As our new Director of Boarding, Belinda Annan brings a wealth of experience, a strong understanding of our School’s culture, and a commitment to building relationships across the entire boarding community.
“Overseeing the welfare and academic progress of the 120 students in our care comes down to relationships,” says Belinda. “I understand the difference it makes to sit down and spend time speaking with students, staff and parents, rather than simply communicating from behind a keyboard. The responsibility of this role is varied, and shifts day to day, but my connections across the community are central to all my work.”
Focus on care, strategy and vision
Belinda sees her new role as requiring a balance of analytical thinking, a focus on student welfare, an ability to act as a voice for boarding at the School’s executive level, and an overall vision for Melbourne Grammar’s boarding community.
She commenced her new role in July 2023, following three years serving as Head of one of the School’s three Boarding Houses – Perry House – and 10 years teaching at Melbourne Grammar. Prior to joining our School, Belinda worked in a number of community-building roles overseas, culminating in the establishment of a not-for-profit organisation supporting communities in Ghana.
“It was the unanimous view of the selection panel that Belinda was ideally placed to take on the role, and build on the great legacy left by former Director, Geoff Guggenheimer. Like Geoff, Belinda will bring great respect, judgement, passion and compassion to the role,” says Headmaster Philip Grutzner. “Under her leadership, we are confident that our Boarding Houses will continue to provide a strong and caring community that contributes greatly to the diversity and vibrancy of our School.”
Having grown up on a Gippsland dairy farm, Belinda understands first-hand what it means for a young person to become a boarder. “I have a real sense of what it is to be part of a small rural community, and the big shift required to move away from what you know,” she says. “Whether parents live just a few hours away or on the other side of the world, my role is to be someone they can talk to, connect with, and trust.”
Strong understanding of student needs
Belinda says she is looking forward to both the strategic and operational aspects of the role, and the privilege of working with students going through a unique phase of life.
“Adolescent boys are building their identities, working on developing friendships, and deciding who they want to be,” she explains. “They’re also very creative and can be risk-takers. Our role is to decide how best to support them as they make sense of their world, to help them build a strong set of values and morals, and to ensure they leave our care with the academic results and the judgement and decision-making skills they will need to thrive.”
And what do the students say? For Year 12 boarder and current Captain of Perry House, Charlie Edwards, Belinda’s appointment is a natural evolution of her work at the School.
“Ms Annan has been my Head of House since I started at the School four years ago. I couldn’t have asked for anyone better,” says Charlie. “Ms Annan has a way of making things feel enjoyable, and of including everyone. She cares a lot about all the boys, and makes sure everyone participates and has a role to play in everything we do. I know she’ll be a fantastic Director of Boarding.”
