Winter definitely found its way to Central Queensland over the holiday period as it’s been a very chilly start to Term 3. I know the colder mornings make it that little bit harder for everyone to get out of bed but it has been so lovely to welcome the girls and teaching staff back for Semester 2.
The sound of students around the grounds may have been missing over the break, but the sounds of tools, steel and Paterson House as a worksite was very loud, and a welcomed relief as we excitedly watched the removal of scaffolding and boarding around us.
After over a year of works, Paterson House’s roof restoration project is almost complete and is a sight of Heritage beauty that’s for sure. To see the bright red roof shining in the sunlight and it’s 130 year old structure standing proudly and high on the hill has been warmly welcomed.
This first week back has been filled with many celebrations and acknowledgements, with our students in Years 7-12 being awarded academic full and half colours and our Year 4-6 students academic excellence and academic merit awards along with acknowledging students who have demonstrated academic improvement throughout Semester 1.
At Girls Grammar we place great importance on our culture of academic success, where we encourage staff and students to value learning as an opportunity to open pathways to provide themselves further opportunities. We pride ourselves on supporting all members of our Girls Grammar community to value the process of learning and to strive for excellence in all that we do.
This culture of excellence and academic success doesn’t just relate to students, but our staff too. In addition to acknowledging student academic achievement this week we also celebrated the significant achievement of one of our extremely dedicated and valued members of the Girls Grammar Executive team.
Mrs Clair Applewaite, Business Manager and Secretary to the Board has been recognised in this year’s Commonwealth Bank of Australia School Business Manager Awards for the incredible work and contributions she has made to our school.
Business Managers working in non-government and independent schools across the country were nominated earlier this year by their school departments, leadership teams, school boards and Principals for demonstrating professional excellence and achievement in the areas of:
1. Transforming financial operations
By demonstrating initiation of, or contribution to measurable improvements in the financial operations of the school.
2. Collaboration and leadership
By demonstrating leadership or embedding a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing within and/or beyond the school.
Winners were assessed by members of the independent education sector and business leaders who form the judging panel and awarded in each of the following three categories depending on the size of their school:
a. Up to 500 students
b. Between 500- 1,500 students
c. Greater than 1,500 students
During our academic colours assembly I was very proud and humbled to announce that our very own Clair Applewaite was awarded Business Manager of the year throughout Australia in the category of school up to 500 students.
This is a huge accomplishment and one that is very well deserved as it is often the hours of commitment and dedication that go on behind the scenes that isn’t visible to everyone but essential to the school’s operations.
The role of Business Manager involves planning and managing our school’s capital projects, facilities upgrades and enrolment growth, including the multiple annual classroom refurbishments, pool & changeroom refurbishments, vehicle purchases, boarding facility refurbishments, and the upcoming undercover court construction.
Clair has been an integral leader of our school's executive team, having led the recent whole school Master Planning process. Her ability to communicate and collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure the future planning priorities for our school for the next 10 years and beyond while balancing these against the school’s financial history, current enrolment numbers and projected growth displays a great degree of leadership and forward thinking.
On behalf of the whole Girls Grammar school community I would like to thank Clair for her dedication and contribution to our school.
Kara Krehlik
Principal
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