Introducing Cowan House

Q&A with the new Head of Cowan House,              Mr Adam Edwards

St George’s is thrilled to introduce Cowan House — our newest House, proudly blue. With Cowan now joining our existing three Houses, this marks a bold and exciting step forward for our school community. Cowan House is named after Edith Cowan, social reformer, politician and community activist. Edith Cowan is best known for her work advocating for women's rights, including being the first woman elected to an Australian Parliament. Our inaugural Head of Cowan House, Mr Adam Edwards, graduated from Edith Cowan University. We sat down with him to learn more about his vision, hopes, and a few fun facts too. 

Thank you - I am very grateful for the opportunity the school has given me. When I think about what excites me the most, it is the freedom and uniqueness of being part of something bigger than myself. We are going to be building a House from its foundations — where we, as a community, get to define our culture and decide how the House is shaped moving forward. These kinds of opportunities are incredibly rare in schools. I’m really looking forward to working closely with our founding members, not just in building the House, but in supporting them in all facets of their school life. There’s something special about growing something from the ground up. 

I believe a strong sense of identity and belonging starts with students feeling valued and seen. I want every founding member of Cowan House to understand our foundations — to know who Edith Cowan was and how her courage shaped a better future for all Western Australians.

It is important to me that students feel heard and know that their ideas matter. We have so many amazing young people at this school, and I want to use their many strengths to help shape Cowan House. When students contribute to something, the connection is deeper and that’s how true belonging begins.

Change is upon us, and it’s exciting. With the addition of Cowan House creating a balanced four-house system and the move to a new building, the way we experience school will evolve — and that’s a good thing. I believe Cowan House will play a key role in helping our community adapt to that change. It offers a sense of clarity and direction during a time of transition, and I see it becoming a beacon of energy, integrity, and innovation within the school — because our possibilities for what we want to become are endless.

I want Cowan House to be defined by values that not only reflect who we are but inspire who we aspire to become. Integrity, community, and effort will be at the core of everything we do. Integrity will sit at the heart of our house, just as it did for Edith Cowan — doing what’s right, even when it’s hard.

I also hope Cowan is known for being a welcoming and inclusive community — a place where every student feels a strong sense of belonging and pride. And finally, I want effort to be a cornerstone — we will celebrate those who give their best and uplift those around them. 

I want our students to embrace who we are and who we are striving to become. That sense of pride in their House, in their contribution, and in each other, is a real driver for me. I hope they feel a strong connection to being part of something special, something they’ve helped build. Not just this year, but in the years ahead, I want Cowan students to lead with integrity, support one another, and carry that sense of belonging with them long after they leave school.

I know I gave a few of these away during my New Staff introduction, but yes — I have a chocolate Labrador named Jarrah who puts a smile on my face every time I walk in the door. I enjoy all things sport, love a good coffee, and always look forward to spending time with my family back in Esperance. A hidden talent? I’ve got some of the neatest handwriting you’ll see — and yes, I’m a proud left-hander!

In primary school in Esperance, I was a two-time regional chess champion — so I’m always up for a game if anyone’s keen! 

Growing up in a small community, I always felt a strong connection to supporting those around me. My parents taught me from a young age to treat others the way you wish to be treated, and over time, I started to realise that I could make a genuine, positive impact on others. When I began coaching sporting teams and working with students in a school setting, I discovered how much I enjoy the energy and enthusiasm young people bring. I enjoy the way they approach life with curiosity, playfulness, and possibility — it’s something that continues to inspire me every day as a teacher.

Haha, YES — I’ve loved blue since I was young. It was the colour of my primary school faction, and it’s always stuck with me. It reminds me of home, the beaches and my childhood. I also love how it reflects the ocean and the sky — calm, open, and full of possibility. For me, it’s a colour that represents opportunity, and now blue is even more meaningful, being part of Cowan House.

As told to Mrs Lisa Quartermain

Marketing and Community Engagement Manager