As has been true since its inception, Towards 2030 continues to act as our north star, guiding Council towards the achievement of our strategic ambitions. More than we could have known at the time, the document being written in and for a changing world gives it even greater relevancy and strength today.
Looking ahead, I am keenly aware of the ways our community will be called on to adapt; from rapid advances in technology to varied economic pressures. In this context, Council’s priority to sustain quality and accessibility continues to sit at the forefront of our decision-making. We understand our obligation to guarantee the future of Melbourne Grammar well into the future, and to retain our independence and standing as national and global priorities change.
This commitment sits parallel with our responsibility to uphold our financial stability. In my role as Chair, I have an obligation to ensure the responsible and sustainable stewardship of our financial resources, and to make decisions that secure a strong future.
With this lens, School Council has unanimously agreed that before proceeding with the Grimwade House redevelopment project, it is important for us to first consolidate our financial resources. Since the plan was envisioned, project costs have risen, and the economic landscape has changed. The responsible call is for us to properly take the time to recalibrate our financial capacity.
I would like to take this opportunity to affirm the community that Council is extraordinarily passionate about and remains fully committed to this project. Grimwade House is a fundamental part of our holistic educational offering. It is a place where curiosity is encouraged and creativity is nurtured in an environment entirely dedicated to, and focused on, what children need today. In many ways, it lays the foundations of independent thinking.
I continue to rely on the experience and expert advice of our philanthropic community, as well as our subcommittees focused on buildings and grounds, finance, and investments, to guide us towards delivering this project when the time is right.
Setting the mind ahead naturally draws the perspective to future Melbourne Grammar students. Since the establishment of the Sustain Quality and Accessibility Committee, Council has been working closely with the Admissions and Teaching and Learning teams to pass a closer lens over the structure and format of the entrance tests, and some important changes have been reflected in the process this year.
We want incoming students to be able to demonstrate who they are beyond their academic performance, and also come away from the experience positively and with a real sense of achievement and pride. Our approach to a holistic education deeply values curiosity, creativity, and the ability to think independently, and through this work these qualities are now mirrored in the assessment.
Looking further ahead, Council has been busy in the search for the next Head of Melbourne Grammar following Philip Grutzner’s planned retirement at the end of 2027. I would like to acknowledge the generosity of Philip in the time he has gifted us here – it has enabled us the breathing space to conduct this meaningful process with the care and diligence it requires.
I would also like to express my gratitude for the many staff and community members who contributed to shaping the candidate brief, and for their invaluable input and insight in the months since. The search has been going well, and I look forward to sharing more details in the coming months.
In the last few weeks, I have been delighted to see the Jack Morrow Centre for Humanities nearing its completion. This major project has taken on a greater significance during its construction as a symbol of independent thinking for a complex world. These qualities are even more important today than they were when we began planning for the Morrow Centre, and I look forward to seeing our community come together there to collaborate, question, and learn from one another.
