From the Principal
“If I have been able to see further, it was only because I stood on the shoulders of giants.” Issac Newton
This week, I wish to pay tribute to four magnificent servants of the College - Leigh Alexander, Frances O’Brien, Ashlyn Hiscock and Kate Couchman. Frances, Ashlyn and Kate are leaving College and Leigh is taking a well-earned break.
After sixteen years of diligent service, Leigh has decided to stand down as Director of Sport. Leigh deserves our praise for his significant investment of time and effort in establishing a top class sports program that now incorporates fifteen sports. Leigh has many fond memories throughout his tenure but ensuring College secured a ‘repeat’ of the Glenelg District ‘triple crown’ earlier this year rates very highly. I have always valued his strong determination to provide opportunities for all students to be involved in sport and I am pleased he will continue to play a prominent role in the classroom and as leader of our experiential Outdoor Education Program.
Since 2014, Frances has excelled as Director of Early Learning and she has now decided it is time to explore ‘new possibilities’ at the end of the year. Frances’ passion for the Reggio Emilia program was unrivalled and I remain suitably impressed by her deep understanding of the needs for our ELC students. Frances also made a significant impact in girls’ boarding and, on both fronts, she will be sorely missed.
Our talented Director of Marketing, Ashlyn Hiscock is taking on a new full time role with a local firm in the thriving agricultural industry and will finish at the end of August. Ashlyn was totally invested in the College over her past five years and her recent ‘Matilda’ musical program was typical of the impressive creative flair she brought to all her projects. We wish her every happiness and look forward to continuing our relationship as a parent.
Finally, our much loved Student Counsellor, Kate Couchman has accepted an exciting promotion starting 2023. Kate was appointed five years ago as our first Student Counsellor and quickly became known as the face of ‘compassion’ at both the Senior and Junior School. Most fondly, Kate will long be remembered for always assisting students, and parents, in need. A dedicated English teacher as well, we will dearly miss her energy and positivity.
I thank Leigh, Frances, Ashlyn and Kate for their sterling leadership. Their combined dedication to College has been inspiring. Thank you all.
I am thrilled to announce that we have a new Head of Basketball and welcome Kira Ryan to College. Kira lives and breathes basketball and has held numerous administrative, team and camp manager, and coaching positions across Victoria. She is currently the U14 Girls Development Squad Coach and was in Perth a few months ago as the Team Manager for the 2022 U16 Boys Vic Country Team. Kira’s enthusiasm and dedication to the sport will be a great asset to our College basketball community.
On a similar note, I am personally excited to hand over the responsibility for Rowing to English / Drama teacher Helen Henry. Helen has already started working with coaches to ensure everything is prepared for the start of the season. She will be meeting as Head of Rowing with interested students in joining the rowing community in the coming weeks. Next term all the Year 7 students have the chance to trial rowing in their PE classes.
A final reminder that the Board seeks your support to complete the ISV Parent Survey. We have extended the timeframe by a week to Wed 31 August. To complete the online survey, click here.
Kind regards
Andrew
Dr Andrew Hirst
Principal