From the Chair

The below media release was provided to media by the Chair of the Girton Grammar School Board, Mr David Jemmett, following his address to staff on Monday 1st May. 

The Acting Head’s address to the Senior School students on Tuesday 2nd May was posted on Astra to the school community and may be viewed here:

https://astra.girton.vic.edu.au/news/50601

2nd May 2022

NEW LEADERSHIP AT GIRTON

Today at a school staff meeting, the Chair of the Girton Grammar School Board, Mr David Jemmett, confirmed that the current Head, Dr Clayton Massey, has tendered his resignation and the Deputy Head, Dr Emma O’Rielly, has been appointed as Acting Head. The broader school community was subsequently informed via email of the change in school leadership. 

Mr Jemmett confirmed that Dr Massey had resigned and that the Board has accepted Dr Massey’s decision and will respect his privacy.

“After eighteen months of service to the school, Dr Massey has decided it is time for a change.”

“The Board, on behalf of the entire school community, acknowledges the work of Dr Massey as the 18th Head of Girton Grammar School. 

“Dr Massey left Western Australia and commenced at the school while the COVID-19 pandemic was still having an enormous impact on Victoria and on education. 

“Despite this, the school continued on its journey of COVID-resilience, which commenced when Dr Emma O’Rielly was Acting Head, and culminated under Dr Massey’s leadership with a remote learning model that kept students engaged and delivered outstanding VCE results last year,” Mr Jemmett said. 

Mr Jemmett said the school was fortunate to be in a position where the leadership of Girton can be placed into the competent and experienced hands of its Deputy Head, who has been at the school for fifteen years. 

“The Board and the entire school community have the utmost respect for Dr O’Rielly and full confidence that she will lead the staff and students with courage, honesty, openness, and great skill. 

“Dr O’Rielly has previously been in the position of Acting Head and led the school superbly through the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic when the education system was re-inventing itself. 

“Dr O’Rielly is supported by a senior leadership team that has worked together for many years, including during her previous period as Acting Head.

“We are expecting the transition of school leadership to be smooth. The Board looks forward to working closely with Dr O’Rielly and the senior leadership team to continue delivering an exceptional educational experience for our students,” Mr Jemmett said. 

The Girton Grammar School Board will announce the ongoing leadership arrangements for the school in the coming weeks.