Launceston Grammar Board Update

Dear Launceston Grammar Community,

After nine years of service to Launceston Grammar - including seven fulfilling years as Board Chair - I have advised the Board of my decision to step down from the Chair role and resign from the Board.

This decision comes at a time when the School is thriving and I am confident in both the timing and the strong leadership continuity ahead.

I am delighted that Deputy Chair Fiona Woolcock has been unanimously elected by the Board as incoming Chair.

Fiona is an Alumni, class of 1990, a past parent and recently completed ten years as a member of the Old Launcestonian Committee.

Fiona has very strong community connections with Grammar, extensive governance experience and a steadfast commitment to the School’s mission.

We have planned this transition collaboratively and I will work closely with Fiona over the coming weeks to ensure seamless continuity. The School could not be in better hands.

Reflecting on Our Achievements

During my tenure as Chair, Launceston Grammar has strengthened significantly across every dimension of school life. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, including:

• Successfully welcoming and supporting Principal Dale Bennett's leadership, who is now thriving in his third year with a clear strategic vision.
• Expanding our physical footprint through strategic acquisition of land and High Street buildings at Junior Campus.
• Advancing our Strategic Plan with measurable progress across academic excellence, student wellbeing, and community engagement.
• Strengthening school governance by establishing Educational Advisory and Advancement Committees.
• Launching the annual Grammar Great Award to celebrate excellence.
• Navigating the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining educational quality and community connection.
• Developing adaptive financial strategies for long-term sustainability while sustaining excellence.

Personal Gratitude

It has been my honour and privilege to serve this School since joining the Board in 2017 after returning to Tasmania from working interstate and overseas.

My family's connection to Grammar dates back to the late 1800s - with multiple generations attending Grammar and Broadland House - including my mother Judy who attended Broadland House, and all four of my children have been educated here. This institution is woven into the fabric of our family story.

I extend heartfelt thanks to all staff, past and present, who bring excellence to their work every day.

To my fellow Board members, past and present, thank you for your wisdom, collaboration, and shared commitment to Grammar's mission.

I also thank the Old Launcestonians Association for their ongoing advocacy and Bishop Richard Condie for his guidance and support to the School.

The Grammar community's deep engagement and commitment to excellence has been a constant source of strength throughout my tenure. I am grateful for the passionate advocacy so many bring to supporting our students and School.

Looking Ahead

After nine years of dedicated service, I step down with immense pride in Launceston Grammar's current strength and future trajectory. Our Principal is thriving, our Board is strategic and capable, our facilities continue to expand, and our community is engaged and vibrant. This is precisely the right time for fresh leadership to build on this solid foundation.

I will continue to cheer for Grammar from the sidelines, confident that the School's best days lie ahead.

 

Yours sincerely,

Nigel Bailey