Knowledge. Experience. Energy.

On behalf of the Loreto network I welcome Mrs Rika Andres to the position of Principal of Loreto Primary School Nedlands commencing at the beginning of Term 2.

Rika has come to Nedlands from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Southern Cross, where she served as Principal. Prior to her appointment at Southern Cross, Rika held Assistant Principal positions at St John’s School, Scarborough and St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Pinjarra. Rika holds a Master of Education specialising in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from Edith Cowan University. Rika has also completed the Aspiring Principal Program conducted by Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA).

Covid-19 has coloured Rika’s start at Nedlands in ways she could never have contemplated.  She has already demonstrated her readiness for the challenges ahead, particularly in galvanising the commitment, creativity and skill of the Nedlands’ staff.  Recently, Rika met with the staff and board members of Loreto Nedlands, and has been involved in planning with CEWA.  Her message to students emphasises her commitment to providing them with a safe and engaging learning environment across Term 2.  She is keen for the whole community to find creative ways of connecting with and supporting each other, whether it be in person or online.  Across the various schools at which she has worked, Rika has developed strong relationships with students, staff, parents and the wider community. Rika has expressed her Term 2 priority as the welfare of Nedlands’ students, staff and families.

It is evident that Rika brings a wonderful breadth of knowledge, experience and energy to her leadership role and will ensure that Loreto Nedlands continues to provide our students with positive, challenging and rewarding school experiences.

Rika describes the heart of her educational vision thus:

It is important that now and into the future we remember that the children should be at the centre of everything we do. Our role with the support of parents, staff and community is to provide every opportunity for our students to build and strengthen their personal relationships with Jesus. This will empower them, along with an excellent educational curriculum, to become active citizens in an ever-changing world with a positive mindset.

I offer Rika  the support and encouragement of all of us at Loreto Ministries and the wider Loreto network in the days and weeks ahead. Rika commented recently that she feels inspired by Mary Ward’s deep trust in God and expressed her desire to foster the God-given gifts and strengths of others in her care.  We ask God’s blessing on Rika, her husband, Paul, adult children, Tahvia and Dylan, their partners Mathew and Ruby and beautiful lively six month old grandson, Rocky!

You are most welcome, Rika.

With Warm Regards,

Cate Sydes

CEO, Loreto Ministries

April, 2020