
4 minute read
Farewell to Helen
On behalf of the Board, it is with sadness but deep gratitude, that we farewell and thank Helen for her service and achievements in her time at Korowa.
In my role as Chair of the Board and as a past parent, I have had the pleasure of working closely with Helen and I would personally like to thank her for the outstanding contribution she has made to Korowa. Commencing in 2016, Helen has led the Korowa community with vision, integrity, empathy and energy.
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Over this time, Korowa has flourished and grown to be one of Melbourne’s top performing independent schools, culminating in being acknowledged as the Non-Government Secondary School of the Year at The Educator Awards in 2018 and in 2021 making the Australian Financial Review BOSS Best Places to Work list and The Educator’s Employer of Choice list. She has also overseen significant developments in the campus with the near completion of the Sports and Wellbeing Centre and the development of the River Campus. I wish her all the very best for the future. Stuart Major Chair of Council
For the past six years, Helen has been a Director of the Foundation. As Chair, I have always appreciated her visionary and strategic leadership of the School and her indefatigable energy and drive. During her tenure, she has totally transformed the campus, always advocating for the best possible facilities for students and staff.
The Foundation is proud that we have been able to support her educational vision. Her empathy and knowledge of our families have been invaluable in guiding the Foundation when awarding Foundation bursaries. Sandra Ivory (Clark, Class of 1967) Chair, Korowa Foundation
On behalf of the Korovian Club, I wish to express our gratitude for the support that Helen has given the Club during her term as Principal. Helen has demonstrated exemplary leadership of the School, particularly during a very challenging period in its history, and has done so with compassion, warmth, and care.
One of the hallmarks of Helen’s leadership has been the emphasis she placed on the benefits of an inclusive community, the importance of the alumni to Korowa, and staying connected. She has forged her own legacy at Korowa as its Principal, creating new directions and vibrancy for the School while strengthening and honouring its traditions. She will be greatly missed. Helen Tope (Class of 1980) President, Korovian Club
On behalf of the Korowa staff, I write to farewell Helen, Korowa’s ninth Principal. Over the past six years, Helen has been a dedicated and empathetic leader whose passion for educating young people has been so evident. She has provided the students of Korowa with the foundations to enable them to be successful, resilient, globally minded and people of good character. Not only has she been a visionary leader, but also a mentor and friend, providing staff with appropriate care and support. Her clear vision for the School coupled with her amazing work ethic has ensured that Korowa is the place it is today, where staff, students and families feel connected and that they are part of something special.
I have had the pleasure of working with Helen both at Korowa and previously at Toorak College and it is with great sadness that I, and so many others, say a professional farewell. I know I speak for all staff when I say thank you for all that you have done in caring and encouraging us in our endeavours. We wish her all the best for the future. Liana Gooch Deputy Principal

When we first met Mrs Carmody in Year 7, we learnt that she ran marathons and we thought that was the coolest thing for a Principal to do! Since then, Mrs Carmody ensured that student voice was the catalyst for change in the School and she definitely created a school where students can feel safe and have a sense of belonging. Matilda and Annai 2021 School Captains
Mrs Carmody is an inspiration to all Korowa students. Through her calm, supportive aura and welcoming nature she has taught us the qualities of a successful leader.
It warmed our hearts seeing her enthusiastically running with the Preps, offering encouragement on House Cross Country Day. Her zestful nature is astonishing and motivating. We wish Mrs Carmody all the best in her future endeavours. Mackenzie and Natalia 2021 Year 6 Junior School Captains
Principal’s Portrait
In keeping with tradition, the School Council has commissioned artist, Marcus Wills, to paint Helen Carmody’s portrait. Marcus’ work is represented in a range of public and private collections and he is a past winner of the Archibald Prize, Australia’s foremost prize for portraiture.