Dr Susan Stevens concludes her time as Principal of Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak at the conclusion of this year. After more than 20 years of service to Loreto, we pay tribute to her and all she has achieved in leading Loreto Toorak and as a key leader in our network.
Susan commenced at Loreto Toorak in 1998 as Deputy Principal – Pastoral Care and was subsequently appointed Principal in 2002. Under Susan’s leadership, Loreto Toorak has continued to grow as a school, excelling in the Loreto educational mission of forming the whole person, both heart and mind. The diverse range of co-curricular programs offered at Loreto Toorak encourages student engagement in a multitude of areas and offers each student the opportunity to find something that provides fulfilment outside the classroom. Susan’s passion for music is well known and highly appreciated, as is her love of rowing and the dramatic arts; she is a true all-rounder! Her initiation of the Loreto Vietnam Pilgrimage for Year 11 students some 17 years ago remains a highlight for her, knowing that over the many years, hundreds of staff and students have gained a new perspective on life and on the importance of doing God’s work for others.
As a Principal, Susan has led a team of dedicated staff, guiding and mentoring them to be the best Loreto educators they can be, focused on what is best for their students and firmly grounded in the values of felicity, freedom, justice, sincerity and verity. Her contribution to Catholic education in Victoria beyond Loreto has been generous and admired.
Susan has made an extraordinary contribution to the growth of the Loreto Australia & South East Asia network, notably as a long-serving member of the Principals Forum. Susan was appointed to LSAC in 1998. Travelling to all Loreto Schools in Australia allowed her to build understandings and life-long friendships with Loreto colleagues. As Chair of LSAC, Susan and her committee spearheaded significant projects, including commissioning the Mary Ward sculptural portrait, the Loreto focus value, the Loreto graduation ring, and the Mary Ward Connect program.
Susan served on the Board of Mary Ward International Australia (MWIA) for many years and was Chair of the Grants Allocation Committee for MWIA. This led her to become involved in many Loreto projects worldwide. In her various travels, Susan always made an effort to meet with and connect with Loreto and CJ sisters, Principals and educators worldwide. Today Susan remains in touch with a vibrant global network of Mary Ward women and men.
We thank Susan with great sincerity for all she has contributed to the broader Loreto story during her time of distinguished leadership; her vocation has truly been “constant, efficacious and loving”. We wish her every blessing in the next chapter.