Headquarters:

85 Carabella Street, Kirribilli, NSW 2061

Year founded:

1907

Number of employees:

300

Phone:

+61 2 9957 4722

Email:

info@loreto.nsw.edu.au

Website:

loreto.nsw.edu.au

LinkedIn:

linkedin.com/school/loreto-kirribilli

“With less focus on textbooks, students now engage more in experiential and inquiry-based learning and have ample opportunities to work in collegial groups using various thinking routines”

Jay Halai, Minarah College

LORETO KIRRIBILLI

Anna Dickinson

Principal

Sheila McGregor

Chairperson of the Loreto Kirribilli School Board

Debbie Henry

Development Manager

Leadership

Anna Dickinson has served Catholic education for the past 41 years and is currently the principal of Loreto Kirribilli. She has served as a principal in two other schools and as director of system performance responsible for 20 K-12 schools in the Parramatta Diocese as well as a regional consultant in the Sydney Archdiocese. Anna serves on several boards and committees, including as a current member of the AIS Advisory Council and the Independent Girls’ School Association (IGSA) Board. She previously served as chair of the AISNSW Independent Schools Teacher Accreditation Authority (ISTAA) and as a director on the Sydney Archdiocesan Catholic Schools Board (SACS). She has been honoured by receiving the International Women’s Day Award for significant contribution to school leadership in the Archdiocese of Sydney and the Australian College of Educators (ACE) Alan Laughlin Perpetual Award for outstanding leadership within the Sydney Catholic Archdiocese, where she led the change to improve the quality of teaching and learning.

Principal

Anna Dickinson

Sheila McGregor holds BA (Hons) and LLB degrees from the University of Sydney, and an AICD diploma. She was a senior partner with Gilbert + Tobin and previously Freehills. An experienced commercial adviser, company director and senior lawyer, Sheila has held non-executive director roles in public and not-for-profit entities. Her special responsibilities include chairperson of the Loreto Kirribilli Board, and member of the Loreto Kirribilli Bursary, Nominations and Succession Planning, and Environmental Sustainability committees.

Chairperson of the Loreto Kirribilli School Board

Sheila McGregor

Debbie Henry is an experienced professional in philanthropy, event management, marketing and community relations, with a passion for developing innovative and creative events to enable continued growth and career opportunities amongst the Loreto network. She plays a vital role in the interaction between all facets of the school community, fostering the core Loreto values to provide engagement platforms for ex-students with a positive influence on current and future generations. Debbie is responsible for managing Loreto Kirribilli’s philanthropy in areas of capital works, bursaries, and bequests, as well as managing the LK Connect program, a mentoring and networking platform. She is also instrumental in developing LK Connect, which provides opportunities for ex-student engagement to form mentor-mentee partnerships and networking hosted events.

Development Manager

Debbie Henry

“With less focus on textbooks, students now engage more in experiential and inquiry-based learning and have ample opportunities to work in collegial groups using various thinking routines”

Jay Halai, Minarah College

“We will ensure students address meaningful real-world problems and use specific protocols [so that] all voices are heard. Project-based learning will be emphasised to develop key skills such as research, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration”

Jay Halai, Minarah College

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Jay Halai, Minarah College

“With less focus on textbooks, students now engage more in experiential and inquiry-based learning and have ample opportunities to work in collegial groups using various thinking routines”

Jay Halai, Minarah College

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Rachel Grimes, AM

Chief Financial Officer, Challenger Limited

Rachel Grimes is the chief financial officer of Challenger Limited. Prior to joining Challenger, she was general manager, finance at Westpac Banking Corporation, overseeing the group financial control, group financial performance, strategy and finance transformation. Grimes held several other senior roles within Westpac Group, including CFO of technology, CFO of regulatory, finance and accounting and transformation, and director of mergers and acquisitions. Rachel has 30 years of commercial experience across financial services and the accounting profession in Australia and worldwide. She has held leadership positions within the accounting profession globally and was the president of the International Federation of Accountants from 2016 to 2018 and the president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in 2011. In January 2022, she became a member of the general division of the Order of Australia and was recognised for her significant service to business in the field of accountancy, and to professional associations. Rachel currently sits on the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board, the Digital Finance CRC Board, and the Risk Committee for Surfing Australia. She is also active in a number of community organisations that she is passionate about, including Loreto Ministries Limited.

