With James Hardiman stepping into the role of St Hilda’s 7th Principal, the College went out to market to look for a new Dean of Students. In early November, the following correspondence was sent to the St Hilda’s community to introduce Fiona Cadorel.
Dear St Hilda’s Community,
It is my pleasure to announce that Fiona Cadorel will be our new Dean of Students at St Hilda’s from December this year as I depart my role as the current Dean to take up the role of our 7th Principal. Fiona is an experienced educator with a passion for building inclusive, dynamic intentional communities where young adults can be challenged to grow into the best versions of themselves. Fiona has a distinguished background as a teacher, youth leadership specialist and developer in youth wellbeing. She has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Tasmania and a Graduate Diploma of Education from the University of Melbourne.
Fiona is currently a project manager and community planner at Bellarine Community Health where she is responsible for developing leadership programs that empower young adults to become agents of change in their community. During her time on the Bellarine, Fiona managed managed the establishment of headspace in Ocean Grove, worked in the area of gender equity, prevention of violence against women, as well as successfully designing and implementing a number of leadership and educational programs in the region that promote more healthier and resilient communities.
Fiona also has significant college experience, serving at Janet Clarke Hall for seven years, the last three of her years there as Vice Principal. Janet Clarke Hall is one of St Hilda’s long-standing neighbours and Fiona’s success in this role ensures that she brings a depth of experience in all aspects of residential colleges at a senior level. Prior to her time at Janet Clarke Hall, Fiona had over a decade of experience in both teaching and leadership roles at Methodist Ladies’ College, Melbourne. This includes substantial experience in pastoral care and academic programming alongside leadership development and training.
Fiona and her family will be immersed in our community, moving into the Dean’s residence on site. Her husband, Xavier, is a lecturer in the Melbourne School of Design, The University of Melbourne, and is equally committed to the college experience having also lived and worked in residence while Fiona was Vice Principal at Janet Clarke Hall. Their twin daughters are also very excited to become new Hildarians.
We warmly welcome Fiona and her family to our community. I know that she will make an incredible impact on our College and our students’ lives.
Kind regards,
James Hardiman