Mrs Debbie Dunwoody

As an educator, Debbie has held leadership positions in schools for over 35 years.  She is passionate about the development of curious and courageous learners who value excellence, have a strong sense of themselves and are motivated in their actions to create a more just and sustainable world.

Debbie is committed to education that values the holistic development of young people and one that prepares them for their future, and with this, importance of influencing system change to recognise this more fully.  She is also focused on ensuring a workplace culture and opportunities for growth for all staff, with a particular interest on emerging leaders.

Debbie has held the position of Principal in two schools, Methodist Ladies College (MLC), and currently Camberwell Girls Grammar School after also serving as Vice Principal at MLC.  She is President of Anglican Schools Australia, on the Board of Independent Schools Victoria and is a former Vice President of Girls Sport Victoria.  Debbie is also a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Working Group for the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne.

Throughout her career, Debbie has held leadership positions including Head of Science at Wesley College, where she established a flagship Scientist-In-Residence program with the Rio Tinto Group. Students from Prep to Year 10 worked directly with a wide range of scientists and engineers. She also received an AMP Teacher Recognition Award.

At age 29, Debbie was selected as the inaugural Director of MLC Marshmead - the first female to be appointed to school leadership position in a remote residential location in Victoria.  The educational farm campus of 120 residents was serviced by renewable systems including a remote area power supply. In addition to their studies, students participated in outdoor pursuits and community service projects.

In her role as Head of Middle School at MLC, Debbie was instrumental in establishing programs with a remote indigenous community so that students had the opportunity to learn with indigenous people about their rich and diverse culture. Her commitment to learning about indigenous culture, history and people so as to walk forward together in reconciliation remains strong today.

Debbie’s belief is that it is a privilege to serve young people, staff and families in this great profession. Debbie’s husband Cameron is also a teacher and she is the mother of two daughters - one is a teacher.

Debbie completed a Diploma of Teaching and a Bachelor of Science at Monash.