FEATURED WINNER
St Michael's Grammar School
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WINNER:
Innovation in Learning Environment Design
WINNER:
Innovation in Learning
Environment Design
www.stmichaels.vic.edu.au
linkedin.com/school/st-michaels-grammar-school
community@stmichaels.vic.edu.au
+61 3 8530 3309
25 Chapel St, St Kilda VIC 3182 Australia
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WINNER:
Innovation in Learning Environment Design
St Michael's
Grammar School
Gerard Houlihan
Head of the School
As the Head of St Michael’s Grammar School, Gerard Houlihan champions ‘managing oneself’ – developing personal agency, knowing strengths and identifying opportunities to contribute. With over 25 years in school leadership, Gerard has held various roles at St Michael’s since 2001, including Head of IT and Dean of Teaching and Learning. He holds a BA, BSc, GCertVisArt, GDipEd, GDipEco and MEd and is a MAICD, FIML and FACEL. Gerard is also the Chair of the Association of Coeducational Schools and has served as Vice President of the Science Teachers Association of Victoria. In 2020, he received an Australian Council for Educational Leaders Fellowship and was named on The Educator Hot List.
Head of the School
Gerard Houlihan
facebook.com/stmichaelsgrammarschool
@stmichaelsgrammarschool
Gerard Houlihan
Head of the School
Leadership
Nicole Armatas, Deputy Head and Head of Junior School at St Michael’s, has over 25 years of experience in independent school leadership. Since joining St Michael’s in 2020 as Associate Head (K-6), she has led significant pedagogical changes and managed key building projects. Nicole holds a Dip Ed (Prim), BEd (Prim) and MEd (Hons) from the University of Melbourne. Her career includes roles such as Head of Campus (P-3) and Head of Campus (P-6). Passionate about fostering curiosity and critical thinking, Nicole has enhanced learning spaces and programs, including the new Centre for Inquiry and Innovation.
Deputy Head, Head of Junior School
Nicole Armatas
Nicole Armatas
Deputy Head, Head of Junior School
Deputy Head, Head of Junior School
Nicole Armatas
Nicole Armatas
Deputy Head, Head of Junior School
1188 Whakue St, Rotorua Central, Rotorua
Nicole Armatas
Deputy Head, Head of Junior School
Leadership
Nicole Armatas, Deputy Head and Head of Junior School at St Michael’s, has over 25 years of experience in independent school leadership. Since joining St Michael’s in 2020 as Associate Head (K-6), she has led significant pedagogical changes and managed key building projects. Nicole holds a Dip Ed (Prim), BEd (Prim) and MEd (Hons) from the University of Melbourne. Her career includes roles such as Head of Campus (P-3) and Head of Campus (P-6). Passionate about fostering curiosity and critical thinking, Nicole has enhanced learning spaces and programs, including the new Centre for Inquiry and Innovation.
Deputy Head, Head of Junior School
Nicole Armatas
Romalina Rocca, BEd (TAS), MEd (MHRD), GradCert (RE), Mini-COGE UNSW, is Deputy Principal of Loreto Kirribilli and a teacher of Technological and Applied Studies. She has held many leadership positions at the school, including Head of Senior School, Director of Student Wellbeing and TAS Subject Coordinator, and has also authored several design and technology textbooks. As Deputy Principal, she is dedicated to creating a culture of growth and improvement, where everyone in the school community is inspired to embrace challenges and persevere in their pursuit of learning.
Deputy Principal
Romalina Rocca
As the Head of St Michael’s Grammar School, Gerard Houlihan champions ‘managing oneself’ – developing personal agency, knowing strengths and identifying opportunities to contribute. With over 25 years in school leadership, Gerard has held various roles at St Michael’s since 2001, including Head of IT and Dean of Teaching and Learning. He holds a BA, BSc, GCertVisArt, GDipEd, GDipEco and MEd and is a MAICD, FIML and FACEL. Gerard is also the Chair of the Association of Coeducational Schools and has served as Vice President of the Science Teachers Association of Victoria. In 2020, he received an Australian Council for Educational Leaders Fellowship and was named on The Educator Hot List.
Head of the School
Gerard Houlihan
As the Head of St Michael’s Grammar School, Gerard Houlihan champions ‘managing oneself’ – developing personal agency, knowing strengths and identifying opportunities to contribute. With over 25 years in school leadership, Gerard has held various roles at St Michael’s since 2001, including Head of IT and Dean of Teaching and Learning. He holds a BA, BSc, GCertVisArt, GDipEd, GDipEco and MEd and is a MAICD, FIML and FACEL. Gerard is also the Chair of the Association of Coeducational Schools and has served as Vice President of the Science Teachers Association of Victoria. In 2020, he received an Australian Council for Educational Leaders Fellowship and was named on The Educator Hot List.
