Stepping into the role of Director of Learning and Innovation at Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School feels like something of a “full circle” moment. I started my teaching career here at Ivanhoe Girls’ back in 2008, having completed a Bachelor of Arts and Education at Monash University. When I left at the end of 2010, I took on the leadership of an integrated English and Humanities course for Year 7 students at another school. It was during this time that I really came to understand the importance of a holistic and connected curriculum. So, it is probably not surprising then that the prospect of our new empowerED learning program was the thing that convinced me that, once again, Ivanhoe Girls’ was the place to be!

The world has always been an important place of learning for me. My first experience across cultures was during a two week-long homestay experience with a Melanesian family in New Caledonia in Year 10. Then when I was 21 years old, I took a year away from my university studies to travel to France. Living and working as a jeune fille au pair propelled my passion for the French language and culture, and I have been privileged to share this with students on multiple overseas study tours. Last year, I was lucky enough to travel to Timor Leste on immersion, with a highlight being teaching English to students at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Central Catholic School in Zumalai. In these experiences, I have learned much about myself and my strengths, I have relied upon the kindness of strangers, and I have come to better appreciate the importance of using the gifts of my education to make a difference in the world.

I am the proud product of a girls’ school education and have experienced firsthand how schools like this one empower the next generation of leaders. Memories of my own school days, in both classroom and co-curricular life, are characterised by feelings of purpose and joy. I was something of an all-rounder who had a go at everything and anything: music, drama, public speaking and debating, social justice initiatives, student leadership. But connecting with others was probably the aspect of my school life in which I really excelled and this strength for connection remains an important part of my leadership toolkit today.

I am grateful for the leaders who have put my name forward when opportunities to lead have presented themselves and I’ve always made a conscious decision to jump into new opportunities for personal and professional growth feet first. I’ve taken on a range of learning and wellbeing centred roles in my career so far, as a Head of Faculty, Year Level Coordinator, Director of School Improvement and most recently, as Deputy Principal. I love learning and I love working with young people, and this role brings those two things together. I am confident that I am exactly where I need to be right now - helping shape the future of learning at Ivanhoe Girls’.

Ms Catherine Spurritt
Director of Learning and Innovation