Dr Archard named Excellence Awardee Principal of the Year

Dr Archard has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to education both at Loreto Kirribilli and across the broader educational profession, particularly in the area of girls’ education. She currently serves as Chair of the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools (ICGS) Regional Advisory Council (Australasia), bringing together principals from leading girls’ schools from Australia and New Zealand to develop professional learning opportunities for educators and leadership initiatives for students. Dr Archard recently presented to international educators from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand on the importance of developing girls’ self-concept, and in June she will present at the Global Forum on Girls’ Education in Toronto, Canada.

A recognised specialist in girls’ education, Dr Archard has developed and implemented initiatives for the ICGS’s such as Preparing Future Woman Leaders for students and Leading with Purpose for educators, she continues to use contemporary research and global insight to shape the development of students and teachers in girls’ schools. Dr Archard also serves on the Girls’ Education Committee for the NSW Independent Girls’ Schools Association (IGSA), co-chairs the Loreto Principals’ Forum for Australian Loreto schools and was recently awarded a Fellowship of the Teachers’ Guild of New South Wales.

Dr Archard has led several significant innovations that have reshaped Loreto Kirribilli’s educational model and strengthened the school’s strategic direction. She oversaw the development and implementation of Loreto Kirribilli’s Strategic Vision, including the embedding of the Loreto Kirribilli Education Framework across K–12 to ensure academic excellence operates in synergy with wellbeing, mission and professional practice. She introduced structured Effort Tracking and data-informed coaching, empowering students to analyse Diligence, Focus and Behaviour metrics, set SMART goals and reflect meaningfully on their learning in partnership with teachers.

Under Dr Archard’s leadership, Loreto Kirribilli became the first school in Australia to introduce a Recreational Pilot’s Licence within the curriculum and the first independent school to establish a formal educational partnership with Taronga Zoo, reflecting her commitment to innovative, future-focused learning opportunities. She has also championed the integration of data literacy, artificial intelligence awareness, interdisciplinary inquiry and design thinking, while remaining deeply grounded in Catholic education in the Mary Ward tradition.

Loreto Kirribilli warmly congratulates Dr Archard on this remarkable achievement and celebrates her visionary leadership, deep commitment to girls’ education and enduring impact on students, staff and the wider educational community.