Loreto Ministries announces inaugural Mary Wright Scholarship Programme recipients

Loreto Ministries is pleased to formally announce the inaugural recipients of the Mary Wright Scholarship Programme, established to support leadership formation and strengthen leadership capacity across Loreto schools. The programme includes two streams: the Sr Mary Wright Leadership Scholarship, supporting professional growth and leadership development within Loreto schools, and the Sr Mary Wright Canon Law Immersion, supporting formation in Canon Law and Catholic governance for those serving Loreto schools and ministries.

Named in honour of Sr Mary Wright IBVM, whose leadership and service made a lasting contribution to Loreto schools in Australia and internationally, the programme supports individuals to undertake study and formation aligned with the mission and values of Loreto in the Mary Ward tradition. Sr Mary Wright was deeply committed to forming leaders within schools, and her legacy continues to shape Loreto education today.

Following a strong response from across the network, recipients were selected in November 2025 for study commencing in 2026. The selection panel comprised Loreto Ministries Stewards and members of the Wright family, reflecting the scholarship’s deep connection to her legacy.

Margaret Kennedy, Chair of Loreto Ministries, reflected:

“This scholarship represents an important investment in the future leadership of Loreto schools. It honours Sr Mary Wright’s legacy by supporting leaders who will carry forward the mission with integrity, wisdom and courage.”

Loreto Ministries is pleased to announce the inaugural recipients:

Sr Mary Wright Leadership Scholarship recipients

Supporting the professional growth and leadership development of those currently serving in leadership positions within Loreto schools.

Kerryn Boyko

Assistant Principal: Wellbeing, Loreto College Ballarat

“This scholarship will support my ongoing growth as a leader and strengthen my ability to support students and staff.”

Kerryn Boyko is Assistant Principal: Wellbeing at Loreto College Ballarat, where she plays a key role in supporting the pastoral care and wellbeing of students and staff. She joined the College in 2006, following teaching roles in secondary schools in Auckland and London, the majority within Catholic education.

As a recipient of the Mary Ward Leadership Scholarship, Kerryn will undertake a Master of Education (Leading Education) at the University of Melbourne. This study will strengthen her leadership capability in a rapidly evolving educational landscape shaped by technological advancement and changing student needs.

Kerryn is committed to deepening her understanding of effective leadership and looks forward to applying her learning to support the wellbeing, formation, and growth of students and staff within the Loreto community.

Ellen Lincoln

Head of English, Loreto Normanhurst

“Developing a sequenced, knowledge-rich curriculum will help ensure all students have equitable access to deep and challenging learning.”

Ellen Lincoln is Head of English at Loreto Normanhurst, where she leads a team committed to delivering rich and engaging learning experiences for students. She is dedicated to evidence-based, explicit pedagogy and believes that a well-designed, knowledge-rich curriculum enables students to think critically, communicate confidently, and engage thoughtfully with the world.

As a recipient of the Mary Ward Leadership Scholarship, Ellen will lead a curriculum mapping project to address emerging gaps in students’ general knowledge and strengthen instructional coherence across subject areas. Through targeted professional development and coaching, she aims to build her capacity to lead whole-school change by guiding the development of a sequenced, knowledge-rich curriculum aligned with the Loreto Normanhurst Student Growth Model.

Ellen hopes this work will strengthen clarity and consistency in student learning, ensuring all students have equitable access to deep disciplinary knowledge and supporting the school’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and holistic growth.

Gail Winks

Director of Finance and Business Operations, Loreto College Coorparoo

“This opportunity to engage with global school leaders will strengthen my capacity to lead strategic and operational change.”

Gail Winks is Director of Finance and Business Operations at Loreto College Coorparoo, where she leads finance, community engagement, risk and compliance, technology, and facilities management. Since joining the College Leadership Team in 2021, she has strengthened strategic planning, enhanced financial sustainability, and contributed across governance committees, including in her role as Company Secretary.

As a recipient of the Mary Ward Leadership Scholarship, Gail will undertake the ASBA International Study Tour in 2026. This programme includes leadership workshops in Spain, a digital transformation seminar in London, a conference in Cardiff, and school visits across the United Kingdom. Through this experience, Gail will engage with global school leaders, explore innovative operational and financial practices, and deepen her capacity to lead organisational change.

She looks forward to bringing new insights, strengthened networks, and renewed perspective to support the Loreto College Coorparoo community and contribute to the broader Loreto network.

Sr Mary Wright Canon Law Immersion recipient

Providing an opportunity for Loreto Board Members and Directors of Mission to deepen their expertise in Canon Law and Catholic governance.

Felicity Knobel

Assistant Principal Faith and Identity, Loreto College Ballarat

“This study will deepen my capacity to support Loreto’s mission and identity into the future.”

Felicity Knobel is Assistant Principal Faith and Identity at Loreto College Ballarat, where she leads the faith life of the College and supports student leadership, social justice initiatives, liturgical life, and the ongoing development of Loreto’s Catholic identity.

Felicity has been part of the Loreto community for many years and maintains strong connections with Mary Ward International and Loreto communities across Australia. Prior to joining Loreto College, she worked in education in the United Kingdom, China, and Vietnam.

As a recipient of the Mary Wright Scholarship, Felicity will undertake a Graduate Diploma in Canon Law at BBI – The Australian Institute of Theological Education. This study will deepen her understanding of governance within Catholic ministries and strengthen her capacity to support Loreto’s mission and identity into the future.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts, Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education, Graduate Certificate in Religious Education, and Master of Educational Leadership.

Supporting leadership in the Mary Ward tradition

The Mary Wright Scholarship Programme reflects Loreto Ministries’ commitment to forming and supporting leaders within Loreto schools. By investing in the professional growth and formation of educators and leaders, the programme strengthens the capacity of Loreto schools to continue the work of Mary Ward in responding to the needs of today’s world.

Loreto Ministries looks forward to supporting the recipients in their studies and sharing the impact of their learning across Loreto schools and the wider Loreto network.

Applications for the next round of the Mary Wright Scholarship Programme, for study commencing in 2027, will open later in 2026.