Head of the School
Gerard Houlihan
@Loreto_LK
Gerard Houlihan
Head of the School
Nicole Armatas, Deputy Head and Head of Junior School at St Michael’s, has over 25 years of experience in independent school leadership. Since joining St Michael’s in 2020 as Associate Head (K-6), she has led significant pedagogical changes and managed key building projects. Nicole holds a Dip Ed (Prim), BEd (Prim) and MEd (Hons) from the University of Melbourne. Her career includes roles such as Head of Campus (P-3) and Head of Campus (P-6). Passionate about fostering curiosity and critical thinking, Nicole has enhanced learning spaces and programs, including the new Centre for Inquiry and Innovation.
With a deep appreciation of St Kilda’s local heritage, environmental design and inquiry-based learning methods, St Michael’s Centre for Innovation and Inquiry (CII) embodies a multifaceted approach to learning design. The CII celebrates the school’s commitment to student-led, research-based learning while also integrating sustainable practices and honouring the community’s historical context, creating a transformative space that epitomises St Michael’s educational philosophy.
Opened in March 2023, the CII is the culmination of extensive research and reflection. When a small Victorian house on the edge of the campus became available, St Michael’s seized the opportunity to create a dedicated space for its Primary Years students. The goal was to foster a culture of curiosity, problem-solving and inquiry-based learning.
The CII stands as a testament to the school’s policy of using learning environments as an intentional ‘third teacher’. The design integrates flexible, light-filled spaces that support both collaborative and individual learning. Key features include:
As an independent, forward-thinking girls’ school we are committed to preparing girls for a lifetime of learning, leadership and engagement in our global community. We believe in girls.
At Ruyton Girls’ School we foster the individuality of each girl in a caring and safe environment, nurturing her intellectual, physical, social and emotional qualities that are essential to flourish.
Powerful learning is central to the Ruyton culture, building on our strong academic reputation. We focus on advancing the learning of every girl through the engagement of intellectual curiosity, building their knowledge and skills about how to learn, and supporting them to achieve their personal best and be exemplary citizens. We believe in real-world learning beyond the classroom, collaborating with the wider community to promote growth, discovery and sustainability.
We empower our girls to lead lives of purpose with courage, character and compassion. Through the development of values and action-focused learning they are inspired to pursue equity and justice for self and others. By embracing diversity and raising their voices, our girls effect positive change and make a difference.
Romalina Rocca
Deputy Principal
Romalina Rocca, BEd (TAS), MEd (MHRD), GradCert (RE), Mini-COGE UNSW, is Deputy Principal of Loreto Kirribilli and a teacher of Technological and Applied Studies. She has held many leadership positions at the school, including Head of Senior School, Director of Student Wellbeing and TAS Subject Coordinator, and has also authored several design and technology textbooks. As Deputy Principal, she is dedicated to creating a culture of growth and improvement, where everyone in the school community is inspired to embrace challenges and persevere in their pursuit of learning.
Deputy Principal
Romalina Rocca
Romalina Rocca
Deputy Principal
Romalina Rocca, BEd (TAS), MEd (MHRD), GradCert (RE), Mini-COGE UNSW, is Deputy Principal of Loreto Kirribilli and a teacher of Technological and Applied Studies. She has held many leadership positions at the school, including Head of Senior School, Director of Student Wellbeing and TAS Subject Coordinator, and has also authored several design and technology textbooks. As Deputy Principal, she is dedicated to creating a culture of growth and improvement, where everyone in the school community is inspired to embrace challenges and persevere in their pursuit of learning.
Deputy Principal
Romalina Rocca
Bellbird Park State Secondary College (BPSSC) prides itself on providing an innovative and inclusive education experience for all learners. Our college is extraordinary because of the incredible students, parents, community partners and staff who bring it to life each day. Since opening in 2017 with 212 Year 7 students and 31 staff, the school has been on a rapid journey of student growth and staff recruitment. BPSSC now has an enrolment of 1,800 students and 150+ staff members. Located in the aspirational, multiculturally rich Ipswich community (ICSEA 953), we’re exceptionally proud to be the school of choice in our community.
At BPSSC, we’re committed to supporting the success and wellbeing of every student as they transition through each stage of learning through our high-expectations, high-support approach. In 2023, 175 First Nations students are connected and thriving at our college. Our Many Pathways, No Limits mantra extends to all students, and we provide tailored differentiated, culturally appropriate educational opportunities for our First Nations students. Our approach to First Nations education is extensive, multifaceted and a whole-school effort effecting positive systematic change and outcomes for our students.
