WARD, Sr. Valda RSM

Valda was educated by the Sisters of Mercy at Casterton and at Sacred Heart College in Ballarat East.  In 1949, she graduated from Ballarat Teachers’ College.

In 1954, Valda received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne.  Seven years later, a Bachelor of Education degree was added.  Later, she gained a Master of Education in Administration and, in 1986, a PhD from the University of New England.  Her PhD thesis, entitled “Organisation and Change and the Process of Change in the Sisters of Mercy”, provided a work of great significance, leading to a whole new structure of governance for the Sisters of Mercy in Australia.

Before joining the Sisters of Mercy in 1958, Valda taught at Casterton High School, where she also directed plays and was involved in music.

Sister Valda remained at the Australian Catholic University until her retirement in 2003.  In the intervening years, she was principal of Sacred Heart Teachers’ College, leader of the Mercy congregation for two successive terms (12973-90), a key player in the formation of the Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia in 1981 and principal of St Martin’s in the Pines, Mt Clear (1985-94).  Sister Valda is described as multi-talented, musical, a wonderful teacher, administrator and leader.  In 2005, she shared a national award for excellence in post-graduate supervision, to recognise her standing a as research supervisor.

Sister Valda passed away in 2008 and is buried in Ballarat New Cemetery, Roman Catholic D, Section 1, Grave 21.