Registered by Australia Post Publication Number VBH 7636, Vol 3 No 4 December/January 1988
Sister Deirdre Leaves Mandeville The Mandevillian is a most appropriate
THE THREE 'Rs'
forum for recognising the departure of Sr Deirdre from Mandeville. She has always
- CATRIONA
maintained that if we want the best education
BONGIORNO, YEAR 12
for our students, communication among the members of the Mandeville community is
No doubt each member of the Senior School
essential The Mandevillian, a newsletter for
will remember Sr Deirdre for different things and these unique memories of her time as Principal will live on. They will vary from the most seemingly small-scale detail of knowing everyone's name to her undertaking of such a grand production as the Pilgrimage - it is a certainty that she will not be forgotten.
all the members of our community, was one of her many inspirations. Sr Deirdre arrived at Mandeville in 1978 and
the following year she began her work as
Principal. During her time here she has worked tirelessly and has been an instrunient of growth and change. In acknowledgement
One thing which I will always remeniber
of her efforts, we are presenting a selection of writing about Deirdre. The articles have been written by different members of our community - by a parent, a student, a staff member and a past pupil.
about Sr Deirdre is her unique version of the three 'Rs' of education. Although never downplaying the importance of the traditional three 'Rs' of Reading, wRiting and aRithmetic, she introduced me to the three
'Rs' of a different kind: Relationships, Reading and Relaxation.
For the six years I have been a part of the Senior School, I believe I have heard about
EXCELLENCE IN
these three 'Rs' at least once a year; better
LEADERSHIP
holiday advice has never been given! I have spent mv holidavs sleeping-in until
- ALISON MILLER, STAFF
lunchtinic, developing manv new relationships and reading the telei,isicin guide iii my spare tinie. Perhaps this wis not
MEMBER
Staff Fare wel[ for Sr Deirdre Left to Right Mr Robert Dermelley, Sr Deirdre,
"Excellence cannot be born from mere
competence; it results from the more tangible human qualities. - Sergiovanni
These words on leadership have been
exemplified here at Loreto, Mandeville Hall, during the past ten years. Members of staff have witnessed excellence in leadership which results not only from competence, but also from those personal qualities of good humour, warmth, friendliness, commitment and vision which we associate with our
retiring Principal and friend, Deirdre. I remember, as a new member of staff some
years a50, being most impressed by the warm, triendly atmosphere in the staff room. This continues today and is a direct result of Deirdre's leadership example. Those of us, arriving early to begin the school day are
always welcomed by Deirdre as she puts out
the newspapers and chats over a cup of
coffee. Come rain or shine, she is always cheerful and good humoured, and obviously enjoys maintaining a presence in the staff room.
Deirdre has been a progressive Principal and while staff may have inwardly groaned at 'yet another in-service' or curriculum develop-
ment seminar or 'three year plant we know that without these initiatives the school
would not be coping with the needs of students today. And so we appreciate Deirdre's qualities which have led us to the
sense of purpose and direction that we enjoy today. She has been an inspirational Principal, initiating change where necessary;
stimulating staff to question teaching techniques and curriculum content; and most important of all, recognising individual talents and potential and the provision of opportunities for these to develop. Our retiring principal will be remembered too for her love of celebration. Certain
traditions have been built during her time, with the whole school community enjoying occasions such as the Performing Arts Festival and Feast Day. However, those smaller
occasions, such as morning teas in the staff room for a job well done are those which teachers have particularly appreciated. While it is with great sadness that we
farewell Deirdre we wish her peace, fulfilment and happiness for the future and trust that her year of study will provide a refresh-
ing change from the responsibilities of leadership.
Sr Elizabeth Dommu, Mr Andrew Schmidt, Mrs Alison Miller.
ENCOUNTERS WITH DEIRDRE - GABRIELLE MCKINNON, PAST PUPIL My sister and I were attending school when
IN GRATITUDE - ELIZABETH FOGARTY, PARENT As a parent conimlinity we are indeed most grateful to the IBVM order for allowing Sr Deirdre to remain as Principal for the past ten years. This position she has fulfilled enthusiastically and wisely. I ler leadership and foresight will take Mandeville and its students towards the 2lst century. Sr Deirdre has been most supportive of parent body activities and functions. She has
Sr Deirdre first arrived at Mandeville. In her
been ready to listen and keep us fully
second year, she replaced Sr Jane Kelly and became our New Principal. By that stage I was in my final year and my sister was a
informed, whether it be through her excellent reports, comments or her weekly
couple of years below. We both had considerable contact with Sr
not always willingly nor happily. When we
God, she has touched us all. Mary Ward put contained in the Mission Statement has, with
Sr Deirdre's guidance, helped us to be aware of the individualitv of oilr daughters. She has encouraged us to develop compassion and ati understanding of our children as they advance through their teenage years. She has always been availabie if help has been
that Deirdre believed in each ot us and she
misbehaved, we did not feel branded; rather
we were always encouraged to learn froiii our mistakes and to move with energy and resolution into the future.
In no way did we feel we were "just
she has made to remember our names and
those of our daughters, has made us feel warmly welcomed. I ler good humour and
welcome and communicate with ils.
inner peace have encouraged many of us to attend the Sunday Seminars and other infor-
her mintie jar are always open to us. As she, now the Old Principal, leaves Mandeville, many people remember with gratitude Deirdre's affirmation of their unique style.
We wish you every success as you take up further studie s over the coming year and
trust that Your three 'Rs' will stand you in
gi)(,d stead.
mative model of womanhood for our
daughters; her stability, optimism and courtesy have been lived out in all situations. Sr Deirdre's acceptance of us all, the effort
unique style; she was able to recognise,
we did at school, that her door, her heart and
wRite - to its all and tell tls what vou are
doing.
required. Sr Deirdre has emulated an affir-
students". Deirdre treated us as people with
Our experience was not unusual. Other students were also motivated and inspired by Deirdre's faith in their individuality and potential. Among her past students she is revered and regarded with deep affecti o n. Like so many others, we have both continued our friendships with Deirdre and we feel, as
Reiiiember - what a great blinch of girls we are;
vision of the individual in the eyes of God,
the circumstances of the interviews, each of
always had faith in our potential to contribute positively. She never undermined us and continually drew on our strengths. When we
journey I'd like to give her three 'Rs' to put into practice while she is away: Religic)n - pray for us all;
a strong emphasis on personal effort. This
which stood out in our minds. Regardless of
us felt that we were valued people. We knew,
And now to send Sr Deirdre off on her
With her quotes from Mary Ward's writings,
Deirdre and often visited her in her office -
characteristic friendship of those meetings
words of wisdom.
contribution to the newsletter.
her admiration of her foundress' courage and deep devotion to the will and worship of
came to write this article it was the
quite what Sr Deirdre had in mind as she
sent 11% off on holidays each year witli lier
r
niative activities conducted at the school.
Being at the helm of a large school in the 1980% has been a challenge which Sr Deirdre
accepted; surrounding herself at every opportunity with able staff and tapping the numerous resources of the parent body to aid her. This ability was highlighted iii the success of the Pilgrimage this year. Sr Deirdre has not always enjoved good health dur-
ing her time at Mandeville but even when obviouslv tired and run-down she would
continue to be cheerful and receptive. Loreto Mander'ille parents will certainly feel her absence. IIi ten years, firm friendships have been formed within the caring atmosphere she has created.
Sr Deirdre's time is up but the impact which
Surprise!
slie has had on the conimunitv of Mandeville
St· Deirdre was n'nde,·ed speechhess when Russell
1 lail will continue to inspire us.
Gn'en tippeared.