Belinda Annan has been appointed as Director of Boarding for our School, beginning in July 2023.
Belinda commences the role following three years serving as Head of Perry House and 10 years teaching at Melbourne Grammar. Her experience also includes a number of years working in community-building roles overseas, culminating in the establishment of a not-for-profit organisation supporting communities in Ghana.
“Belinda was appointed after a national search which attracted a strong field of candidates,” says Headmaster Philip Grutzner. “It was the unanimous view of the selection panel that Belinda is ideally placed to take on the role, building on the great legacy left by Geoff Guggenheimer.”
“Like Geoff, Belinda will bring great respect, judgement, passion and compassion to the role,” Mr Grutzner adds. “Under her leadership, we are confident that our Boarding Houses will continue to provide a strong and caring community that contributes greatly to the diversity and vibrancy of our School.”
With a focus on building strong relationships across the boarding community, Belinda says she is looking forward to both the strategic and operational aspects of the role.
“My role as Director of Boarding requires analytical thinking, a focus on student welfare, an ability to act as a voice for boarding at the School’s executive level, and an overall vision for our boarding community,” Belinda explains. “But above all, relationships are absolutely key. Connections between Heads of House, tutors, supervising staff, parents and the 120 students in our care are what make our Boarding Houses so strong.”
Having grown up on a Gippsland dairy farm, Belinda understands first-hand what it means for a young person to move away from their family and establish a life in the city. “I have a real sense of what it is to be part of a small community, and the big shift required to leave that behind,” she says.
Belinda adds that the opportunity to lead a community focused on supporting adolescent boys is a particular privilege.
“In 2023, the young people in our care are facing new challenges, and have new opportunities they can take advantage of,” she explains. “Our role is to decide how best to support them as they make sense of their world, to help them build a strong set of values and morals, and to ensure they leave our care with the academic results, and the judgement and decision-making skills they will need to thrive.”
“I can see scope for exciting developments in our boarding community,” Belinda says. “I have a vision I want to put forward, and I’m excited to put it into action.”
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