avemaria.vic.edu.au

Ms Olwen Horton is firmly committed to girls' education. It is her vision that students of Ave Maria College will graduate as well-educated, confident young women, filled with a strong sense of compassion and justice, and with the ability to contribute towards the greater good of society. In order to achieve this vision, her focus is the provision of an outstanding Catholic education for young women.

She views people as central to the school's effectiveness: parents, students and staff. Parents are recognized as the primary educators of their children, and the College seeks to work in a learning partnership with parents as their daughters grow from young girls into young women. Student voice is highly valued and student leadership is developed through a variety of channels. Students provide structured feedback to their classroom teachers and student leaders regularly participate in key consultations. Staff play critical roles both in, and beyond, the classroom as educators, mentors and role models. All decisions must ultimately contribute towards the enhancement of student learning and wellbeing.

Appointed to Ave Maria College in 1998, Ms Horton is the school's first female lay principal. Her professional journey includes teaching and leadership experience in Catholic, Independent and Government schools in two States. Ms Horton's courage, experience and personal dedication to life-long learning hold her in good stead to ensure that Ave Maria College will continue to flourish as a center of excellence. Under her leadership the school has transformed into a learning organization, a place where professional excellence is pursued in order that students may experience personal success.

Qualifications
Master of Business Administration (Mt Eliza - UQ)
Master of Education (Melbourne)
Bachelor of Arts (UWA)
Graduate Diploma in Religious Education (ACU)
Graduate Diploma of Education (Administration) (Hawthorne Institute)
Diploma in Education (UWA)
Graduate Certificate in Education Law (ACU)
Graduate Certificate in Religious Education (ACU)
Teachers Certificate (Secondary) (WASTC)