JULIE FREEMAN-SMITH
Dingley Village,Australia
Summary
I aim to inspire both students and staff by leading through example. I value diversity, adaptability, and open communication, and work hard to cultivate a team culture where trust is earned and respected. Highly motivated and an excellent communicator, I strive to build positive rapport while encouraging others to reach their full potential. I believe that effective leaders continuously reflect on and adapt their practice, contributing to a learning community that values collaboration and shared leadership. As a dynamic leader with expertise in student wellbeing and community engagement, I bring a proven track record in strategic planning and curriculum development, delivering impactful initiatives that enrich the student experience.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of House Year 7 – 12
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH) College
Bentleigh, Australia
01.2022 - Current
- Oversee wellbeing, pastoral care, guidance, and academic progress of students within the House
- Provide leadership and direction for the College’s Vertical House Structure
- Work creatively and collaboratively to enable the wellbeing (spiritual, academic, social, cultural, emotional, and physical) of each student to be nurtured and to flourish
- Foster an environment where students experience a deep sense of belonging, feel safe, valued, known, and loved
- Build a positive and cohesive sense of community with students and Learning Mentors
- Collaborate with wellbeing team to strengthen year level and House identity
- Plan and execute year level activities including valedictory, camps and events
Director/Producer – School Productions
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH) College
Bentleigh, Australia
01.2018 - Current
- Responsible for overseeing all areas of school productions including resources (financial and physical), auditions, rehearsals, student and staff involvement, production week and communication with all parties involved (leadership, cast, crew, staff, external companies and marketing)
- Liaise with Performing Arts staff from OLSH, De La Salle and St Bedes (Bentleigh East) to develop a clear vision for our combined productions
- Work closely with the creative team (musical director, choreographer, set designer, lighting and sound technicians, costume coordinator) to ensure all areas of production were cohesive and unified
Religious Education Leader Year 9 and 10
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH) College
Bentleigh, Australia
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Facilitated curriculum development to enhance educational quality
- Led strategic planning sessions addressing challenges within the academic environment including implementing changes based on 2021 Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools data
- Managed faculty meetings to ensure curriculum guidelines were met, and school objectives were achieved
- Monitored staff performance to maximize achievement of established standards
- Guided professional development workshops focusing on best practices in education
Junior Years (Year 7 and 8) Program Co-Coordinator
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH) College
Bentleigh, Australia
01.2018 - 01.2022
- Ensured year level identity was clearly defined through organising year level events and activities such as camps and retreat days
- Managed communication between staff, students, and parents for effective collaboration
- Coordinated transition processes for incoming Year 7 students, including parent information nights and Grade 6 orientations
Leader of Learning – Year 6/7 English and Humanities
Australian International School (AIS)
, United Arab Emirates
08.2014 - 01.2018
- Integrated trans-disciplinary, inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning (student centred curriculum)
- Supported Middle School teachers to ensure consistency and cohesion in all teaching and learning practices
- Worked collaboratively with the Head of Middle School ensuring the wellbeing and pastoral care needs of Year 6 and 7 students were being met and implemented positive behaviour strategies
- Facilitated year level assemblies
- Interacted with students, parents, teachers and the wider school community
- Established and implemented a sequential Drama program into Year 8 and Year 9
- Worked with a high number of ELL and ESL students
- Mentored new qualified teachers
- Liaised with local and international Universities for the placement of incoming student teachers
- Organised mentors for practicum teachers
- Supervised lessons and provided feedback
Head of Department Creative Arts
St James College
East Bentleigh, Australia
01.2001 - 08.2014
- Company Overview: East Bentleigh, Victoria
- Facilitated curriculum development and implementation of mandated government changes
- Managed faculty meetings to ensure curriculum guidelines were met and school objectives were achieved
- Monitored staff to ensure standards were achieved and performance was maximised
- Directed Created Arts Week including Chalk Drawing Competitions, Visual Arts Show, Talent Quest and College Production (scriptwriter, director, producer and choreographer)
- Responsible for faculty budget (physical and financial resources)
- Incorporated learning activities to allow for differentiation within the classroom
- Established strong relationships with students, parents and staff
- East Bentleigh, Victoria
Education
Graduate Certificate of Catholic Studies -
Australian Catholic University
Melbourne, VIC08.2025
Graduate Diploma of Education -
University of Melbourne
Parkville, VIC12.2000
Bachelor of Arts -
Monash University
Clayton, Victoria, Australia12.1994
Skills
- Project management
- Effective communication
- Curriculum development
- Student engagement
- Team collaboration
- Educational leadership
V I T Registration Number
205475
Accreditation
A29103
C Number
C9042239
References
- Anne O’Loughlin, Principal, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College, Bentleigh, Victoria, aoloughlin@olsh.vic.edu.au, (03) 8520 9200
- Dina Oro, Deputy of Wellbeing, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College, Bentleigh, Victoria, doro@olsh.vic.edu.au, (03) 8520 9200
- Joshua Di Pietro, Deputy of Learning and Teaching, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College, Bentleigh, Victoria, jdipietro@olsh.vic.edu.au, (03) 8520 9200
- Susan Scott, Chief Learning Officer, Islamic College of Brisbane, Karawatha, Queensland, (07) 3841 3645
Career Achievements
- Director and Producer of numerous musicals and productions including Mamma Mia, Mary Poppins, Legally Blonde, High School Musical, The Crucible and Alice in Wonderland
- Theatresports coach and mentor
- Debating coach and mentor
- Netball coach and mentor at both club and squad level
Professional Development
- Positive Education
- Peer Coaching International (Growth Model)
- Intercultural Intelligence Training
- Sheena Cameron - Trained in Literacy Strategies
- Google for Education
- Restorative Practices
- Teaching Sprints
- Teaching for Reconciliation
- Engaging Middle Years Students
- Visible Learning
Timeline
Head of House Year 7 – 12
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH) College
01.2022 - Current
Religious Education Leader Year 9 and 10
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH) College
01.2022 - 01.2023
Director/Producer – School Productions
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH) College
01.2018 - Current
Junior Years (Year 7 and 8) Program Co-Coordinator
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH) College
01.2018 - 01.2022
Leader of Learning – Year 6/7 English and Humanities
Australian International School (AIS)
08.2014 - 01.2018
Head of Department Creative Arts
St James College
01.2001 - 08.2014
Graduate Certificate of Catholic Studies -
Australian Catholic University
Graduate Diploma of Education -
University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Arts -
Monash University