Genazzano Principal, Loretta Wholley recognised as ‘Most Influential Educator’

Mrs Loretta Wholley, Principal at Genazzano FCJ College, has been recognised for her leadership and contribution to transforming Catholic Education.

Released today, The Educator’s Most Influential Educators list recognises education leaders who have had the strongest impact in creating a reformative teaching and learning culture in the last 18 months.

Loretta is a champion and advocate for community wellbeing and diversity, as celebrated by her many accolades including Telstra Businesswoman of the Year Public Sector ACT Finalist (2020); ACT Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Award (2020); and ACEL (Australian Council for Educational Leadership) Fellowship Award (2017).

These skills were put to use immediately when Loretta arrived at Genazzano at the start of 2021 to a community fatigued by repeated COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions. She responded with empathy, energy, grace and strength and has been able to reinvigorate and engage the Genazzano community.

In 2021, Loretta’s commitment to grassroots cultural change saw the College recognised as a leader in the new horizons of learning, building on its microcredentials program, learner profilers and implementing cutting edge learning through virtual reality and new technologies.

During her short time at Genazzano, Loretta has led a number of significant achievements including being recognised as a 5-star Innovative school (The Educator, 2021) for future focused, innovative learning programs; acceptance as a Candidate School for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program; raising over $62,000 to support student scholarships; and a partnership with the University of Melbourne for their New Metrics Project.

Loretta is described by many of her peers as a progressive leader and someone who isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo and implement change.

“Loretta meets people where they are at, with transparency and honesty. She really listens and works for solutions that are inclusive and progressive. I feel supported and excited about what we can achieve as a community”, shared a Genazzano staff member.

Mrs Loretta Wholley commented on her recognition as an influential educator.

“I am very humbled to be acknowledged as an influential educator”.

“I am passionate about all-girls education, their mental health and wellbeing, working in partnership with families and staff leadership and love being able to live this passion in my role as Principal at Genazzano College”, she said.

“It’s so rewarding working for school that centres its culture and existence around providing opportunities for young women. At Genazzano, students are less restrained by gender stereotypes and take on all leadership roles. They can study any subject like chemistry, physics and advanced mathematics are more likely to consider a broader range of career options”.

“Ultimately girls’ schools like Genazzano focus on the way girls learn and provide an atmosphere that nurtures an aspirational environment”.

Loretta is confident that the Catholic sector can continue to evolve to empower modern learners to respond to the diverse needs of others in the world. Her approach in a leading Catholic all-girls’ school is to enable students to take real action to make positive contributions in a global society.

The Educator Magazine works with some of the world’s most high profile business schools and leverages off Key Media’s global footprint to talk to the leading education executives from around the globe. Every issue contains aspirational cover stories and high-level case studies on education leadership and management best practice.

Genazzano FCJ College is a Catholic Day and Boarding School in Kew offering a co-educational Early Learning Centre and all-girls’ environment from Prep to Year 12. It offers students a rounded education that prepares them to become resilient, adaptable and confident women.