4 minute read
From the Board Chair
FROM THE BOARD CHAIR
Institutions which have stood the test of time are fortunate to have the right to reflect on the core tenets which hold the key as to why they have endured. With more than 140 years of continuous educational delivery, Kincoppal-Rose Bay, driven by the ideals of the Society of the Sacred Heart, has remained at the forefront in the provision of quality education.
As a momentary trustee of that heritage, I write with great pride of the School’s recent achievements, especially at a time of transition. The ability to stand the challenges of time owes much to the outstanding quality of the School’s educational leaders. 2022 represents the final year of Ms Maureen Ryan’s tenure as our Principal. As previously advised, Ms Erica Thomas will take up this role at the commencement of the 2023 academic year. On reflection, the last five years have provided a suite of challenges that no-one could have predicted, nor was there a ready made and well tested solution immediately obvious.
Leadership presents in many forms. Calmness, consideration and the capacity to listen to others’ ideas and a rational clear articulation of the way forward framed around the welfare of all, are parameters by which we judge those charged with the responsibility of authority. Discernment, so embedded in the rscj philosophy, guided Maureen’s decision process, especially where foreseeable risk could be mitigated.
KRB, under Maureen’s leadership, was at the forefront in its transition to a remote learning platform prior to the arrival of the pandemic, which necessitated the decision to provide curriculum online. This was a defining moment in the School’s history as it meant that our educational commitment to our students was no longer specifically tied to a campus site.
As a Sacred Heart school, we are part of a unique global network. Maureen’s decision to appoint a Director of Global Education was transformational. The opportunities for our students, coupled by the online platforms currently available, are unparalleled. These connections can now occur at the earliest stages of our students’ lives and also provide a backdrop for enhancement of the careers and professional lives of our staff. Driven by the Board, in conjunction with Maureen and the the School’s Leadership Team, the Junior School Masterplan continues to roll out. Financial stewardship, driven by the belief that our school environment should be of the highest quality, underlies much of the Board’s decision process. The current new access road off Vaucluse Road should have a transformative effect on access to the School facilities. Furthermore, plans are now being finalised for the redevelopment of the Year 5 and 6 Learning Space.
As well, I pay special acknowledgement to our Board Director Greg Cooper who has retired. Greg has been an extraordinary servant of the School and his commitment is both acknowledged and appreciated. I would also like to thank Lyn Gearing and Nigel Renton for their outstanding involvement with the School’s Investment Committee. On all fronts they have done a wonderful job.
As Board Chair, I have had the pleasure of working closely with Maureen. It has genuinely been one of the highlights of my professional life. I have seen first hand her total and selfless commitment to her students, staff, the rscj members and the wider community. She has been an extraordinary leader in one of the School’s most difficult times and for that I unreservedly thank her.
On behalf of all our Directors and Committee Members, I wish her well in all aspects of the next chapter of her life.
Cor Unum, Mark Sinclair
“Her championship of Sacred Heart values of respect, dignity, wisdom, importance of relationships, compassion, justice, service, integrity, and faith. not only encapsulate who Maureen is as an individual, but also inspire others by giving them real meaning. Two other Sacred Heart values of hope and authenticity have been defining characteristics of her leadership at KRB and have become essential during recent very challenging times.” (Paul Gollan, Chair of Finance Committee and Board Director)
“Maureen has applied a rigour to academic outcomes to ensure that KRB continually raises its academic excellence. She has implemented effective policies to foster a true coeducational experience for children in the primary school. She has provided a framework and planning for new programs, initiatives and infrastructure at the School to ensure that KRB provides a truly world class contemporary education.” (Lorraine Tarabay, Board Director)
“Her frequent communications and responsive decision making included all of those who make up the complexity of this school community, grounding her decisions in research and the School’s living tradition. I believe the School has been and continues to be deeply gifted and blessed by her contribution.” (Diana Hayes, rscj, Board Director)
