2020 has seen Melbourne Grammar achieve things we may have said were impossible a year ago, proving that we can do our best work in times of crisis. This year has reminded us that we are resilient — that we can continue to make progress in the face of difficulty. And it has shown how much we can achieve through our ability to operate as a community.
For the School Council, the many significant decisions made this year have been guided by the view that support for members of our School community is paramount. For example, it was our belief that no child should miss out on their education at Melbourne Grammar because of financial hardship experienced due to the unique circumstances of 2020.
We were able to offer this support, as well as fee rebates to all students during 2020, as a result of the financial stability the School has built over many years of prudent governance and management.
This year’s Annual Giving campaign showed that others also share this desire to support members of our School community. Thank you to the parents, Old Melburnians and other donors who contributed so generously. Through the remarkable performance of this campaign, we were able to provide additional assistance to those facing immediate and severe financial impacts.
We were also able to continue with capital works already underway at the start of 2020, and I am pleased to report that the refurbished Myer Music School is on track to open in 2021.
We farewelled two valued Council members during 2020. Former Headmistress of Christchurch Grammar School, Beryl Gregory OAM, has shared her time, energy and intellect with us for almost 10 years. As a Council member and a member of the Admissions Committee, she offered invaluable expertise in educational matters and we are grateful for her sage and steady counsel. Beryl also played a key role in the Grimwade House 100th anniversary celebrations in 2018.
We also farewelled Lloyd Thomas after 12 years on School Council, the past three as Deputy Chair. In addition to serving on Risk Management & Audit Committee, and Nominating Committee, Lloyd served 19 years on the Melbourne Grammar School Foundation Board, including 10 years as President. His contribution to our decision making has been tempered by balance, maturity and experience, and by a clear appreciation for Melbourne Grammar’s educational aspirations.
You can read more about Lloyd’s contribution to the School here.
Thank you to Beryl and Lloyd for their outstanding support of the School over many years.
I am delighted to advise that Mary Clark has been elected Deputy Chair of the School Council. Mary is recognised for her professional expertise in strategic communications and issues management. She brings a deep understanding of contemporary social issues and how they intersect with the School. A past parent, Mary has been a dynamic member of Council since 2011. She has served as Chair of the Marketing and Communications Committee for the past ten years, and been a member of the Nominating Committee since 2017. I look forward to working with Mary in this new capacity.
Andrew Michelmore AO
Chair of Council
