Profiling our Board – Lisa Dwyer, Star of the Sea College Board Chair

Why did you join the Star of the Sea College Board? After graduating in 1986, I lived overseas for many years and lost formal contact with Star, although my best friend from Year 7, Lisa Murie (McKernan 1986) kept me up to date with stories of teachers, students and the community. Being so far away, I loved hearing about the changes and growth at Star over the years, but also loved hearing that many things stayed the same – social justice involvement, music and sport festivals, masses in the Chapel, and the famous ‘Facta non Verba’. I joined the Board to help protect the diversity of thought and opportunity that Star gave to me and to so many other students; to ensure that a balanced and vibrant Star education could open doors for future generations to become whomever they wanted to be, and to give back to the place that gave me so much in my time there. What do you feel that you contribute to the College? Our Board is focused on future strategy, current financial security, and providing leadership to the Star community. Our Board and Committee members are volunteers from our broader community – past students, current and past parents, and experts in a range of fields including marketing, strategy, finance, education, theology, architecture and risk management. This group of people care deeply about the Star community and I love being able to join them and contribute to the future sustainability and growth of the College. What is your vision for the future of Star? A community, not just buildings or an institution, that continues to celebrate its heritage and the Presentation legacy, as well as embracing the future of learning. I hope that generations of students will take the opportunities Star readies them for, and go out to do great things in the world! What is your greatest moment as the Board Chair? COVID-19 has heavily impacted every aspect of our daily life for the last 18 months. Students, teachers and families have faced immense challenges and been forced to adapt and change, repeatedly it feels. Witnessing the resilience of Star students, and the ability of teachers and staff to adapt and grow, has filled me with amazement and pride at what can be achieved when a community is strong and supports one another through tough times. What unique quality does Star offer compared to other schools?

Star encourages a ‘blinkers off’ approach to life. We are asked to look for injustice, look for unfairness, look for those who need our help, and step up to solve problems. Star enables students to seek out new experiences and embrace what life throws at them, and what they can create for their community. Star gave me the tools and confidence to create my future, and I hope it continues to do so for all students for many many years.

Lisa Dwyer (Left) and Lisa Murie at Star of the Sea College Graduation Class of 1986