Leadership in the Junior School

More recently, I developed and rolled out programs to students which offered various extension opportunities, including extension Maths groups, Debating and Robotics. As part of a leadership restructure two years ago, I was appointed Director of Curriculum, Learning and Innovation, and continued to work alongside the Head of Junior School to offer the best learning environment possible to our students. Throughout my time at Ivanhoe Girls’, I have worked closely and happily with two Principals, Dr Heather Schnagl AM and now Dr Deborah Priest; and three Heads of Junior School, first Ms Helen Williams, then Ms Carol Hodgson, who continues to be a mentor to me, and finally Mrs Mary Bourke, my predecessor with whom I very much enjoyed working as a co-leader. I have worked closely with our exceptional Senior School staff including Ms Narelle Umbers, who will return to the School as Principal next year.

I have been privileged to work on the School’s Management and Executive teams for many years and I have thoroughly enjoyed learning from a range of people in those teams who each display different styles of leadership.

In addition to my role as a staff member, I have also been a parent at Ivanhoe Girls’, as my two daughters, Bethany (Class of 2008) and Anna (Class of 2010),, attended the Senior School. Ivanhoe Girls’ certainly contributed to encouraging and developing their leadership, their understanding of service, and their love of learning. It was wonderful that Bethany was able to serve as York House Captain and Anna was School Captain. I understand the value of strong partnerships between parents and the School and the positive influence that this has on a child’s learning when it is underpinned by effective communication and trust. In 2018, I completed my Master of Education in Leadership and Management at the University of Melbourne. This study gave me deep insights into current educational research and methods for leading in the context of modern educational challenges, particularly in light of new technologies. The course confirmed my passion for leadership and for building staff capacity to ensure that each student’s learning is optimised and joyful. It reminded me that when introducing new ways of doing things, it is crucial that the process is imbued with a shared vision, trust and integrity. My long connection to the School equips me with a deep understanding of its culture, which enables me to lead with stability and to navigate change in uncertain times. I am a strong supporter of the vision that has guided the Junior School over many years now; one in which all students thrive as part of a respectful community of learners and are challenged and supported to find their spark and their voice. Under my leadership students are encouraged to value excellence in learning, work collaboratively with empathy, nurture their own leadership capabilities, challenge stereotypes, and be active citizens who engage in issues in the local community and beyond. My hope is that every student in the Junior School embodies the values of connectedness, kindness, curiosity, bravery and vibrancy, and simply aims to be the best person they can be.

Mrs Helen Moore Head of Junior School

Junior School prides itself in encouraging and nurturing leadership in every student; this begins with the opportunity to be a Very Important Prep (VIP) leader of the week, and continues throughout Years 1 to 5 with the role of Class, Library and Social Service Leader.

In Year 6, every student fulfils a leadership role to support the Junior School, including Ambassadors, who influence the decisions of prospective families in joining the Junior School community. Each year, in Term 4, Year 5 focus their learning on leadership to develop a greater awareness and understanding of themselves to help them consider which leadership roles would most suit them in Year 6.

Mrs Helen Moore Head of Junior School

Ginny 2022 Junior School Captain

A leader is someone who encourages people to believe in themselves and achieve their best. They need to be good listeners, great role models, creative thinkers and strive to include everyone and their ideas. The role of Junior School Captain has taught me that being a leader is not about making all the decisions but working as a team to find the best possible outcomes.

Ada 2022 Junior School Captain

I applied for Junior School Captain because I wanted a role where I could contribute to our team in the best possible way, where I could listen to other people’s ideas, and where I could help put them into action. I think that’s what leading is about, that and aiding with example, imagination and care.