Letter from the Chair

31 March 2008

Dear Parents

I am writing to inform you of an important matter that will impact on the school.

Our foundation Principal, Mr Paul Browning, has accepted the offer of the position of Principal at St Paul’s School in the northern suburbs of Brisbane.

As many of you would know, Mr Browning, along with my predecessor as Chair, Dr Beth Heyde, were instrumental in the establishment of Burgmann in 1999.

Mr Browning has arrived at his decision after deep thought and consideration of many matters.  These include his wife and children and of course Burgmann Anglican School itself.

Our school has much to be proud of, particularly its growth, success and the sense of community that has developed since we began in 1999 with 24 students.  Mr Browning has played a significant part as the educational leader and chief executive of the school in these successes.  The school owes him considerable thanks for his contribution.

While it is never a good time for a successful, well regarded Principal to leave, this year is probably better than most.  The first Year 12 cohort has commenced its studies, planning for the new campus at Forde is well underway and our financial position is sound.

Naturally we need to plan carefully for the appointment of Mr Browning’s successor.  It will be the School Board’s responsibility to undertake this task and I want to assure you it is our intention to do this thoughtfully, carefully and that we intend to consult with the broader school to ensure that our new Principal understands and reflects the aspirations of the key groups that constitute Burgmann: the parents, the staff, the students and the Gungahlin Parish.

The Board will begin the important task of appointing our next Principal shortly and I will write to you again outlining the process and timetable we decide on.

You will all want to know when Mr Browning will take up his new position.  Our current thinking is that this will happen after the end of first semester and we have asked Mrs Bev Galloway, Head of the Early Childhood and Junior Schools to accept the position of Acting Principal until a permanent appointment is made.

Yours faithfully

Allan Hird

Chair of the Board