School Choice hears from Ms Julie Swanson, Principal of Sacred Heart Girls’ College in Oakleigh, Victoria.
What prompted you to want to enter teaching?After finishing secondary school, teaching was not initially on my radar. It was during my early tertiary studies that I began reflecting on a career path that would suit me, particularly one that aligned with my love of mathematics. Like many others, I decided to explore teaching and enrolled in a Diploma of Education to see if it was the right fit. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and received very positive feedback during my teaching rounds, which encouraged me to pursue teaching, at least for a few years. It quickly became clear that I genuinely loved the profession, and I have never looked back.
What do you like most about working in a school?One aspect I enjoy most about working in a school is the opportunity to work with young people. Their energy, enthusiasm and willingness to question everything make each day engaging and rewarding. No two days are ever the same, which keeps the work both challenging and fulfilling. I also value the strong sense of collegiality among teachers and school staff — the shared commitment and team approach create a supportive and positive workplace. Altogether, this builds a dynamic sense of community where young people are encouraged and supported to flourish.
What are some of the changes to education that you have witnessed in your time as a school leader?Over the past few years, I have witnessed a range of internal and external factors drive significant change in education. Some of these shifts have presented clear challenges, including the impact of artificial intelligence, the emergence of hybrid schooling models and increasing concerns around student wellbeing, mental health and attendance patterns. However, I prefer to view these changes as opportunities rather than obstacles. They have prompted schools to rethink how we teach, learn and lead, encouraging innovation and more responsive approaches to the needs of young people. While this work is very much ongoing, it leaves me feeling optimistic and excited about the future of education.
What are some special achievements of your staff, students and the school that you are most proud of?One of the achievements we are most proud of is the welcoming and inclusive culture that defines the Sacred Heart community. This has been built through the collective efforts of our students, staff and families, who consistently demonstrate respect for one another, celebrate diversity and recognise success in all its forms. New members of our community frequently comment on the positive atmosphere, noting that it is evident from the moment they step onto the school grounds. It’s this shared sense of belonging that truly makes Sacred Heart special and something we’re very proud of.
What hopes do you have for the future of your school?My hope for the future of our school is that every student graduates hope-filled, future-ready and empowered to make a meaningful difference in the world. Inspired by the charism of our college’s founding sisters (RNDM), we seek to form “women with a heart for the world”. Central to this vision is a commitment to transformative learning — one that inspires and empowers both students and staff within a strong and connected community of learners. Our learning environment fosters a culture of high expectations, excellence, achievement and equity, where growth is guided by both intellect and heart. United in purpose, our teachers share a cohesive and consistent approach to teaching and learning, embracing evidence-based and direct instruction practices, while remaining responsive, innovative and attentive to the needs of every learner.
What is your motto for running a successful school?“Doing better by doing differently.” I believe success looks different for everyone, and for a school to truly thrive it needs to keep growing and evolving alongside its students. For me, innovation sits at the heart of this, particularly when it is driven by a genuine commitment to continuous improvement. That said, success and innovation never happen in isolation. They come from working collaboratively, empowering others and leading with compassion and integrity. Creating a culture where staff and students feel supported, valued and encouraged to contribute is, in my view, one of the most important foundations of a successful school.
Sacred Heart College is a community that strives to create a culture of learning in a Christ-centred, disciplined environment. Students […]