Chief Financial Officer, Challenger Limited

Rachel Grimes, AM

Sonvir Johal

Business Manager

Steve Uscinski leads the team of the studies directorate. In his more than 20 years at BGS, he has served as a teacher of English, coach of rugby and cricket, director of the senior dramatic production, boarding housemaster, school administrator and curriculum innovator and leader.

Deputy Headmaster, Teaching and Learning

Steve Uscinski

These prestigious awards are testament to Ormiston College’s ongoing commitment to innovation and 21st century pedagogy. The college delivers teaching and learning programs that develop learners who think flexibly, work independently and collaboratively, take risks, solve real-world problems and demonstrate higher-order thinking skills. Recognition in these national awards provides an opportunity to showcase the progress made each year and to celebrate the people and teamwork at the centre of Ormiston College’s operations. A unique, award-winning teaching and learning framework provides a common language which students, teachers and parents use to communicate and share their understanding of quality teaching and learning at Ormiston College. The college believes that a strong emphasis on using technology to improve learning outcomes encourages students to embrace new ways of thinking for the 21st century.

Jay Halai, Minarah College

Greg Thorne

Deputy Headmaster, Co-curricular

Jacqui Zervos

Executive Director, Educational Innovation

Rebecca Campbell

Head of Middle School

Inma Beaumont

Executive Director Advancement and Community Relations

Greg Thorne joined BGS in January 2019. He is an experienced educational leader with a broad range of proficiencies. He has expertise in student wellbeing roles, curriculum leadership and school administration. Greg was part of the senior leadership team at Nudgee College for eight years, most recently as the director of activities for sport and culture. He has also been chairperson of multiple GPS Association sub-committees.

Deputy Headmaster, Co-curricular

Greg Thorne

Jacqui Zervos joined the School in 1995 as a teacher of geography and history, having completed her initial teacher qualification at The University of Queensland in 1987 and then spending seven years teaching with Education Queensland. She is well known as a passionate and exemplary teacher of geography and took on the position of head of year in 2001. During the following five years as head of year, Jacqui completed her Master of Education at UQ with a major study into boys’ education. She was appointed head of middle school in 2006. In 2018, she was seconded to her current position and in 2020 was confirmed as executive director, educational innovation on a permanent basis from 2021.

Executive Director, Educational Innovation

Jacqui Zervos

Rebecca Campbell joined BGS in mid-2013 as the School’s first head of Years 5 and 6. She has spent the past 15 years working in GPS boys’ schools. A dedicated educator, she is committed to creating a positive learning culture that supports the holistic development of each student. Rebecca is a graduate of the University of Newcastle, where she completed a master’s degree specialising in educating boys. In recent years, she has attained a Professional Certificate in Instructional Leadership through the University of Melbourne. Rebecca fulfilled the head of middle school role in Term 1 2017 and from 2018 to 2020. She was appointed to the position of head of middle school in 2021.

Head of Middle School

Rebecca Campbell

Inma Beaumont joined BGS at the beginning of 2020. She is an experienced advancement professional, having implemented fundraising and engagement operations for three different units over six years at The University of Queensland. Inma led the fundraising campaign to renovate the Forgan Smith Building, home to the TC Beirne School of Law at UQ. She subsequently spent three years as director of advancement at the UQ Faculty of Health, where she conceived and delivered a major gifts program. Her fundraising experience follows a 15-year career in finance, including as CFO of Citibank Australia. She is a non-executive director of UN Women Australia, Speech Pathology Australia and Women’s College at UQ.

