Spotlight on Principal Nicole Archard, Macquarie alumni
“My day is very diverse and can involve anything from saving a wayward possum, to choosing a paint colour for a capital works project,” says Nicole Archard.
What is your current job, and was this always your career objective?
My current position is the Principal of Loreto College, Marryatville in Adelaide, South Australia. I actually started my career in interior design, but I always had a calling to be a teacher and changed careers very early in my working life. I have always firmly believed that education has the capacity to change people’s lives, as it has my own. Therefore, while I might not have understood when I started my teaching career that I would end up being a principal, it was always my objective to be in a position where I could best influence the educational outcomes for children.
What might a typical day involve?
The primary purpose of my job is to lead staff in providing the best education that we can for the students in our care. However, as the leader of a school, my day is very diverse and can involve anything from saving a wayward possum, to choosing a paint colour for a capital works project, to addressing the financial needs of the school, to dealing with student welfare and learning issues.
What is your favourite thing about your job/career and why?
As the principal of a girls’ school, I believe very strongly in the capacity of girls and women; hence, my favourite thing about my role as a principal is that I can make an impact on the outcomes of girls in becoming women of influence and change. I believe that a girl’s schooling experience can have an impact on the development of her self-confidence and self-efficacy, and if we can develop these two things, we can better prepare women for leadership in their post-school life. It is my ambition that all the girls I educate have the opportunity to participate equitably in whatever field they desire. There can be no greater honour than educating girls.
What did you study at Macquarie University?
- Bachelor of Arts with Diploma of Education majoring in English Literature and Ancient History*
- Master of Arts in Children’s Literature and Creative Writing
- Master of Educational Leadership
- Doctor of Philosophy (my thesis explored women and leadership and girls’ education)
What was the favourite thing about your course (or major area of study), and what was the most valuable thing your university experience taught you?
I love learning; hence, my four degrees from Macquarie University and a fifth degree from another university. Tertiary study teaches us to critically examine our world and to develop new ways of thinking. Postgraduate study in particular allows us to interact with like-minded thinkers and become better at what we do.
Why did you choose to do further postgraduate study (and PhD), and why Macquarie?
As a young child I would drive past Macquarie University all the time – I thought that university was for smart people, and I would never go there. So, for me, it was always my dream to go to Macquarie. Once I completed my undergraduate course, it was just about extending myself with further challenges until I finished my PhD study. I have spent so many years at Macquarie that when I return now, I feel a sense of coming home.
What advice would you give to someone considering undertaking further study in education or getting started in your field?
Teaching is not a job; it is a profession. You must love teaching and your subject area with all your heart. Your future students need to feel this passion. If they don’t, they will not engage with you, they will not be inspired by you, and they will not learn from you. If you don’t feel this passion, teaching is not for you. Teaching is hard work. If you think teachers get generous leave conditions, think again; they work tirelessly and always put their students’ learning first. However, there is not a more important or rewarding job in the world.
How important have the connections you formed through your relationship with Macquarie been to your career?
I have formed great mentoring relationships with people from Macquarie, in particular Professor Manjula Waniganayake, who has been part of my professional journey for both my Master of Educational Leadership and PhD degrees. Manjula and I continue to co-author and present at conferences together as well as support each other in our professions.
What are some of your passions outside of work?
I am lucky that my passion is my work, but complementing this passion is a love of literature, art and theatre as well as travel to out-of-the-way places that do not have mobile reception.
What kinds of things do you do to manage stress?
I have a good tolerance level for stress – you need to if you are going to become a principal; however, my best stress relievers are spending time with my children and my dog and being surrounded by bush or beach.
*This degree is now the Bachelor of Arts with Bachelor of Education (secondary)
Find out more about the Master of Educational Leadership