Welcome to New Board Chair

23rd May 218

I am pleased to announce that at last night’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Girton Grammar School Limited, current Board member, Ms Sally-Anne Ross, was elected into the position of Chair.

Ms Ross takes over the mantle from Mr Rob Ketterer, who joined the Board in 1999, and, after seven years of distinguished service to the school as Chairman, has made the decision to step down from this position and remain a Board Director.

Mr Ketterer is a past parent of the school with two daughters, Emma and Meg, graduating in 2009 and 2011, respectively. In his time as Chair, much has been achieved in the enrichment of the fabric and culture of the school, in particular, the realisation of important elements of the School’s Masterplan, namely The Naunton Family Building in Senior School and the d’Helin building in Junior School. As Chair, Mr Ketterer was instrumental in overseeing the planning, design and construction of these important buildings, which has been achieved with a school fee structure that has risen only with current inflation rates, whilst simultaneously carrying an incredibly modest debt.

Mr Ketterer has been a strong supporter of the RULER Approach to emotional intelligence and has upheld the school’s Mission and Values, overseeing the strategic intentions of the four pillars of learning; Community, Student Wellbeing and Pastoral Care, Curriculum and Co-curriculum and Campus.

Mr Ketterer has been an exceptional Chair of Girton Grammar School and I am delighted that he will remain on the Board and continue to influence the strategic direction of the school.

Ms Ross has been on the Girton Grammar Board for eight months and is Chair of the Uniform Committee, playing a crucial role during the transition to the new school uniform.

Ms Ross is a current parent at the school and brings to the Chair position previous Board experience and a range of skills in senior strategic business roles. Ms Ross has a professional background and university qualifications in Marketing and Business Administration, most recently holding senior positions in the National Australia Bank. Ms Ross is currently the Chair of the Bendigo Safe Community Forum, Vice Chair of Lifeline Australia (Central Victoria and Loddon Mallee) and Board Director of Bendigo Kangan Institute.

I look forward to working with Ms Ross, and all Board members, in overseeing the School’s Mission and Values, Master Plan and Strategic Plan in order to remain one of Australia’s finest regional schools and one of the highest academic performers in Victoria.

Matthew F. Maruff
Headmaster