Bellbird Park State Secondary College (BPSSC) prides itself on providing an innovative and inclusive education experience for all learners. Our college is extraordinary because of the incredible students, parents, community partners and staff who bring it to life each day. Since opening in 2017 with 212 Year 7 students and 31 staff, the school has been on a rapid journey of student growth and staff recruitment. BPSSC now has an enrolment of 1,800 students and 150+ staff members. Located in the aspirational, multiculturally rich Ipswich community (ICSEA 953), we’re exceptionally proud to be the school of choice in our community.
At BPSSC, we’re committed to supporting the success and wellbeing of every student as they transition through each stage of learning through our high-expectations, high-support approach. In 2023, 175 First Nations students are connected and thriving at our college. Our Many Pathways, No Limits mantra extends to all students, and we provide tailored differentiated, culturally appropriate educational opportunities for our First Nations students. Our approach to First Nations education is extensive, multifaceted and a whole-school effort effecting positive systematic change and outcomes for our students.
Louisa Geddes, BSc (Arch), BArch University of Sydney, Masters Project Management UNSW, is involved in architecture and project management across both the public and private sectors. She is currently a Project Director at Savills Project Management, having worked previously at Event Hospitality and Entertainment Limited and Grocon. Louisa is Chairperson of the Loreto Kirribilli Building Committee and a member of the Loreto Kirribilli Nominations and Succession Planning Committee.
Chairperson, Loreto Kirribilli Building Committee
Louisa Geddes
Louisa Geddes, BSc (Arch), BArch University of Sydney, Masters Project Management UNSW, is involved in architecture and project management across both the public and private sectors. She is currently a Project Director at Savills Project Management, having worked previously at Event Hospitality and Entertainment Limited and Grocon. Louisa is Chairperson of the Loreto Kirribilli Building Committee and a member of the Loreto Kirribilli Nominations and Succession Planning Committee.
Chairperson, Loreto Kirribilli Building Committee
Louisa Geddes
Louisa Geddes
Chairperson, Loreto Kirribilli Building Committee
Romalina Rocca
Deputy Principal
Louisa Geddes, BSc (Arch), BArch University of Sydney, Masters Project Management UNSW, is involved in architecture and project management across both the public and private sectors. She is currently a Project Director at Savills Project Management, having worked previously at Event Hospitality and Entertainment Limited and Grocon. Louisa is Chairperson of the Loreto Kirribilli Building Committee and a member of the Loreto Kirribilli Nominations and Succession Planning Committee.
Chairperson, Loreto Kirribilli Building Committee
Louisa Geddes
Louisa Geddes
Chairperson, Loreto Kirribilli Building Committee
Louisa Geddes
Chairperson, Loreto Kirribilli Building Committee
adaptable spaces: the CII offers a variety of environments to suit different learning activities and styles, from quiet, reflective areas to open, collaborative zones
student-influenced design: students played a significant role in the design process, ensuring the spaces met their needs for effective research and learning
resource-rich environment: the facility is equipped with books, technology, a 3D printer and STEM materials, supporting a wide range of educational activities
indoor-outdoor integration: large glazed doors and covered outdoor areas seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor learning spaces, promoting engagement with nature
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The adaptation of the existing Victorian house not only provided a cost-effective solution but also celebrated the heritage of the local community. The design minimised material waste and utilised energy-efficient methods, with new openings carefully formed to maintain privacy while enhancing connectivity. Features like acoustically sealed glazed pocket doors and a vertical garden contribute to a sustainable and flexible learning environment.
The development of the CII was a collaborative effort involving the Executive Team, the Junior School Leadership Group, students and Sally Draper Architects. Workshops and visioning site walks ensured that the facility met the diverse needs of the school community. The result is a multifunctional centre that supports autonomous, inquiry-based learning from Early Learning Centre (ELC) to Year 6.
The CII is designed around five modes of active learning: Provoke, Focus, Explore, Create and Present. These zones support different phases of research-based learning, from initial ideation to hands-on experimentation and presentation. Since the introduction of the CII, St Michael’s has observed significant improvements in learning outcomes. There has been a noticeable increase in NAPLAN results, student leadership applications and community partnerships. Additionally, there has been a significant improvement in the observed outcomes of the 6Cs of Michael Fullan’s Deep Learning: critical thinking, collaboration, communication, creativity, character and citizenship.
St Michael’s Grammar School’s Centre for Inquiry and Innovation is a true exemplar of innovative learning environment design. By blending heritage with modern educational needs, the CII provides a dynamic, student-centred space that prepares learners for the future. This award recognises the school’s dedication to creating an environment in which students can thrive both academically and personally.