Ms Lorna Beegan recognised in The Educator’s 2020 ‘Hot List’

Ms Lorna Beegan, Deputy Principal of Learning and Teaching at Genazzano FCJ College, has been recognised in The Educator’s 2020 ‘Hot List’ as one of the most influential educators over the past 12 months.

Released today, the Hot List features leaders who are creating positive change in the lives of Australian students through a vast range of innovative evidence-based initiatives. Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, this List recognises individuals who have led the K-12 education sector over the past year and made invaluable contributions.

With a vision for transforming learning opportunities to embrace future-skills, Ms Beegan has championed multiple progressive and innovative student programs at the College.

These include the ‘GEN-i-US Profile’, an exciting skills and micro-credentialed portfolio launched for Year 10 students; ‘Cognizance’ Metacognition and ‘Gen-Curious’ for Year 9 students to help them delve into learning about the brain and how learning takes place; and a Year 7 ‘Inside Out: Outside In’ program where students learn about emotions and explore neurodiversity in collaboration with the Genazzano Institute of Learning & Brain Sciences.  

A member of the College Executive Team and leader of the Curriculum Committee, Ms Beegan has encouraged a more collaborative and innovative mindset to be adopted throughout the College, as shared by Principal, Ms Karen Jebb.

“Having a student-centred focus in everything we do is critical and Ms Beegan has been a driving influence in ensuring this approach has transferred across our Senior School curriculum”, she said.

“Together with our incredible teachers and the Genazzano Institute of Learning & Brain Sciences, she is ensuring our students at Genazzano are future-ready and committed to lifelong learning”.

The College was recognised as an Innovative School by The Educator in 2019 and is a finalist in the 2020 Australian Education Awards in four categories, including Best Use of Technology and Best Professional Learning Program – both areas Ms Beegan has played a fundamental role in.

Ms Beegan was thrilled to be named on the List and to continue her vision to establish Genazzano as a Centre of Excellence for learning and teaching.

“Leading learning for me is about lifting others up, both students and staff. We have to reinvent school and how we approach learning in all its dimensions. Our students deserve an education that will help them to thrive in this third millennium”, she said.

“As educators we must redefine what success at school looks likes: community not competition, strengths not percentages, thinking and not regurgitation.”

“At Genazzano, our Institute of Learning & Brain Sciences is at the centre of our redefinition of the learning narrative for our students – empowering them to take control of their learning and realise their full potential.

“It is both a surprise and an honour to be named as part of this prestigious Hot List. I would like to acknowledge the Curriculum Committee at Genazzano for their commitment to our students and their willingness to approach learning in new and diverse ways with their teams.

“It is an exciting time in education and it is so exhilarating to know there are so many new initiatives and creative ideas being recognised and heard. Congratulations to everyone named and to all those behind the scenes”.

A true educator, Ms Beegan understands that the core purpose of a school is to prioritise learning for all – students, staff, parents and the community.

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.