From the Board

Celebrating 50 Years

I was born in 1972 and share a milestone birthday—50 years— with the School. Birthdays are always cause for celebration and especially so in the case of the School’s birthday, for it is a birthday achieved by the efforts and service of many and celebrates the achievements of thousands of young people whose lives have been shaped by their experiences here—guided by the School’s motto Fide et Opere (by faith and work). Joining the Board of Governors in April 2000, I was elected as Chair in 2011 and am now in my 23rd year of service to the School; I have been a member of the Board of Governors for almost half of my life! Although it should not deter potential Board members (since a term of Board membership is three years), the Board has a history of long serving Chairs. Mr Val Lishman’s membership over two periods totalled 21 years (19 years as Chair). Mrs Irene Bourne’s membership continued for 21 years (10 years as Chair). During my Board membership, there have been other examples of long service, including Father Brian Newing (1987-2005), Mr Kerry Lamb (1995-2002 and 2005-2017), Mrs Jo-Anne Norton (2008-2018) and Dr Anne de Boer (1996-2007). Service to our School has always reflected the respect and gratitude which Board members have for the opportunity to play a part in achieving educational and pastoral outcomes which make a lasting, beneficial impact on our students. As an independent school the Board enjoys the widest powers to make decisions in the best interests of the School—financial, educational, pastoral, risk, and every other aspect of governance of a school. The Board delegates day to day management to the Head of School but bears the responsibility for overseeing the educational model, standards, and outcomes. The Board highly values the School’s independence. On numerous occasions, I have seen this independence benefit decision making, in substance, flexibility, responsiveness and outcome. Independence is no small advantage. As suggested by the School’s name, it has an Anglican foundation and shares a strong relationship with St Boniface Cathedral, which is reflected by the appointment of 6 (of 12) members of the Board by or in consultation with the Bunbury Diocese of the Anglican Church. The Bishop of Bunbury is an ex-officio member of the Board. I have had the privilege of serving with three Bishops of Bunbury, Bishops David McCall (2000-2010), Allan Ewing (2011-2017) and the current Bishop of Bunbury, the Right Reverend Dr Ian Coutts (2018-current). All have been interesting and enthusiastic Board members with a genuine affection for the School. The contribution of members of the Anglican Clergy to the Board is reflected by an atmosphere of reverence and care at Board and Committee meetings. No matter the subject being discussed, the focus of the Board, in all aspects of its decision making, is for the care and welfare of students, staff and School families. The Board has been fortunate to work with outstanding educational leaders. During my membership, the Board has been guided by Dr Bruce Matthews, Mr Michael Giles, and Mr Matthew O’Brien as Heads of School. The Board works closely with the Chief Financial Officer, and I recall the exceptional contributions of Mr Barry Carroll (1989-2001), Mr Vince Evans (2001-2008) and Mrs Jennifer Nobbs (2008-2021). Mr Yale Bolto joined the School as Chief Financial Officer in 2021. There are of course a multitude of leaders within the School who provide the Board with the benefit of their knowledge. I have the highest opinion of the School’s educational leaders, who continue our tradition of academic and pastoral excellence. The BCGS brand of education is uniquely influenced by 50 years of professional dedication to education by some of Australia’s leading educators. It is a tradition which the Board values highly. Happy 50th Birthday, Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School! Here’s to another 50 years!

Mr Simon Jacob :: Chair of the Board of Governors