Profile
Sarah Shaw is a passionate, student-centred primary educator who is deeply committed to helping every child discover their strengths and reach their full potential. As a junior school teacher at Loreto College Marryatville, she brings creativity, curiosity and a strong evidence-based approach to her classroom practice.
Since joining Loreto in 2023, Shaw has taught Reception, Year 2 and Year 4, adapting her teaching to meet the needs of different age groups and learning styles. She is known for building warm, trusting relationships with students and creating a calm, supportive environment where children feel safe to take risks, ask questions and grow.
Before Loreto, Sarah spent several years at Good Shepherd Lutheran School Para Vista, where she served as a classroom teacher, curriculum leader and acting director of learning innovation. In these roles, she helped shape curriculum design, supported colleagues in embedding effective teaching strategies and championed innovative, future-focused approaches to learning.
Sarah began her teaching career working across schools in South Australia and New South Wales as a relief and casual teacher, gaining rich experience in diverse school communities. Earlier, she worked as a photojournalist in the United States, honing her skills in storytelling, observation and communication – strengths that continue to enrich her teaching today.
Collaborative, reflective and committed to excellence, Sarah works closely with colleagues, families and school leaders to ensure every student is seen, supported and challenged to succeed.
316 Portrush Rd, Marryatville, SA 5068
833 44200
info@loreto.sa.edu.au
linkedin.com/in/sarah-shaw-1a52a681
loreto.sa.edu.au
Sarah Shaw
Junior School Teacher
Loreto College Marryatville
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Bio
Milestones
2013–2016
2014–2016
2019–2020
2020–2023
2023–present
Staff Photographer, The Daily Tar Heel (USA): photographed community stories and NCAA Division I sports for a leading US student newspaper
2013–2016
Photojournalist, Internships & Assignments (USA): produced published visual stories and event coverage for outlets including The News & Observer, Valley News and Dubois County Herald
2014–2016
Casual and Relief Primary Teacher, NSW and Catholic Education Parramatta: taught across diverse primary schools, supporting classroom programs and student learning
2019–2020
Primary Teacher, Curriculum Leader and Acting Director of Learning Innovation, Good Shepherd Lutheran School Para Vista: led primary classes and contributed to curriculum development and teaching innovation
2020–2023
Junior School Teacher, Loreto College Marryatville: teaching Reception, Year 2 and Year 4, creating engaging, evidence-based learning experiences
2023–present
Milestones
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
Loreto College Marryatville stands as one of Australia’s leading schools, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, holistic student development and an inclusive community.
Rooted in the Mary Ward tradition, the all-girls College’s culture is defined by student leadership, academic achievement and wellbeing, all underpinned by the core Loreto values:
freedom
justice
sincerity
verity
felicity
At Loreto, academic learning is relational. Whether through classroom instruction, co-curricular opportunities or the informal spaces where ideas take root, deep learning is possible because it is supported by expert teachers, thoughtful design and a community that believes in the power of education to transform lives.
Leadership opportunities begin in Junior School and culminate in Senior Student Leadership, with programs such as the Year 11 Leadership Day fostering connections with past student leaders and nurturing the next generation of changemakers.
Academic development is dynamic, shaped by curiosity and rigour. Students engage in AI literacy workshops, wide reading programs, NAPLAN preparation and workshops on financial skills and digital safety. Learning is supported by expert teachers and thoughtful design, ensuring every student is challenged and cared for.
Wellbeing is central to the Loreto experience. The SEAD (Social, Emotional and Academic Development) program, regular check-ins, reflection days and retreats help students build resilience, self-awareness and emotional literacy. Events such as Mission Day unite the community in service and fundraising, while the camp program from Year 3 to Year 11 fosters teamwork.
Each year, the College focuses on a core Mary Ward value, ensuring students grow into compassionate, principled young women ready to make a positive impact.
In the past 10 years, the college has undergone transformational change, including major campus redevelopments and the creation of state-of-the-art learning environments. Successive College leaders have ensured Loreto’s mission remains at the heart of every strategic initiative, a tradition continued today under current leadership.
The College’s holistic approach is evident in its diverse co-curricular offerings, from chess club and debating to performing arts, da Vinci Decathlon and the Ethics Olympiad. In addition, there is a broad sporting program of netball, AFLW, soccer, rowing, basketball, aerobics and more.
The immersive Lumination Learning Lab, launched in 2023, integrates VR into teaching, preparing students for the tech-rich world. The Loreto Analytics platform enables personalised learning and student tracking, supporting every girl’s growth with real-time data, with students also able to monitor and review their own academic progress.
Loreto Marryatville’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is demonstrated through its Reconciliation Action Plan, designed to build respect and create meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. There is also a vibrant boarding community and tailored support for international students as the College prepares students to become global citizens.
At Loreto, relationships are at the heart of everything. Students and educators experience a culture of collaboration, trust and continuous growth. The College's strategy focuses on optimising learning experiences and forming young women as leaders and agents of change, ensuring it remains a beacon of excellence in Australian education.
“If you have a choice between being liked and doing the right thing, doing the right thing is always better, even if it’s the unpopular thing”
Lee-Ann Prickett,
Experior Financial Group
“What I’ve learned is that when you build from your values, when you put people first, when you do the right thing even when it’s hard, that becomes your plan”
Lee-Ann Prickett,
Experior Financial Group
