Former model Lauren Brooks to be Saint Ignatius’ new principal
St Ignatius’ new principal will be just the second woman in the school’s history to take the helm. But she’s no stranger to breaking new ground.
Education
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You’ve heard of model students – well, how about a model principal?
Meet Lauren Brooks, the future principal of Saint Ignatius’ College who says her former life on the catwalk has made her a “unique” educator.
Mrs Brooks, who is in her mid 30s, is the current deputy principal at Pedare Christian College.
With a Master of Educational Leadership from the Australian Catholic University, she will join co-ed independent Catholic school St Ignatius’ community in October where she will work alongside its current and first appointed female principal Barbara Watkins as part of a transition process.
Next year, Mrs Brooks will become the second female principal in the R-12 school’s 72-year history, but she is already a trailblazer.
Fifteen years ago, Mrs Brooks was making a name for herself here and overseas as a curve model.
A healthy, toned size 14 at just over 180cm tall, she was a pioneer of the Australian industry.
Scouted by a top model agent in 2008 while pursuing a tertiary degree in education in Sydney, she quickly became a poster girl for body positivity, hanging out with IT girls like Adelaide’s Teresa Palmer and Lara Worthington.
“I never had the intention of modelling. I was there to study,’’ Mrs Brooks told The Advertiser in 2009. `
“t’s been incredibly exciting. When I was growing up, I struggled to accept myself … To have a positive effect on young girls is great. That’s why I’m doing this.’’
While she modelled for plus-size labels, Mrs Brooks also represented real women in mainstream fashion campaigns. She was the first curve model booked by Supre.
Also modelling in Malaysia and at London Fashion Week, Mrs Brooks appeared in magazines Madison, Cosmopolitan, Shop Til You Drop and Women’s Health.
But by 2012 she had decided to leave modelling to concentrate on her first love, education, moving to Alice Springs to work as a maths and science teacher.
Speaking exclusively to The Advertiser following her appointment at St Ignatius’ College, Mrs Brooks said she was “enormously humbled” about the “very exciting” role.
“It is just the biggest privilege to serve in education, to support young people and staff and to impact a school community positively,” she said.
Ms Brooks, who was also a member of the SA women’s water polo team, said modelling was one of a “number of broad life experiences I have had”.
“It was a period of my life I am really proud of because it shaped my leadership style, which is one that advocates for celebrating individuality and strength in diversity and the confidence we can grow from being celebrated for who we are,” she said.
“It made me a unique educator who can have a positive impact.”
Mrs Brooks said the lessons she learned during her time as an innovator in the modelling industry also enabled her to help students navigate challenges presented by social media.
“Our young people need our support to navigate this space,” she said.
“You are beautiful because of your character, thoughts and ideas and that is something I talk with students about often.”
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