15th September 2022
The Board of Girton Grammar is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Emma O’Rielly as Principal of Girton Grammar School, the leading independent co-educational Prep to Year 12 school in Bendigo.
Dr O’Rielly will commence in the role on 14th October 2022.
Dr O’Rielly’s appointment concludes a nation-wide search in which the Board considered an exceptional field of candidates.
Announcing the appointment, Mr David Jemmett, Chair of the Girton Grammar School Board said “We are confident that in appointing Dr O’Rielly we have selected an educational leader who will continue our mission to strive for excellence in both academic and co-academic education in a caring, Christian environment.”
“Dr O’Rielly is a proven and passionate leader and educator with a long history of service to Girton Grammar who has, and will continue to demonstrate, a strong passion for, and commitment to our students, our staff, our school and our community.”
Dr O’Rielly commenced teaching at Girton Grammar in 2007 and over sixteen years has held several positions including Head of Science, Head of Teaching and Learning, and Deputy Head. As Senior Years Curriculum Leader and Head of Teaching and Learning in particular, Dr O’Rielly worked with staff to ensure that students are at the centre of all outcomes. She has twice stepped into the role of Acting Principal.
“The Board is delighted that Dr O’Rielly has accepted this appointment will now lead Girton Grammar School. We look forward to seeing her make her mark as Girton Grammar’s first female Principal,” Mr Jemmett said.
In accepting the appointment Dr O’Rielly said “I am delighted to accept the position of Principal at Girton Grammar School. This is an honour and a privilege.
“In this post-pandemic era, more than ever we must provide opportunities to students and instil in young people hope, aspiration, and a joyous love of learning.
“We are charged with ensuring young people learn the heart and discipline of discernment and service, which can be an increasingly difficult proposition in these times. To achieve this, we set about educating in an intentional way that puts relationships at the very epicentre of all we do.
“Equally, we must develop and care for those who teach and nurture Girton students by engaging with and listening to our staff, as well as our parents whose love and sacrifice are central to supporting our Mission and Values.”
Dr O’Rielly has previously worked as a research scientist and completed a PhD in molecular biology, where she discovered seven new species of bacteria. and has previously held teaching positions in science and mathematics at other schools.
