Leading by Example; Maureen Ryan, KRB Principal 2018 - 2022

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

MAUREEN RYAN, KRB PRINCIPAL 2018-2022

When Maureen Ryan began her principalship in 2018, neither she nor any of us were aware of the enormous changes that would be coming to the world over the next five years. To lead a school in this time required an unfailing commitment, a willingness to listen, to pivot and change through different times, an awareness of the many stakeholders – rscj, staff, students, parents, alumnae - and a strong desire to ensure that each individual was cared for, was heard and was able to continue to achieve to his or her personal best.

Maureen has done all this and more – her leadership has been truly exemplified in the words of Madeleine Sophie Barat; “Your example, even more than your words, will be an eloquent lesson to the world.” She demonstrated this from the beginning of her leadership in 2018, when the wife of a member of staff, also a swimming coach at KRB, died tragically in a car accident. Maureen’s leadership at this early time, as she led the school community through a period of mourning for both the staff member and others in the community, was exemplary.

2018 was also the year when much of Australia, particularly NSW, was hit by severe drought. This impacted many of the KRB Boarding families with whom Maureen grew a close affiliation. Seeing the boarders’ video exposé of how the drought had impacted their families’ lives and hearing the stories of many of these families, Maureen showed her support for many initiatives that fostered awareness and advocacy for the hardships they faced. Her empathy and encouragement inspired students, staff, parents and alumnae to work together to raise funds for these families. This led to the annual Boarders’ Raffle and Country Week initiatives and the 48 Hour Challenge, where donations were matched with everyday expenditure, raising over $300,000. Maureen also sought the approval of the School Board and the donors to have all named bursaries directed to country families experiencing difficulty, for the next three years. The Regional Road Trip undertaken by Maureen, the Director of Boarding and Heads of House in 2019, demonstrated Maureen’s concern for the welfare of others and the importance of connecting with them in their own home. Seeing their properties, listening to their stories and empathising with them gave her a strong understanding of these people’s lives. They too appreciated Maureen’s concern and care. Maureen continued to promote the community’s connections with the country through the introduction of the Country City Immersion Experience in 2021, in which day students could become boarders for a semester and experience some time on a country property or take part in a country focused social justice project.

Celebrating success and achievements have also been qualities that Maureen has demonstrated in her leadership. When Sister Mary Shanahan received her OAM in 2019, all members of the school community joined with her to celebrate in different ways. Maureen instigated the creation of the Mary Shanahan rscj OAM Scholarship and was a member of the committee set up to raise funds. Two students have already benefitted from the Scholarship.

One of Maureen’s particular strengths is her ability to listen, discern and then work with others to make collaborative change. It was especially shown in her efforts to improve KRB communication by refining our learning platforms. Aspire was the result of a streamlined learning management system, now used for teaching, learning and all communications. Parents were delighted to have a “One Stop Shop” where they would receive all notifications.

Aspire was also the tool that enabled KRB to have a smooth transition to remote learning, when the School began the first of a series of lockdowns, due to COVID-19 in 2020 and again in 2021. At this time, Maureen demonstrated her strengths as a leader in times of great change and uncertainty. The wellbeing and safety of staff and students were paramount as was the need to ensure that students’ learning continued to be of a high standard. Consultation, empathising and creating ways to engage with the community were key in her leadership. Her focus was to mitigate risk in all areas of the School, particularly in the boarding school. At critical times, Maureen worked alongside others, particularly the Leadership Team, to ensure the safest outcomes. Communication was a priority and

With the 2018 Student Leadership Team

Student Leadership Team 2021-2022

With Board Directors Paul Gollan, Loretto Richardson & Mark Sinclair Alumnae High Tea 2018

Alumnae and Current Parents Morning Tea 2019

Morning Tea after Welcome Mass 2021

ASIANZ Conference P&F Cocktail Party 2018

consultative groups were established for parents to provide feedback about remote learning, and students also formed groups to find ways to connect with every year group. Alumnae as well were encouraged to connect through virtual events. Zoom events were held for new families and all P&F meetings became virtual, allowing many boarding families to participate.

During these two years Maureen demonstrated a concern for everyone, especially the Year 12 students as she encouraged them to be resilient, to focus on their studies, to support each other and to grow through these changing times. At all times she was mindful of and available to those staff, students and parents who were experiencing anxiety. This period also required much sound financial management and Maureen worked with the Board and members of the Leadership Team to ensure staff were not severely impacted and that the School remained financially viable.

Maureen has strongly supported the drive for all students to strive for their own personal excellence. She has encouraged students and teachers to improve what they know and understand, to think beyond the boundaries of our local environment, to be reflective and purposeful in their actions. Her focus on our high potential learners has seen a Gifted Education teacher appointed in Barat Burn and a Head of Gifted Education appointed to the Senior School to know, extend, and support these learners to achieve their personal best.

The importance of effective student leadership has been at the core of Maureen’s leadership in her focus on students being effective, relational leaders. She has given her time to the senior leaders of the School to mentor and support them as young leaders. Her support for their initiatives and plans has never wavered and, over the five years, she has assisted to nurture and grow many graduates who will certainly make an impact beyond school. Her emphasis on raising student voice has also been a hallmark of her time as Principal. She has always encouraged students to speak up and use their voice to create positive change. This was most evident after the release of Chanel Contos’ petition and the following work completed to bring about improved education for the young people in our care. Discussions were held with different year groups and several sessions with students from KRB and other schools, alumnae and parents were led by Maureen.

