Inspiring Innovations

Renowned for pioneering progress in scholastic programs, technology and pedagogy, St Leonard’s College continues to innovate with our new learning environments designed to expand minds, create community and inspire for life. Opened in 2020, these learning spaces have been designed to foster the essential life skills of creativity, critical thinking and collaboration.

Donor Opportunities

Our College community is invited to play a leading role in supporting our future generations of Leonardians, expanding minds, creating community, and inspiring for life.

To learn more about how you can support our Building Fund, please contact Roz Holloway, Head of Foundation on (+61 3) 9909 9569 or email [email protected]

The alumni of St Leonard’s College are a resounding testament to the benefits our Inspiring Innovations development, including the Leonardian Centre and new Merton building, will provide to future generations of Leonardians.

Anything is possible within the world of inspired imagination.

 

Kate Amos (OC2007)

The historical power of storytelling through the performing arts reminds us of the limitless potential of creativity. Kate Amos is a wonderful illustration of this creative potential realised. Kate’s early experiences on the St Leonard’s College stage fuelled her love of the theatre and inspired the pursuit and accomplishment of her dreams. Kate is now recognised as one of Australia’s most artistically versatile and highly sought-after young sopranos. Performing nationally and internationally, Kate boasts a remarkable list of awards and scholarships, including Opera Scholar of the Year, Melbourne Welsh Choir Singer of the Year, the Lisa Gasteen National Opera Scholarship, the Sleath Lowrey Scholarship, the UK Royal Overseas-League Bursary and the Italian Merenda Scholarship. Kate holds a Bachelor of Music (Performance) with Honours, a Diploma of Language (Italian) and Masters of Music (Opera Performance) from the University of Melbourne. Kate completed an Advanced Masters in Opera at the Welsh International Academy of Voice in Cardiff, Wales. Kate is also classically trained in ballet (RADA) and has graduated from several NIDA Acting Technique Courses. In 2014 Kate was selected to join the Young Artist Program with the Victorian Opera performing leading and supporting roles and in 2018, Kate made her Principal Artist debut with Opera Australia. 

Kate is the ultimate example of the benefits that the Inspiring Innovations development will bring to our students. Our new central Agora will inspire a connected College community, inspiring al fresco performances across a diverse array of disciplines. Our world-class Leonardian Centre will set the stage for our students to experience the power of the performing arts; a special place that will inspire a world of imagination and storytelling through the magic of creative expression. 

View the video below to learn more.

Dr Paul Lasky (OC1998)

The contemplation of the universe and our place in it reminds us of the infinite opportunities to explore, discover and understand. Dr Paul Lasky is a powerful example of the pursuit of scientific innovation and excellence. Paul’s passion for maths and science was ignited during his education at St Leonard’s College, where his curiosity and capacity to question was nurtured and encouraged. He went on to acquire a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from Monash University in Theoretical Physics and Mathematics, followed by a PhD in Astrophysics. Paul is an Astrophysicist with particular interests in gravitational wave physics, neutron stars, and black holes. He is a Lecturer and an Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellow at Monash University. His expertise in gravitational astrophysics has led to international research collaborations and numerous citations in scientific research journals relating to broader theories of gravity, gravitational lensing, cosmology and extragalactic astrophysics. Notably, Paul was involved in the first-ever detection of gravitational waves from two black holes colliding more than a billion light years away. This project was subsequently awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2017.

Paul is a resounding testament to the opportunities that the Inspiring Innovations development will deliver to our students, including Paul’s two young children who currently attend the College. The next generation of thinkers will continue to push the boundaries of the human mind, resulting in profound scientific discoveries that will alter our perceptions of reality. Our new Systems Engineering Centre and Year 12 Centre will provide the optimum learning environments for the pursuit of academic excellence and critical thinking. The Senior School Cafeteria, a nurturing space in many aspects, will facilitate collaboration, informal learning and mentoring; encouraging creative intellectual contemplation.

View the video below to learn more.

New Innovative Learning Spaces

New Performing Arts Centre

Central Agora

The Inspiring Innovations Development includes an impressive central agora featuring an outdoor performance stage and digital screen.

This central courtyard unites the College community, connecting the Cornish Library with the Leonardian Centre and the new Year 12 Centre.

The agora is a vibrant hub within the College campus, providing a stunning and flexible environment that facilitates both formal and informal performances across a diverse array of disciplines.