Dr Heather Schnagl retired as Principal of Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School, a position she held for 20 years, at the end of 2017. Initially a research scientist in both universities and industry, Heather then discovered her passion for teaching and helping young people learn.

She is a current Member of Board of Trustees and Treasurer at The Invergowrie Foundation. Heather was one of the inaugural council members at the Victorian Institute of Teaching in 2003. She has been a member of various educational councils and associations, including 17 years on the Board of Independent Schools Victoria. She has also served as a board member, and subsequently as the Chair of the Ethics Committee at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute.

Heather was made a Member of the Order of Australia for her services to education as a school principal, and through roles with professional organizations in 2014. Heather holds Fellowships from both the Australian College of Educators and Australian Council for Education Administration. She also received the Hedley Beare Educator of the Year in 2010, and was awarded the James Laing Professional Development Award from the Principals Australia Institute in 2012. She received an honorary Doctorate from La Trobe University in recognition of her contribution in the field of education in 2016 and was awarded the Sir James Darling Medal by the Australian College of Educators in 2017 for her outstanding and continued contribution to education in Victoria.