In the Junior School each Year 6 student is now part of one of ten leadership teams tailored towards their interests and the Junior School’s contextual needs. Maureen has also focused on working with Junior School staff to develop a strong coeducation program which promotes respect, celebrates diversity and ultimately provides our boys and girls with a distinct advantage for their future. The introduction of Barat-Burn Scholarships for boys and girls has seen a significant increase in the number of boys in the Junior School.

In her time as Principal, Maureen has embraced the international presence and perspective of the Society of the Sacred Heart and empowered our staff and students to see global citizenship as a way of life. The Global Education program, begun in 2021 with the appointment of a Director of Global Education, aims to provide connections to Sacred Heart Schools across 41 countries. The program provides opportunities for our students to develop global minds, hearts and wills, and collaborate meaningfully with the 150 Schools in our international network. The program also involves a Reconciliation Action Plan. Our Indigenous students are proud to be sharing their heritage with the School community.

Maureen has also focused on developing a positive culture amongst staff and their connection to each other and to parents. She established a Culture and Values Committee, was herself a member and collaborated with staff to work out the best ways to ensure a positive culture amongst all. The committee has operated in an environment where everyone’s contribution is encouraged, valued and heard. Community Engagement Principles and a Culture Statement have been established to ensure that there are professional and respectful relationships between parents and staff.

John Mooney, Director of Mission, provided his summation of the legacy of Maureen’s outstanding leadership:

“Her eloquence of presence, the assured attentiveness to the person in conversation, the warmth of relationship and the strength of leadership attest to her deep insight into the interior

Cocktail Party in 2019 to acknowledge Mary Shanahan rscj OAM, with Chris Faisandier, Bryan Curtin, Mary Shanahan rscj OAM, Bernadette Tobin AO, Ian Duncan, Maureen Ryan and Mark Sinclair

life of the other. The distress of the drought, the alienation and isolation of Covid, the youthful struggles for identity and acceptance, and the morale of staff always drew her away from self-determination and self-preoccupation to the serenity and conviction of decisions based on human dignity and respect. These are her rich contributions to a better understanding of our Mission – to discover the Heart of Jesus and make it known.”

We thank Maureen for her outstanding leadership in all areas over the last five years and for being an example of a true Sacred Heart leader. We wish her well in wherever the next part of her journey takes her.

The KRB Leadership Team

“Maureen has encouraged our commitment to contemporary pedagogy; what we should be doing in our classrooms to ensure our students are well equipped for success at the end of school.”

(Angela Thomas, Director of Pedagogy)

“Her keen understanding of the intricate nature of risk assessment for the residential context of boarding has supported the boarding school through the complexities of health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic. This has ensured consistency of care and assured boarding families and staff of the value placed on boarding at KRB.”

(Anne-Maree Bennett, Director of Boarding)

“A pragmatic approach, with a balance of compassion and fairness, has been most notable during Maureen’s tenure. Her support and genuine care for the individual will be fondly remembered by the staff of KRB.”

(Gary Au-Yeung, Director of Corporate Services)

“Her commitment to Global Education will ensure KRB inspires global citizens who, through the transformative power of education, respond to the ever-changing world with compassion and confidence.”

(Sarah Daff, Director of Global Education)

“The words ‘Courage and Confidence’ have been a focus of Maureen’s time as Principal. She has approached all issues with a belief in the ability of others who work with her to make a difference and to achieve the best outcomes for the School, its students, staff and the wider KRB community.”

(Mary Cook, Director of Advancement & Community)

“Maureen’s knowledge of Sacred Heart education always enabled her to ensure the wellbeing of all students was the priority for KRB staff. She has cultivated an environment where the student is at the centre of all we do both in Teaching and Learning and Academic Care.”

(Carrie Scanlan, Director of Students)

“To have received the genuine support of human fellowship, of wit, intellect and humour, of encouragement and correction necessary for growth, bringing the consolidation of self-confidence and self-realisation will always be for me her true legacy. Simply understood, Maureen will always be a daughter and leader of the Sacred Heart.”

(John Mooney, Director of Mission)

“Maureen’s wholehearted dedication towards the enhancement of the ELC and Junior School has been unwavering. Her vision for achieving academic excellence balanced with pastoral care, and her commitment to coeducation in the formative years of schooling, exemplifies how she has brought education of heart and mind to life. Her rich legacy inspires students, parents and educators alike to be the very best version of themselves.”

(Danielle Brandon, Head of Junior School)

“Maureen has been a strong and compassionate leader with the best interests of the KRB community at the centre of all decision making. A passionate advocate of positive culture, she has been consultative and empowering with an emphasis on team. This has been evident in her work with staff, students and the community as a whole.”

(Elizabeth Clark, Deputy Principal)

“Ms Ryan instilled in me that, as young women, we should never hide our light under a bushel. This rare ability to balance strength with gentleness is one of the many reasons why Ms Ryan will be dearly missed within the KRB community.”

(Ella Cusack, Head Girl, 2019)