FEATURED excellence awardee
Paulina Skerman
“I had a picture of a house, and the house was Premiere Mortgage Centre”
Kerri Reed,
Premiere Mortgage Centre
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EXCELLENCE AWARDEE:
Prime Super School Principal
of the Year - Non-government
www.ssc.nsw.edu.au
linkedin.com/school/clayfield-college
principal@ssc.nsw.edu.au
97457028
90 The Boulevarde Strathfield NSW 2135
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EXCELLENCE AWARDEE:
Prime Super School Principal
of the Year - Non-government
Paulina Skerman
facebook.com/ClayfieldCollege
@clayfield.college
1188 Whakue St, Rotorua Central, Rotorua
@caulfieldgs
In the bustling hallways of Santa Sabina College, a transformative force for positive change takes centre stage: Paulina Skerman, the school’s indomitable yet markedly compassionate leader.
Over the last three years, guided by a vision anchored in compassion and courage, Paulina has seamlessly amalgamated student wellbeing, parental involvement and academic excellence into a cohesive journey.
Invico Capital Corporation (“Invico”) is an award-winning Canadian investment fund management firm that has been providing alternative investing and financing solutions in Canada and the U.S. since its inception in 2005. The Calgary-based firm offers a range of private debt, energy, and real estate financing solutions that assist corporations in pursuing strategic acquisitions, financing capital expenditures and growth programs, and supporting working capital requirements.
Invico currently serves as the Investment Fund Manager for six funds, including the award-winning Invico Diversified Income Fund, which seeks to generate monthly returns for unitholders through a diversified portfolio of high-yield lending strategies and energy working interests across North America. This investment strategy serves as the foundation for the Fund’s niche hybrid structure, which combines approximately two-thirds privately negotiated debt with one-third direct participation in oil and gas wells.
The success of Invico and IDIF’s strategy was made clear in 2022, with the firm’s assets under management (AUM) growing from $1.4 billion to over $2.1 billion and IDIF’s AUM rising from $342 million to over $424 million. Additionally, IDIF’s innovative investment approach achieved several milestones over a 12-month period, including the issuance of over 100 consecutive distributions, a record annual capital raise, the sale of a subsidiary business for over $51 million, which was returned to the Fund, and the announcement of four additional distributions above the targeted rate of return.
Beyond the portfolio benefits offered by IDIF, Invico stands out in the Canadian private capital markets as a leader in diversity and inclusion efforts. The firm is overseen by one of the investment industry’s few female CEOs, Allison Taylor, and is proud to have a majority-female workforce that includes a C-suite comprised of 60% women and an investment team comprised of 56% women. Additionally, as a member of the 30% Club Canada, the company promotes gender balance at the board and management levels of both public and private companies.
Invico is also deeply committed to the broader community and has demonstrated various charitable initiatives, including introducing a charitable matching policy and a separate volunteer hours policy to encourage staff engagement. This initiative complements Invico’s extensive charity work, which included donations to over 22 local and national charities in 2022.
Further, Invico offers extensive advisory support and boasts a dedicated nationwide sales team, which includes native French-speaking members that service both the exempt market and Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (“CIRO,” formerly the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada) channels. Invico is also pleased to provide an in-house Investor Portal that has garnered attention from other private capital funds, with three additional entities adopting it for their use. With the capacity to generate over 22,000 investor statements each quarter and manage upwards of 24,000 accounts, the Investor Portal is a key tool in managing investors’ portfolios from 11 provinces and territories across Canada.
Lastly, as the winner of the Alternative Investment Solutions Provider of the Year at the 2023 Wealth Professional Awards, Invico is well-positioned to further its mission of transforming the Canadian investment landscape.
Invico Capital Corporation (“Invico”) is an award-winning Canadian investment fund management firm that has been providing alternative investing and financing solutions in Canada and the U.S. since its inception in 2005. The Calgary-based firm offers a range of private debt, energy, and real estate financing solutions that assist corporations in pursuing strategic acquisitions, financing capital expenditures and growth programs, and supporting working capital requirements.
Invico currently serves as the Investment Fund Manager for six funds, including the award-winning Invico Diversified Income Fund, which seeks to generate monthly returns for unitholders through a diversified portfolio of high-yield lending strategies and energy working interests across North America. This investment strategy serves as the foundation for the Fund’s niche hybrid structure, which combines approximately two-thirds privately negotiated debt with one-third direct participation in oil and gas wells.
The success of Invico and IDIF’s strategy was made clear in 2022, with the firm’s assets under management (AUM) growing from $1.4 billion to over $2.1 billion and IDIF’s AUM rising from $342 million to over $424 million. Additionally, IDIF’s innovative investment approach achieved several milestones over a 12-month period, including the issuance of over 100 consecutive distributions, a record annual capital raise, the sale of a subsidiary business for over $51 million, which was returned to the Fund, and the announcement of four additional distributions above the targeted rate of return.
Beyond the portfolio benefits offered by IDIF, Invico stands out in the Canadian private capital markets as a leader in diversity and inclusion efforts. The firm is overseen by one of the investment industry’s few female CEOs, Allison Taylor, and is proud to have a majority-female workforce that includes a C-suite comprised of 60% women and an investment team comprised of 56% women. Additionally, as a member of the 30% Club Canada, the company promotes gender balance at the board and management levels of both public and private companies.
Invico is also deeply committed to the broader community and has demonstrated various charitable initiatives, including introducing a charitable matching policy and a separate volunteer hours policy to encourage staff engagement. This initiative complements Invico’s extensive charity work, which included donations to over 22 local and national charities in 2022.
