL), one of approximately 700 teachers in Australia with this accreditation, reflective of her impact on improving teaching practice and student outcomes. She is known for her research and data-informed approach to guide contemporary, high-quality pedagogical practice across the Junior School.
Valuing life-long learning, Peita holds a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education), a Postgraduate Diploma of Special Education, a Master of Special Education, and a Graduate Certificate of Educational Wellbeing. She held a voluntary role with the NESA Teacher Expert Network, advising on curriculum and syllabus reform. Peita firmly believes that success is built on strong academic foundations, alongside the deliberate development of critical thinking, problem-solving and perseverance. She is passionate about fostering curious, capable learners who are equipped to engage deeply and think agilely in a changing world.
