Kristen Steer
What do you enjoy most about your role?
The diversity of my role holds great appeal. Every day is different, and the remit is wide, so it keeps me busy. As the Business Manager at Avila, I am a member of the Executive team (school leadership); and also the School Advisory Council (school governance). The role supports the Principal and the Executive team on a strategic and operational level – for example, development and execution of the school master plan; whole school improvement initiatives; and overseeing the non-teaching functions such as Finance, IT, and Property. A large part of my role is project management which I really enjoy. I am passionate about continuous improvement and growth. I really enjoy coaching and mentoring others. Supporting people to do their best work, and creating opportunities for them to achieve this is at the heart of the people side of my work at Avila.
What does a typical day look like for you?
That’s a difficult question as there is no ‘typical’ day for me! You might find me planning and inspecting capital works; coaching others; meeting with student leaders to capture their voice when developing key initiatives; fostering the many commercial relationships Avila has with our service providers and suppliers; driving and managing change; meeting with team members on operational matters; overseeing occupational health and safety matters or connecting with colleagues in my network at other MACS and independent schools. It’s no secret I have a pair of runners in my office for those unexpected occasions when it’s all hands on deck!
The most rewarding aspect of working at Avila?
The stewardship aspect of my role. It’s a privilege to be in a position whereby through the responsible planning and management of resources, application of best practice, and continuous improvement, it’s possible to leave a positive and lasting legacy not only for the Avila community of today but also that of the future.
Why did you choose to work in Catholic education?
Having worked in industry for the majority of my career where the focus was very different, I was keen to work in a setting where I could combine my leadership, strategic finance and commercial skills and experience with my interest in educational governance to make a more meaningful contribution. Working in a Catholic school has provided this opportunity, and I am inspired every day by the way our staff reflects the important values of love, hope, community, faith and justice in their work with each other, and within the educational and wellbeing outcomes of our students.
What makes Avila College a great learning community?
We are all working to foster a culture that supports and encourages growth through learning, resilience, daring, justice and a sense of community in our students and our staff that will enable us to make positive contributions to the world, wherever life may take us. Avila is a workplace and school where all are aligned to our core purpose – supporting the teaching, learning and wellbeing of our community – this energises and inspires me.