Frederick Irwin Anglican School

FREDERICK IRWIN ANGLICAN SCHOOL

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Frederick Irwin Anglican School. I can’t choose one or two moments that are highlights because every day in education is special”. Kerry Robertson

A FOND FAREWELL

When Frederick Irwin Anglican School Principal Kerry Robertson announced her retirement at the end of 2021, it was met with a combination of shock and sadness from the school community.

Although Kerry is sad to be leaving, she is also excited to begin her next journey into retirement and enjoy being a grandmother to her five grandsons.

The Principal is a school’s heartbeat and Kerry has been at the heart of Frederick Irwin Anglican School since she arrived in 2012. Her dedication to the School, and her love of the community was never more obvious during the trying COVID-19 lockdown periods, when her focus was on ensuring the students and staff were supported.

Following in the footsteps of foundation Principal Geoff Arnold, Kerry rose to the challenge, with the School going from strength to strength during her tenure, adding new buildings, including the Year 7 Transition Centre, the Oakmont Theatre and Performing Arts Centre, the Rush Chapel and a new Primary campus in Halls Head. The new Sports Centre spearheaded under her leadership will open next year. She started at the same time as recently retired Head of Primary, Sue Skehan, and worked with Sue to introduce the Walker Learning Programme to Primary, something of which Kerry is particularly proud. The changes to the House system, investigating House spirit and encouraging student leadership and participation as well as an increased focus on pastoral care are indicative of Kerry’s passion for education.

Kerry arrived in Perth from South Africa in 1996 with her three children and took on a role at Christ Church Grammar School, originally as a Temporary English Teacher, and ended up becoming Head of House. From there her career took her to fellow ASC school, John Wollaston Anglican Community School in 2004 as Head of Student Development and then Deputy Principal before arriving at Frederick Irwin as their Principal.

Kerry is extremely passionate about education, and strongly supports the Anglican ethos.

“Teachers and education leaders hold the future in their hands as they shape our students as they grow as young adults,” she said.

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3 Anglican Schools Commission CEO The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM said Kerry had been a valuable part of the ASC family for the past 17 years.

“Kerry has also been a great contributor to the wider ASC family, serving at one time on our Board as well as numerous committees and advisory groups,” he said.

“Kerry’s wisdom shone through in so many aspects of her leadership. She leaves Frederick Irwin in a wonderful place and we thank her sincerely for being a true servant leader in Mandurah and across the ASC. We wish Kerry every blessing in the years ahead.”

Kerry highlights Reverend Laurence as a constant support throughout her time at Frederick Irwin. She also acknowledges the collegiality of the ASC Principals’ group as special.

One of Kerry’s highlights this year was being a part of the 30-year celebrations for Frederick Irwin. Founders’ Day this year was particularly emotional. Kerry spoke to the students about the importance of this day, and the realisation that this would be her last experience of this very significant day in the school calendar.

“What’s amazing about Frederick Irwin is that we have so many of our former students working at the School as teachers and in support roles, plus Alumni are sending their children here, and we are seeing second generation students graduating,” she said.

For the staff and students of Frederick Irwin, it is a bittersweet experience to farewell Kerry Robertson as Principal. Kerry has contributed so much to the School; her love of the students, teachers and support staff is obvious to all, and she will be truly missed by everyone. Her knowledge is incomparable and her ability to find the perfect quote to sum up the moment is well known.

And in true Kerry Robertson style, it seems fitting to end with a quote: “Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.”

Images 1. Kerry Robertson with Year 5 students - 2020. 2. Year 6 Canberra Tour - 2020. 3. Kerry with the recently appointed School Chaplain, The Reverend James Tabor - 2021.