From the Board
2025 AGM highlights
Held on 20 May, the Girton Board’s 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) provided a timely opportunity to reflect on the growth and achievements of 2024 as well as upcoming developments for 2025 and the exciting vision for the school’s future.
Chair’s Report
In her inaugural AGM address to the assembled life governors, company members and senior leadership, Board Chair Ms Fleur Jackson spoke about the remarkable growth that defined the previous year and is set to continue.
From a campus development perspective, this growth spans the completion of the Angus MacKay Pavilion in the Junior School and wombat crossings on Vine and Wattle streets; the planning underway for the Senior School’s dedicated Languages Centre and green space; and the new possibilities presented by the strategic acquisition of the Red Rooster site on High Street.
Other notable examples of progress touched upon by Ms Jackson included the headway that has been made against the areas of priority outlined in Girton’s Strategic Plan, in addition to reviews of the plan and the school’s Mission and Values to ensure their continued relevance. Strong enrolments, outstanding VCE results and sound financial health further underscore the school’s continued success.
Ms Jackson concluded by extending her heartfelt thanks to Dr Emma O’Rielly, the leadership team, staff, students, families and the broader Girton community for their unwavering support and dedication.
Treasurer’s Report
Following his appointment as Treasurer in 2024, Mr Jarrah O’Shea was pleased to report that Girton remains in a strong financial position. The school delivered another surplus in 2024 of $0.4 million, with revenue rising by 7% to $30.7 million, driven by increased enrolments and annual fee adjustments.
This growth was matched by a similar increase in expenditure, reflecting Girton’s commitment to maintaining high-quality programs and facilities for its growing student body. Importantly, the school also saw a 14% increase in infrastructure assets due to significant investments in new buildings and land to support the school’s long-term vision.
While cash reserves declined slightly due to these investments, a robust financial plan is in place to support sustainable development. The Board’s focus remains on balancing strong financial stewardship with the ongoing enhancement of Girton’s educational environment.
Mr O’Shea concluded by extending his thanks to the Board, Finance Committee and school leadership for their support and collaboration, and to his predecessor, Mr Andrew Hosking, for his guidance during the role transition.
Board office bearers and membership
As required by the Constitution, the Board’s office bearers are appointed following each AGM. The Board congratulates the following Board members on their re-appointments for 2025:
- Board Chair: Ms Fleur Jackson
- Board Deputy Chair: Ms Elizabeth Christian
- Treasurer: Mr Jarrah O’Shea
The Board’s succession planning and composition were further strengthened with the election of Ms Bronwyn Thomas, whose profile has been included below. Her appointment forms part of a wider recruitment initiative, with expressions of interest now open for additional Board Director positions.
Welcoming our newest Board member: Ms Bron Thomas
Ms Bronwyn (Bron) Thomas brings to the Board a strong blend of legal expertise and commercial acumen, supported by her academic background and broad professional experience. A lawyer with a commerce degree and an MBA, Bron currently works as in-house counsel at one of Australia’s largest listed companies. Prior to this, she was a Senior Associate at a top-tier Australian law firm and spent nearly two years in London at one of the UK’s leading firms.
Bron is a strategic thinker and an effective communicator with a track record of working closely with senior stakeholders across a range of industries. Her ability to identify legal and risk issues, and collaborate with teams to find practical solutions, makes her a valuable contributor in governance settings. She is excited to bring her skills and experience to the Board and looks forward to contributing to Girton’s ongoing growth and evolution.
Bron is also passionate about education and, as the parent of two children in the Junior School, has been consistently impressed by the quality of teaching and the breadth of opportunities available to students at Girton. Since joining the school community in 2021, she has been an active volunteer, serving as a class representative and a member of the Friends of Junior School, and she remains committed to supporting Girton’s continued success in her new capacity as a Board member.
Girton Board Director positions: Now seeking expressions of interest
Use your skills and expertise to make a meaningful impact on student outcomes at a leading regional independent school.
Girton Grammar School is inviting expressions of interest from committed, skilled and community-minded individuals to join its Board of Directors. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the strategic leadership of one of Victoria’s most respected independent schools.
As a Board Director, you will play a pivotal role in guiding Girton’s future direction, ensuring the school continues to deliver outstanding educational outcomes within a supportive and inclusive school environment. We are seeking individuals with a strong commitment to education, proven governance experience (or similar) and a collaborative leadership style.
Whether you are connected to the school or a member of the wider community, we welcome expressions of interest from individuals with a broad range of expertise, attributes and perspectives to enrich the Board’s collective capacity. A full list of desired attributes is included within the position description on the Girton website.
We also invite expressions of interest from those who wish to contribute through Board committees, offering a valuable pathway for professional development and future Board opportunities.
For more information about these roles and how to apply, please click the link below, noting that applications will close at 5pm on Tuesday 8 July 2025. We look forward to exploring how your contribution can support the continued development and success of Girton Grammar School.
Ms Fleur Jackson
Board Chair – Girton Grammar School