A Day in the Life of Shauna Colnan

From morning gate duty to teaching Year 12 English, Shauna Colnan shares what it’s really like to lead International Grammar School Sydney

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• Name: Shauna Colnan

• Occupation: International Grammar School Principal

• 3 words to describe a typical day? Diverse. Rewarding. Inspiring.

• Something about your job people wouldn’t expect?  “No two days are ever the same.” 

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a school Principal? For Shauna Colnan, leading the International Grammar School is a day-to-day adventure filled with surprises, challenges and moments that make it all worthwhile. From greeting enthusiastic students at the gate to teaching Year 12 English and steering exciting school projects, Shauna’s days are diverse, rewarding, and truly inspiring.

6.00am – Wake up, have breakfast and listen to ABC Radio National for a head start on what’s happening in the world; by 7am I’m on the road, heading to work.

8.00am – I love greeting students at the gate, in the corridors and around the campus. Since the school opened in 1984, our students have rushed in, enthusiastic about their day. I love that this still happens, and always love to be a part of it!

9.00am – My Assistant Jenny and I review the day and the week ahead so that we’re ready for assemblies, concerts, presentations, visitors and other meetings. I then dedicate time to correspondence and emails, to ‘clear the decks’ so I can engage with all the decisions and opportunities that come with leading a busy school. Visits from students are among my favourite surprises.

10.00am – Morning tea time: this is spent with colleagues. Sometimes in staff meetings, where we drive excellence in teaching and learning, other times, just taking a seat for an impromptu chat. Our multilingual community is rich with ideas and opportunities.

12:00pm – Lunchtime: my favourite kind of lunch is catching up with students, finding out how they’re going, hearing about their ideas and plans for the future. IGS kids are a creative and curious bunch and I never cease to be amazed at their ideas. Our job is to nurture them as we pave their way to becoming courageous, altruistic and adaptable students, whether in Early Learning, Year 12, or anywhere in between.

2:00pm – Throughout the day, I work with colleagues, students, parents, the Board, architects, project managers, suppliers and so many more individuals across our diverse community. We always have projects on the go and it’s exciting to collaborate with so many people to deliver the best educational outcomes we can. 

Not only for the benefit of our students, but the wider community. Among other goals, we are optimising our technologies, increasing sustainable practices, improving our campus grounds and expanding opportunities for our students inside and beyond the campus.

4.00pm – I am so glad to still be teaching, as I see one of the roles of the Principal as being Head Teacher. It’s important to roll up your sleeves and engage in the fundamental joys and challenges of the classroom. As one of the IGS Year 12 English Extension 2 teachers, I treasure the opportunity to supervise and support senior students as they create their original major works. Class often goes till 5pm as we explore literature and words and how to craft a narrative most effectively.

6:00pm – The Principal’s job often spans meetings and events that go on into the evening. On quieter nights, I head home and share the day’s events with my husband, Michael. We enjoy long walks in the neighbourhood or along the beach to unwind and recharge. Friday night is always family dinner in the Inner West.

10:00pm – In bed by 10pm. That’s the goal!

Whether it’s sharing a laugh with students, collaborating on innovative projects, or unwinding with her family on a long walk, Shauna’s role as Principal is as much about inspiration as it is about leadership - a window into a world where every day brings something new.

• Favourite local spot? The Fenwick on Balmain East's harbour foreshore