As the Director of empowerED, I am delighted to be joining the Ivanhoe Girls’ community. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work in schools across three countries, experiences that have shaped my approach to teaching and learning and strengthened my commitment to helping young people thrive. I look forward to bringing these experiences to our community as we continue to create learning opportunities that inspire curiosity, foster creativity and prepare students for an ever-changing world.

Much of my career has been dedicated to girls’ education, an experience that has profoundly influenced my educational philosophy and strengthened my belief in empowering young people to realise their potential. Alongside my work in co-educational settings, I have held leadership roles across teaching, learning, innovation and technology, including Head of Department, MYP Coordinator, Director of Learning, Teaching and Innovation, and Deputy Principal.

Across these roles, my focus has remained consistent: creating meaningful learning experiences that build on students' strengths, foster agency and equip young people with the confidence, knowledge and skills to contribute positively to their communities.

I have also been fortunate to share and learn alongside educators as a workshop and conference presenter. These opportunities have allowed me to exchange ideas, collaborate with colleagues and contribute to professional conversations across Australia and internationally.

A significant focus of my career has been curriculum design and creating learning environments that support curiosity, collaboration and innovation. I have been privileged to contribute to the development of flexible learning spaces, lead the implementation of makerspaces and support the educational vision for a purpose-built technology and science facility.

These experiences have highlighted the importance of intentionally designed environments that enable students to explore, create, collaborate and solve problems.

Over time, my work has increasingly centred on Project-Based Learning and Design Thinking, always underpinned by a strong and rigorous curriculum. I have been inspired by the capacity of these approaches to connect students with purpose through authentic challenges and meaningful partnerships with experts, industry and the wider community.

Working alongside colleagues to develop learning frameworks and curriculum has created opportunities for students to apply their learning, address genuine problems and see the impact they can have beyond the classroom.

I was fortunate to hear educational thought leader Yong Zhao speak about the importance of recognising the unique strengths, challenges, passions and potential that every student brings. He also emphasised our role as educators is to provide the support, space and opportunities for young people to explore their individual pathways, embrace productive struggle, learn from setbacks and discover their strengths and passions while also engaging in purposeful learning.

These beliefs continue to shape my work in student agency, entrepreneurship and communication. I have enjoyed supporting teachers and students to co-design meaningful learning experiences, empowering students to contribute ideas, make and enact decisions, and take ownership of their learning.

Initiatives such as student podcast programs have provided authentic opportunities for young people to develop their voice, communicate with purpose and connect with audiences beyond the classroom.

Joining the Ivanhoe Girls’ community is a privilege, and I am excited for the journey ahead. I look forward to learning alongside our students, staff and families as we continue to create opportunities that inspire curiosity, strengthen connections and empower every young person to flourish and make a positive difference in the world.

Ms Liana Gooch
Director of empowerED and Teacher of English

Building Construction Update

The empowerED Learning Hub project continues to make strong progress, with several significant construction milestones now achieved. The final concrete pour has been completed, alongside the full installation of the structural steel framework. Façade works are also nearing completion, with all curtain wall and glazing elements now in place.

Across the building, the internal environment is rapidly taking shape, with many walls, windows and ceilings installed throughout. The principal lift components, including the lift car itself, have now been delivered to site and are ready for assembly and installation.

With both the interior and exterior of the building undergoing such an extensive transformation, the vision for the completed facility is now becoming tangible, marking an exciting milestone in the project journey.

At the end of Term 3, students participating in the Construction Crew program had the opportunity to explore the site and examine sections of the partially completed façade. When they return in Term 4, they will witness a dramatically different building.

The pipes, ductwork and other building services they previously observed being installed will have largely disappeared from view, integrated seamlessly within walls, ceilings and service risers as the building continues to evolve towards completion. (see Page 8).

With the construction program still on schedule, the empowerED Learning Hub is expected to be completed, commissioned and handed over to us in April 2027. That will provide us ample time to familiarise staff and students with the new facility, and to potentially run some short-term trial activities with students, prior to the formal commencement of the empowerED program in Term 3 2027.

It also ensures that, should we encounter any unforeseen delays over the next eight months, we can still have confidence in a successful Term 3 2027 commencement of empowerED for our Year 8 students.

Mr Jarrod Guiney
Director of Corporate Services

View the launch video, building walk-throughs and construction timelapses at our dedicated empowerED website.