Ms Angela O’Dwyer BA(Melb) GradDipEd (ACU) MEd (Melb) MBA (ACU)
Angela O'Dwyer is Principal of Loreto Toorak, one of Victoria's most respected independent girls' schools. Educating 1,200 students from Preparatory to Year 12, the school is consistently recognised for outstanding VCE results and holds the distinction of being the state's leading Catholic school.
Angela joined Loreto Toorak as Executive Deputy Principal in 2017, was appointed Principal-Elect in 2020, and assumed the Principal role in 2022. She holds postgraduate qualifications from The University of Melbourne and Australian Catholic University.
Her leadership has shaped the learning and wellbeing culture, and strategic development of the School. In 2024 Loreto Toorak entered its Centenary year, with Angela overseeing this significant historical milestone. In the same year, she opened the Loreto Federation conference alongside senior Loreto leaders, setting the tone for discussions centred on environmental justice, sustainability, and community action.
Her aim for students at Loreto Toorak is that each girl is grounded in community and develops the confidence to know who she is and what she stands for, so that she may choose her own path and follow it with passion.
Angela brings broad experience in both Secondary and Tertiary education at some of Melbourne’s leading independent schools and universities, including Methodist Ladies’ College, Scotch College, St Kevin’s College, Camberwell Grammar School and The University of Melbourne.
At Methodist Ladies’ College, Angela served as Deputy and Acting Head of the Senior School, contributing to whole school wellbeing, while leading the Senior School Curriculum Team in overseeing the implementation of VCE, VCE/VET, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.
At The University of Melbourne, Angela served as Director of the Maria and Allan Myers Academic Centre (a resource shared between St Mary’s and Newman College), and as the Dean of Newman College. She also worked with both undergraduate and postgraduate students guiding the transition to the Melbourne Model of Education, the new academic degree structure.
Angela and her family are active members of their local parish, Immaculate Conception Church in Hawthorn, and have strong ties to the local community. Angela’s Catholic faith is of great significance to her, and is complemented by the Mary Ward Charism, both of which underpin her personal approach to how she lives her life and leads a Catholic School.
As a mother of six daughters, all of whom are proud alumni of Loreto Toorak, Angela has a longstanding connection with the School, the values and the community. She believes deeply in lifelong learning and the capacity of every person to grow.
Angela holds a BA(Melb) GradDipEd (ACU) MEd (Melb) and an MBA (ACU).
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