As you probably know, Derek Bartels is taking up a secondment to LEVNT for a period of 12 months from October 2022.
Following a recent recruitment process, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Vanessa Noonan as Director – Learning and Innovation for the period of Derek’s absence from LEQ.
With more than 17 years of educational and leadership experience, Vanessa is recognised for leading the development of contemporary learning and sustainable education programs across the Catholic, Lutheran, Independent and Department school sectors. She has geared her career towards the rapidly growing field of transformative practice at all levels of education, including classroom, school and systemic settings.
Vanessa is currently the Head of Innovation: Technologies and Biomedical Academy at Brisbane South State Secondary College, one of Queensland’s newest vertical schools, where she is responsible for leading and implementing innovation in curriculum design, learning, partnerships and learning spaces across the Technology, Innovation and Biomedical Science Academy portfolios. Prior to this role, Vanessa held a hybrid school-based and corporate role as Dean of the LINQ Academy (Learning and Innovation for a New Queensland), and was responsible for facilitating and executing professional learning workshops, conferences, tertiary pre-service education, and student workshops across Queensland.
Throughout her career, Vanessa has maintained a teaching role in-conjunction with leadership positions. This has allowed her to stay at the forefront of teaching practice, problem-based learning, enterprise learning and technological advancements, which has been the catalyst for decision-making and strategic planning leading to more complex school and system-based transformation.
Vanessa is excited by the opportunity to work with our schools to extend and deliver on our commitment to ensure contemporary learning through continuous innovation.
Please join me in welcoming Vanessa to our LEQ Team with effect from 25 September 2022. Vanessa is joining us on the Learning Tour to Auckland, so you will have the opportunity to spend some time with Vanessa if you are part of that tour.
Tanya Crooks
Executive Director
