Jeremy Kirkwood Chairman of Council
1 I expect that you are all aware of the announcement of Stephen Meek’s reappointment as Principal until the end of 2014. The Council were eager for Stephen to continue his excellent leadership of the School and we were delighted that he was also eager to stay with us. There can be no doubt that the School has prospered over the last five years and, although some of the seeds for this were laid down before Stephen’s arrival, Stephen’s incisive leadership has strengthened and emboldened the School. I am also extremely grateful for the contribution made by Christine Meek to the life of the School both through her support for Stephen and through her own efforts. We are very fortunate to have such a hard-working couple leading the School with passion and integrity. Stephen and Christine are enjoying a Term’s sabbatical mostly at their house in France and, after a particularly busy Term 2 during which Stephen was filling in for Charlie Scudamore during his long service leave, are having some well deserved R and R. Charlie Scudamore is Acting Principal for Term 3 and I know that he will lead the School well with his own style of passion and drive. When I spoke with Charlie upon his return from long-service leave I was reminded of the incredible reach Geelong Grammar has into the international community. Whether it is the extensive spread of our alumni dotted around the world (for work or other pursuits), or the large number of countries from where our students come, the interest in our educational offering from international schools, academics and others. Geelong Grammar is an Australian School with a true international flavour. I believe this has a significant effect on our students as they leave us realising the world is an interesting and complex place which offers challenges far beyond what they can experience within their own communities. Thereafter, curiosity, opportunity and initiative will take our students to all corners of the World and a high likelihood of meeting another OGG wherever they go. ‘Outward’- looking students are one of the defining characteristics of a Geelong Grammar education. The School has received funding from the Federal Government under its Building the
2
3 Education Revolution Fund to undertake building works to upgrade and refurbish the Panckridge Library in Middle School and also to build several new classrooms at our Toorak Campus which will be located above the administration area. Together with some other minor improvement works at both Corio and Toorak the total funding received from the Federal Government under this initiative will be $3.175M. On behalf of the School community I would like to express our gratitude to the Federal Government. I think it is also important to acknowledge the considerable investment being made across the whole education sector by the Government as it is a critical initiative for the country’s future. As we approach Spring and the prospect of warmer days accompanied by the smell of cut grass, I look forward to seeing many of you at events at the School such as the Sports Day on Sunday 13 September. I must say that
this is one of my favourite days of the year as it brings all areas of the School together at Corio for a festive day of athletics, picnics and interaction. Many other events are hinged off this day over the weekend and these also provide an excellent opportunity to mix and meet other parents, teachers and students from all our four campuses. Jeremy Kirkwood (FB’79) Chairman of Council 1. A magnificent venue, superb views, delicious food and wonderful company was enjoyed in Hong Kong. The evening was hosted by current parents Bob and Maria Mar. L to R: Kathy Koh (future parent), Elizabeth Pont, Bob Mar, Maria Ma, Christine and Stephen Meek, Leslie Koh (future parent) and Angela Mellier. 2. L to R: Current and future parents Ken Khoo, Simone Khoo discussing with future parents Angus Miller and Fiona Argyle-Miller the great educational opportunities available to boys and girls at GGS. 3. Prospective student Joe Ng Widjaja and his family pictured at the Principal’s Reception in Jakarta. L to R: Joe Ng Widjaja, Billy Ng Widjaja, Farlati Tjandra and Fenell Ng.
3