FROM THE HEADMASTER
What will I miss most about
Guildford Grammar School?
I was recently interviewed by a group of Preparatory School
students for an edition of G-news. As usual the students posed
many perceptive and thoughtful questions. When asked what my
most memorable moments at the School were, many fantastic
experiences came to mind. The Centenary Chapel Service, during
which the incredibly moving mass setting written by Gerard
Brophy was performed, several Symphony on Swan performances,
our combined Preparatory and Senior School fully co-educational
Choir performing in the Chapel, emotional victories in Rowing, AFL
and Cricket when respectively securing the Challenge, Alcock and
Darlot trophies, amongst numerous other events in which students’
extraordinary gifts and talents have shone through.
When asked what I was most proud of, in terms of what had
been achieved during my time as Headmaster, the answer didn’t
come quite as quickly, but I knew that it lay in what was really
important and was connected to our collective purpose. A feature
of the School that is continually articulated is the strong sense
of community and connection people feel to each other and to
the School. In times of adversity and challenge this strength of
community comes to the fore and the relationships that have been
established bind our community together.
So what am I most proud of? The people! The students who are
prepared to be vulnerable, to share from their heart and have the
courage to speak with passion and inspire others. The staff who
regularly go above and beyond in their dedication and care for
the students. The parents who believe in what we do, who create
connection and community through supporting each other and the
School in so many ways. The Old Guildfordians who share a special
bond from their time at the School, stay connected and support the
School in embracing the future.
And what will I thus miss most about Guildford Grammar School?
Same answer, the people! I am very thankful for my time at the
School and the opportunity I have had to work with exceptional
people.
There are a number of staff that are also leaving this year, some
having given incredible service over many years. A fine example is
the Assistant Head of Senior School, Mr Peter Benzie, who has
previously been Senior Master and Head of Design Technology,
who leaves after 25 years at the School. Peter exemplifies what it
means to serve the School with selfless commitment, dedication and
professionalism. He has been nicknamed ‘The Finisher’ due to his
preparedness to get things done and ensure that the Senior School
continues to run well on a daily basis. He is the type of person who
doesn’t seek the limelight and who would be embarrassed that I
have singled him out. The school community thrives through the
efforts of staff such as Peter. It is this connection and common
purpose that I will miss most.
It has been a great privilege to lead such a wonderful School. I trust
that as I handover to the new Principal Anne Dunstan, she will enjoy
leading a school community strong in heart and soul. I know that she
will be warmly welcomed and will be outstanding in the role. Along
with Peter and the other staff leaving we acknowledge that we are
but custodians of the School for a period of time. It will long continue
to ‘Go Forward’ and flourish due to the contributions of so many!
The 2018 winning D C Anderson golf team.
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Mr Stephen Webber
Headmaster