MANDEVILLIAN JUNE 2021 VOL. 36 NO. 1
An Interview with
Mr Adrian Flanagan New Director of Staff
As you move into your new role, what is your vision for our school community into the future? Loreto Toorak has always been known as a school where students are nurtured, challenged, and encouraged to be the best that they can be. Each year, the School presents its academic results with pride, however this is only one aspect of our holistic approach to education. The role of Director of Staff is, along with the other members of the Leadership Team, committed to ensuring that the whole experience of the students is guided by a highly professional, committed, and enthusiastic staff, both academic and general. This is a role that I take very seriously, we work as a team, to assist every individual student. Loreto Toorak is constantly pursuing excellence in everything that we do, which means that we are always striving for improvement. My vision for the school is to continue to see us as the school of choice for girls and their parents due to our excellent academic results and the many and varied experiences of each girl. As a teacher, what are you most passionate about? The role of teacher, and working with young people, is one which I am fully committed to and enjoy immensely. I am passionate about encouraging and supporting young women in their journey where they can recognise their own and others’ innate dignity and humanity, and become independent, active and curious learners. As a Commerce teacher I am also passionate about the financial literacy of young women as they move beyond school into adulthood. What do you value most in the Loreto Community? In my teaching career I have always worked in schools which have been established by strong founders who often overcame opposition to their vision for education for young people. Mary Ward was such a leader, and as people working in Loreto schools, we have a duty to continue Mary Ward’s vision. This community is one which values integrity and truth. These values should always be a part of our work both within the Loreto community and beyond. The commitment shown to social justice and to providing students with many and varied ways of developing their social consciousness is also a value that I have striven to uphold personally. The optimism, joy and positive thinking that is consistently pursued at Loreto will continue to allow us to prepare young women for the challenges that lie ahead. 7