Further, Invico offers extensive advisory support and boasts a dedicated nationwide sales team, which includes native French-speaking members that service both the exempt market and Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (“CIRO,” formerly the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada) channels. Invico is also pleased to provide an in-house Investor Portal that has garnered attention from other private capital funds, with three additional entities adopting it for their use. With the capacity to generate over 22,000 investor statements each quarter and manage upwards of 24,000 accounts, the Investor Portal is a key tool in managing investors’ portfolios from 11 provinces and territories across Canada.
Lastly, as the winner of the Alternative Investment Solutions Provider of the Year at the 2023 Wealth Professional Awards, Invico is well-positioned to further its mission of transforming the Canadian investment landscape.
The Lakes College Culinary Club (TLCCC) started with a team of 12 students and has now expanded to over 30 members, showcasing its continued success through participation in college events and even catering for local community organisations. This program not only imparts valuable culinary skills but also teaches the significance of community service, fosters practical abilities and cultivates a professional work ethic.
Spanning ages 11 to 18, the Culinary Club challenges students to create elaborate six-course degustation dinners and manage large-scale catering for college gatherings. Chloe, a Year 7 student, praises the program for imparting essential life skills in an enjoyable way among friends. Likewise, Emily values the connections she forms despite the program’s demanding pace.
Under the guidance of Chef Joel, TLCCC contributes to the college’s ethos and the students’ personal growth. The program’s commitment to local ingredients and culinary adventures is evident as it expands to include barista training and Responsible Service of Alcohol certification. The program seamlessly merges science, art and food technology, promoting discipline and shared responsibility. TLCCC embodies a commitment to service, community engagement and student leadership, cementing its unique character and contribution to The Lakes College.
The Lakes College Culinary Club (TLCCC) started with a team of 12 students and has now expanded to over 30 members, showcasing its continued success through participation in college events and even catering for local community organisations. This program not only imparts valuable culinary skills but also teaches the significance of community service, fosters practical abilities and cultivates a professional work ethic.
Spanning ages 11 to 18, the Culinary Club challenges students to create elaborate six-course degustation dinners and manage large-scale catering for college gatherings. Chloe, a Year 7 student, praises the program for imparting essential life skills in an enjoyable way among friends. Likewise, Emily values the connections she forms despite the program’s demanding pace.
Under the guidance of Chef Joel, TLCCC contributes to the college’s ethos and the students’ personal growth. The program’s commitment to local ingredients and culinary adventures is evident as it expands to include barista training and Responsible Service of Alcohol certification. The program seamlessly merges science, art and food technology, promoting discipline and shared responsibility. TLCCC embodies a commitment to service, community engagement and student leadership, cementing its unique character and contribution to The Lakes College.
youtube.com/@canterburycollege-waterford
Principal
Born from Paulina’s unwavering dedication to nurturing resilient, confident and compassionate young women is the emblematic ‘Santa Strong’ program. This initiative is not just a wellbeing structure; it’s a testament to Paulina’s belief that each student at Santa Sabina has the potential to conquer global challenges. Recognising the initial hiccups that young minds face when transitioning into high school, she focused on proactively enhancing the pastoral care team in 2022. This included introducing a new Head of Year 7 and six Assistant Heads of House. The endeavour was simple: to ensure that every student felt supported, heard and valued.
Yet for Paulina true leadership involves listening as much as leading. The establishment of the Principal’s Advisory Committee, encompassing voices from Years 10 and 11, underscores this belief. By directly engaging with students, Paulina has pioneered dynamic initiatives like Fitness Friday and sustainable clothing drives, demonstrating that when students speak, Santa Sabina listens.
Post-COVID, as schools worldwide grappled with the challenge of reinvigorating student engagement in co-curricular activities, Paulina’s approach was both strategic and empathetic. Through a comprehensive survey, she discerned the pulse of her students and promptly acted. Paulina’s emphasis on team sports, particularly for young women, isn’t just about physical wellbeing; it’s an affirmation of her commitment to fostering confidence, mental resilience and leadership. On the Primary Campus, her vision materialised in the captivating ‘St Dominic the Adventurer Award’. This program, which encapsulates outdoor skills, community service and nature escapades, serves as a beacon of holistic learning.
Paulina’s visionary approach also recognised the invaluable role of parents in a child’s educational journey. The innovative podcast series ‘Santa Dialogues’ was birthed as a touchstone for parents navigating modern educational challenges. Through candid discussions with experts, students and staff, Paulina crafts a tapestry of insights, providing listeners with invaluable resources, tips and educational perspectives.
Moreover, Paulina’s initiatives transcend the confines of the classroom. At Santa Sabina’s Outdoor Education Campus, Tallong, she has conceptualised weekends designed to foster deeper connections. The Parent-Child weekend, complete with activities like rock climbing and bushwalking, is not just about physical engagement; it’s a celebration of familial bonds. Likewise, the Health and Harmony Retreat provides a serene backdrop for mothers and daughters to strengthen their connections.
At the heart of Paulina’s leadership philosophy is a profound belief in the symbiotic relationship between wellbeing and academic success. She envisions a Santa Sabina where every student is not just educated but empowered, where challenges are met with resilience and where compassion is the cornerstone.
On Friday 11 August, Paulina’s accomplishments were recognised at the Australian Education Awards 2023 when she received an Excellence Award in the School Principal of the Year – Non-government category.
As the educational landscape of Australia evolves, inspirational leaders like Paulina stand as shining exemplars, reminding educators that with passion, vision and empathy they can craft their learning environments so that every student doesn’t just learn but thrives.
Principal
