Our Principal
Dr Sylvia Walton AO
EdD (hc LTU) BA MA Dip Ed (Syd) B Ed (LTU) FRGS FAICD FACEL FACE FAPC ACEL Gold Medal
An inspirational leader
Dr Sylvia Walton AO is Principal of St Catherine’s School. An outstanding educational leader, Dr Walton has been highly awarded for her contribution to the Australian educational landscape across all levels. In 2011, she was awarded a Doctorate of Education (honoris causa) in recognition for her outstanding leadership as Chancellor and council member of La Trobe University, and in addressing issues of access in higher education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Her experience of implementing innovative programs and setting new benchmarks for best practice throughout her distinguished career, has earned her the reputation as one of Australia’s foremost Principals.
Dr Walton’s advice is regularly sought by a number of Government and non-Government boards when developing their educational policy. Her inventive style and commitment to social and equity issues are a perfect fit with the St Catherine’s ethos. Our current and future students are fortunate to have the benefit of such an inspirational woman as their leader.
Sylvia Walton's qualifications also include:
- Principal of Tintern Schools for 23 years (Tintern Schools comprise Tintern Girls' Grammar School and Southwood Boys' Grammar School which she established in 1999).
- Member of the La Trobe University Council since 1993, Deputy Chancellor since 1997 and Chancellor from 2006 - 2011.
- Past member of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Board and an executive member of the Victorian Board of Studies.
- Past board member of the Association of Independent Schools and a past member of the Victorian Institute of Teaching Accreditation Committee.
- Numerous awards, including The Sir James Darling Medal for Education (Primary, Secondary and Tertiary) and ACEL Fellowship in 1998 and the Nganakarrawa Award in 2004. In 2007, Sylvia Walton was awarded the most prestigious award conferred by the Australian Council for Educational Leaders; its Gold Medal. This is presented annually to an educator whose contribution to the study and practice of educational administration and leadership is assessed as most outstanding, nationally.
- Being named in the 2003 Australia Day Honours List for her service to education. She was awarded the second highest order, Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AO), in recognition of her leadership and education at the secondary and tertiary levels.
- Distinguished career as a teacher of History and Geography.
Each week, Dr Walton's address to our School families in The Weekly E-News is published on Monday in the Principal's Blog for our wider community's interest.