educational spaces and explore new possibilities. As a
result, the Development Office and Questers will relocate
to the house in Selbourne Road early in 2014. South House
will undergo a redevelopment in Semester 1 2014 in
preparation for it to become an exciting new learning space
for our Year 4 students. As Year 4 students enter early
adolescence and become increasingly aware of themselves
as learners and global citizens, we are developing a unique
programme where girls explore the wider community and
their own potential and the opportunities that exist for
them to be contributing and positive members of their
school and their society.
This has been a year of connection for the Old Ruytonians’
Association (ORA). As well as the many reunions, President,
Ms Caroline Jarrett, and I met with ORA members at
interstate reunions in Brisbane and Adelaide.We also held
a very successful ORA reunion in the United Kingdom, with
28 past students attending a wonderful afternoon of
memories and conversation. Congratulations to Ms Jarrett
and the ORA Committee for their work in providing ORA
members with a variety of ways in which they can connect
and network.
The Parents of Ruyton (POR) are an integral part of the
strong community at Ruyton. They concentrate on
friend-raising among the Ruyton community and also
provide wonderful support for the education of our girls
through their many support groups. There have been
numerous events that provided friend-raising, fundraising
and support for our girls. Thank you to the Executive,
members of the Parents of Ruyton, and all of our volunteers
for their continued support. This year over 600 volunteers
have been involved. Be it Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day
Breakfasts, Drama and Music performances, Questers stalls,
second hand uniform sales, sporting or other special events,
your contribution to the life of the School is invaluable.
To the class of 2013, we thank you for your enthusiastic
leadership of the student body. As a School we wish each
of you and your families every success for the future. As you
prepare for the next stage of your education I urge you to
continue to live your lives with great purpose, vibrancy and
resilience, to dream big, aim high and make a difference in
your world.
I extend special thanks to the Executive Team who are
responsible for the day to day running of the School
and the implementation of the Operational Plan:
Mrs Glenis Gumley, Deputy Principal; Mr Brad Nelson,
Assistant Principal; Mr Peter Sharples, Business Manager;
Ms Bev Casey, Director of Studies; Ms Lindy Broadfoot,
Director of Studies; Mrs Cathryn Furey, Assistant Principal
and Director of Learning, and Ms Tonya Peters, Director of
Development. At the end of Term 1 we said farewell Ms Bev
Casey who retired after 28 years of distinguished service
to Ruyton. Mr Peter Sharples retires at the end of 2013 after
13 years of service as Business Manager and Mr Brad Nelsen
leaves to take up a leadership position in a co-educational
setting after 6 years as Head of Junior School. On behalf of
the Board, staff students and parents of Ruyton we thank
Bev, Peter and Brad for their outstanding leadership, service
and dedication to excellence at Ruyton.
The success of our girls is also a reflection of the dedication
of our teachers and support of our parents. I thank the
teaching staff for their commitment to excellence but,
most importantly, for the support and guidance they
provide for each of our girls. This strong relationship
truly supports learning. Our administrative and support
staff and maintenance team have all contributed to the
excellence of Ruyton and the spirit of our community.
I thank them for their hard work, commitment and positive
approach to their work.
To those staff who are leaving our community I thank you
for your valuable contribution to the education of our girls
and wish you every success for the future. I especially pay
tribute to members of staff who have been with us for ten
years or more: Mrs Mary Anderson, Mrs Kate Bamford,
Mrs Kathy Galt and Mrs Angela Robertson.We thank them
for their loyal and excellent service and wish them well for
the future. They will be greatly missed.
Finally, a sincere thank you to Ms KathrynWatt and the
Directors of Ruyton for their wise governance, dedication
to providing excellence in education for girls, and their
support of Ruyton as a community. This year we said
farewell to one of our Directors, Mrs BarbaraWatterson,
due to interstate relocation.We thank Barb for her
commitment of time, energy and expertise as an educator.
In November we welcomed Mrs Pamela Macklin to the
Board and look forward to her valuable contribution to help
the School maintain its strong record of sound governance.
To all of our Ruyton families, on behalf of the staff of
Ruyton, I thank you for your ongoing support of Ruyton
as a community of learners and as a connected community.
I wish you all the best for the festive season and the
coming year.
Recte et Fideliter.
Please find following the annual reports from each
Dean or Head of Department for your information.
Annual Report 2013
5
