Meet the Board
The Girton Grammar School Board is currently made up of nine members who are responsible for the overall strategic direction of the School.
The Board’s major responsibilities include oversight of the School’s mission and values, the Girton Grammar School Strategic Plan 2023-2028 and the Girton Grammar School Master Plan 2023-2033. The Board also has responsibilities with regard to financial oversight of the School, especially in relation to the fee structure and expansion of buildings and facilities.
The composition of the Board is broad, with a range of professional skills represented by its members. Over the next few editions of eLink, we would like to introduce our Board members to the Girton community.
This week, we would like to introduce you to our two Co-Deputy Chairs, Ms Fleur Jackson and Ms Carolyn Starr.
Ms Fleur Jackson (Co-Deputy Chair) B.A., LLB. Accredited Specialist Personal Injuries Law and GAICD
My role on the Board
As one of the two Board Deputy Chairs, a member of the Principal's Employment, Performance, and Remuneration Committee and the Finance Committee, I play a vital role in providing oversight and guidance to Girton Grammar School. I joined the Board in late 2018 and have since been committed to supporting the School in achieving its mission and objectives.
My connection with Girton
Both of my children, Eliza in Year 8 and William in Year 3, started attending Girton from Prep. As a former student of the School myself, I have a deep connection to Girton and its community.
My background and experience
I am a qualified legal professional, having earned a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (BA LLB) degree. I am also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and a Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law. My expertise in personal injury law has been honed over nearly 20 years, during which time I have built a strong reputation as a legal practitioner.
Currently, I serve as a non-executive director of CVGT, an organisation that provides employment and training services to the community. In this capacity, I sit on the Audit & Risk and People & Culture Sub-committees, where I help to ensure that the organisation operates effectively and efficiently. Additionally, I am a member of the LIV Workers' Compensation Committee, where I contribute my legal expertise and insights to help shape policy and best practices in the field.
At Slater & Gordon Lawyers, I hold the position of Senior Legal Counsel Work and Road Claims Victoria. Through my work, I have developed a deep understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern these areas, as well as the practical challenges that clients face when seeking redress.
My motivation for joining the Board
My decision to join the Girton Grammar School Board was motivated by a deep sense of gratitude and a desire to give back to a community that has given so much to me. Having grown up in Bendigo, I have always held Girton in high regard and appreciated the exceptional education it provides to its students. Even after leaving the School, I have remained connected to the community and continued to follow its progress.
When the opportunity arose for my children to attend Girton, I was thrilled to give them access to the same high-quality education that I experienced. Joining the Board was a natural next step for me, as I saw it as an opportunity to contribute to the School's ongoing success and ensure that it continues to provide an outstanding education to future generations of students.
Ms Carolyn Starr (Co-Deputy Chair) BA. LLB.
My role on the Board
I joined the Board in late 2018 and am currently the Deputy Co-Chair. I am also on the Principal’s Employment, Performance and Remuneration Committee and the Governance, Risk, Compliance and Strategy Committee.
My connection with Girton
I have a long association with Girton Grammar School, having attended Girton College myself from 1988 to 1991. This experience gave me an appreciation for the exceptional education that the School provides to its students.
In 2014, my first child started attending Girton, and both of my children are currently in Senior School. It has been wonderful to see them thrive academically and personally in the supportive and nurturing environment that the School provides.
My background and experience
As a solicitor with over 24 years of experience, I have held positions in both the private and state sectors. Throughout my career I have held various roles that have enabled me to develop a diverse range of legal skills. Currently, I am employed by the State Government as a solicitor, where I have been involved in the implementation of state-wide legal projects.
My motivation for joining the Board
I joined the Board as I wanted to contribute to the School and the local community and believed the skills I have developed professionally would be beneficial to a Board role including my governance and regulation experience.
I am passionate about quality education and believe that every student deserves access to a well-rounded education that prepares them for the challenges of the future. I believe that the Board plays a critical role in ensuring that the School provides the highest quality education possible, and I am committed to contributing to the Board's efforts in this regard.