Farewell, Dr Susan Stevens

An Overview of Leadership, Legacy and Longevity

"When I cast my mind back to 2001, and the day that I was offered and accepted the position of Principal, Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak, I can still feel the joy."

Having had over three years in the position of Deputy Principal, my formation journey—that being a profound immersion in the Loreto charism—had already begun. I rejoiced in the ready connections with other Loreto Schools in Australia and world-wide; coming to know and meet the many exceptional, beautiful women of integrity who were the Sisters of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary was a privilege; and each day understanding more of the rich and complex history of Mary Ward and her Institute was as fascinating as it was life-giving. Absorbing the heritage, the history, and all that it meant to “be Loreto”, I felt well supported in my faith understandings and commitments to lead this truly amazing school, and I have done so walking humbly in the footsteps of so many before me.

Principalship over these 20 years has been a journey—a journey without a dull moment. Upon reflection I believe that the advertising tag we now employ to describe the rigour of our educational experience, “The Challenge She Needs”, could upon reflection be seen to describe my wonderful years leading our School.

As I now leave, I do so with great confidence for the future, knowing that the strength of our faith tradition, our educational standing, our remarkable staff and exceptional parent, friends and alumnae community, will continue to flourish under the leadership of Ms Angela O’Dwyer, a true Loreto leader.

I also leave with a heart full of unquantifiable gratitude for the many wonderful people who have been a part of my life now for so long—the Loreto community. I thank you all for your support, advice, challenge, engagement, advocacy. The community of Loreto Toorak is strong and constant, and representative of a love for our school, its history and all it stands for, that simply cannot be measured. I thank my many Chairpersons and Directors over the years; I thank the Sisters of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who have also walked this period of time with me; I thank the parents, supporters, alumnae, staff and students. My heart is so full of gratitude for all that has been a part of my every waking moment for so long, that it is impossible to find words of thanks adequate enough.

When, last year, the time came for me to share news of the conclusion of my final contract, I did so quoting a favourite scriptural passage, Ecclesiastes 3:1. I reference that beautiful verse again now, in signing off as Principal of Loreto Toorak.

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

May God Bless and keep you all.

DR SUSAN STEVENS PRINCIPAL