Foreword
The Future Problem Solving Program was
introduced into Australia in October, 1989,
at a time when educational authorities were
searching for new ways to encourage critical
and creative thinking amongst students. The
programme provided a methodology which
enabled students to address significant
challenges and issues in their world, and
empowered them to show leadership and
resourcefulness in their resolution.
Twenty-two years ago, FPS began at Loreto
Normanhurst, and its continuation is a tribute
to the wisdom and support of the School
Leadership, the vision and dedication of their
outstanding coach, Mrs Mary Lane, and her
band of loyal fellow staff members, and the
enthusiasm and commitment of the many
students who have embraced with skill all
aspects of the programme.
Janice Hales with Illawarra Grammar students
at Na onal Finals, Loreto in 2003
My association with Loreto Normanhurst
began in the early 1990’s, when, as new
coaches in our respective schools, Mary Lane
and I assisted each other to understand the
intricacies of the programme. Later, Loreto
became the venue for many NSW study days
and coaching seminars, and was always
hospitable and welcoming. As a member of
the FPS National Executive, and the NSW
State Convenor for FPS, I appreciated the
whole-hearted support from all sections of
the School. It was obvious that the School
regarded the Future Problem Solving Program
as an invaluable learning experience for
students. In addition, the interest of the
School Leadership was positive, with the then
Principal, Dr Leoni Degenhardt, writing to the
FPS National Office in Melbourne in 1997 to
suggest that, if the FPS Program were to be
truly Australian, the National Finals should be
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held throughout Australia. Her suggestion
finally came to fruition in 2003, when the first
National Finals to be held outside Victoria came
to Loreto Normanhurst. This happened again in
2005, and so began the move to include other
states in the process. We were proud of this
leadership and its success.
Compiling a history is no easy task. Hard work
and devotion mould the past and the present,
but it is the visionaries who ensure the future.
I commend this book to you: both because it
reflects on, and acknowledges, the past and
present, and because it provides pathways to a
continuing future. Congratulations to Loreto
Normanhurst and its thoughtful and inspired
teachers and students for their participation in
this wonderful programme. Thank you to the
girls of the Community Problem Solving team
for their insight and industry in researching and
compiling this record, and a special thank you
to a friend and colleague, Mary Lane, for
sharing your FPS story with us all.
Janice Hales