Executive Director Advancement and Community Relations

Inma Beaumont

Diana Godfrey joined Fidelity in 1995, and is currently the senior vice-president, human resources and corporate affairs. She has 27 years of industry experience and has driven innovation and transformative changes to employee benefits, talent development, charitable and diversity and inclusion programs, which have strengthened Fidelity Canada’s position as a top caring employer. She championed the implementation of Fidelity Canada’s value proposition, committed to improving the employee experience to meet their individual needs and the community at large. Fidelity Canada has been recognized with multiple employer awards and designations, which celebrate its work culture and atmosphere, corporate philanthropic initiatives, and health and benefits, to name just a few.

Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Affairs

Diana Godfrey (she/her/hers)

Cameron Murray is the senior vice president, client services and CIO for Fidelity Investments Canada ULC. In this capacity, he oversees both technology and operations for the organization in Canada. He joined Fidelity in December 1999 as Vice President, Systems Operations. He currently serves as a member of the board of directors for FundSERV, where he has been an executive committee and board member since 2002. He is also on the board of directors for Fidelity Investments Canada ULC.

Senior Vice President, Client Services and Chief Information Officer

Cameron Murray

Sarah M Stewart has more than 15 years of strategic leasing and customer care experience in residential property management. She is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Centurion’s national leasing platforms, residential lead generation, and overall customer experience excellence through operation of the company’s internal customer service department.

Associate Vice President, Leasing and Call Centre Operations

Sarah M Stewart

Associate Vice President, Leasing and Call Centre Operations

Karen Bannister, CM

Vice President, Marketing

Dave Longbottom

Chief Technology Officer

Alex Ventura

Head of Marketing

Damian Palovick

Senior Vice President of Underwriting AXA XL – Delegated Authority Programs, North America

Dr. Mary Lavoie

Head of Risk Management and Senior Vice President AXA XL – Delegated Authority Programs, North America

Mark Bernacki

Chief Underwriting Officer

Ryan Armijo

Chief Operating Officer, Underwriting Division

Bob Petrilli

President, Underwriting Division

“The focus now is on differentiation and development of Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS). There is documented planning on differentiation to ensure the students who are struggling are being catered for and those who are above average are being challenged to do better,” he says. “Furthermore, staff now engage in making data-driven decisions to make programs and learning sequences. Lessons are no longer based on ‘one hat – fits all’, each lesson now has differentiated tasks.” Halai says the syllabus outcome is now achieved through differentiated tasks that are aligned to the student capabilities and learning needs. “Lessons are delivered through interactive smartboards; hence, teachers have the opportunity to cater for visual, auditory and kinaesthetic learners,” he says. “With less focus on textbooks, students now engage more in experiential and inquiry-based learning and have ample opportunities to work in collegial groups using various thinking routines.” Halai says staff development is highly focused on enhancement of ICT skills through regular professional learning with Microsoft Teams. “The success stories on Deep Learning from classrooms were shared by the staff as part of professional development, and these presentations were well received by the teachers, and seen as a learning opportunity, and peer appreciation.” As for what’s next for Minarah College, Halai says the process is in place for changing the learning environment with collaborative learning places for all students. “The shift is from students just learning the knowledge to authentic application of this knowledge to the wider world. The focus at Minarah College is for teachers to equip students with the tools to navigate their learning process and improve their expertise in developing efficacy,” he explains. “We will ensure students address meaningful real-world problems and use specific protocols [so that] all voices are heard. Project-based learning will be emphasised to develop key skills such as research, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.” Halai says the college will also be using appropriate data analysis and interpretation of data to make informed decisions that positively affect student outcomes. “The proactive stance will enable students to be committed to advocating essential values, reflect and develop critical thinking and communication skills to develop their characters and become valuable and active members of the community.”

