EXCELLENCE AWARDEE: Prime Super School Principal of the Year - Non-government

Paulina Skerman

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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.

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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.