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Alexis Hill

Chief Information Officer

Alexis Hill joined BGS in April 2022 as the School’s first chief information officer to lead the Digital Transformation Program, which aims to use technology and data to enhance student outcomes. As a senior executive with over 14 years of experience in commercial and government industries, she has substantial experience in digital transformation leadership. Alexis has held CIO and director roles that focused on driving technological and organisational change in complex environments. She holds a Bachelor of Business degree and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Chief Information Officer

Alexis Hill

Connecting the dots: Loreto Kirribilli’s Networking and Mentoring Program A staggering 26% of Australian youth do not attain a Year 12 or Certificate III equivalent by age 19, according to recent data. However, new research shows that just 15 minutes a day with an adult mentor can reengage young people in learning and reboot their school life. Research shows that young people who are mentored not only have lower rates of depression but know how to seek help, show greater resilience and confidence, and are more likely to finish school. Read more: How early intervention mentoring is tackling the youth mental health crisis One school that recognises the value of mentoring is Loreto Kirribilli, an independent Catholic girls’ school in Sydney. Since 2019, the LK Connect Mentoring & Networking Program has been connecting ex-student talent and expertise with the raw potential of students on the brink of their future careers. The program is establishing itself as an extension of the Loreto Kirribilli education – an education that offers ‘something more’ – with a series of networking events, and a mentoring program facilitated by the school’s Development Office. Loreto Kirribilli’s development manager, Debbie Henry, says the program provides an avenue to highlight the diverse and successful careers Loreto Kirribilli women have forged and expand the career horizons of the school’s students. “The program helps to develop a tradition of ex-students remaining connected with the school and as a result creating a culture of giving back to the school. ‘Giving back’, can be in many forms – financial, volunteerism, knowledge and expertise,” Debbie tells The Educator. Three years on, the initiative remains highly successful. Loreto Kirribilli’s Networking Events Program has opened new lines of communication and formed strategic partnerships with the school’s ex-students, the Loreto community and corporate opportunities. Debbie says COVID-19 opened new doors for the school’s staff to ‘think outside the box’ when it comes to reconnecting with not only the school’s community in Sydney but with ex-students across the globe. “This included live Zoom networking events with guest speakers from remote country towns in Australia, Iran, USA, England and Singapore. All events operational from our studio headquarters at Loreto Kirribilli,” she says. “Some notable networking event outcomes included job placements and internship opportunities, as well as cadetship opportunities.” Debbie says close to 200 mentor-mentee connections have been actioned since the Mentor-Mentee program with outstanding support offered during the recent challenging years of COVID-19. “During [the pandemic], the team provided ex-student mentors from ‘across the globe’ for 130 Year 12 students, providing personalised career guidance and support within the career interest of each student,” she says. “A notable example during COVID-19 was an outstanding mentor who challenged her young mentee and newly established business to drive through hardship and reinvent her business model to remain financially afloat.” Debbie says the benefits for this young entrepreneur resulted in her company developing a business model with franchises across Australia. “Graduate and work placements have also resulted from the mentor-mentee relationship,” she explains. “A young mentee was provided with two work placement opportunities within the media/advertising industry, resulting in a graduate position at one of Australia’s leading advertising agencies, BMF Advertising.” Looking ahead, Debbie says continued engagement and connection with ex-students will encourage them to ‘give back’ to the school’s current students and remain connected with Loreto Kirribilli. “Our ex-students will continue to be approached to return to school to share knowledge and interests with our current students and support our teachers with guest speaking roles to highlight the depth of talent resulting from a Loreto education,” she adds. “Whilst we have established the foundation of LK Connect, the outcomes of ex-student connection will continue to grow ‘across the globe’. Networking events around the world will be central to maintain engagement and connection.” Debbie says the school’s goal will be to continue to inspire current and future students by profiling ex-student success, which he highlights as “the best measure of success of a Loreto education.” “There will also be continued mentorship opportunities amongst our alumni and ongoing connection and engagement through our ‘Closed in’ LK Connect LinkedIn.”

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