AFTER almost eight years at the helm of Independent School, PLC Armidale, Ms Debra Kelliher has announced that she will be leaving at the end of this year.
Ms Kelliher recently informed the College Council that she has been appointed Principal of Kambala School for Girls in Rose Bay, Sydney.
Executive principal, Dr Paul Burgis informed the staff, students and their families of the news today.
Dr Burgis has also written to the school community regarding this announcement and the future of the College.
“We are both saddened to be farewelling such an accomplished and caring educator, and the communities of PLC Armidale together with PLC Sydney offer her our hearty congratulations on this wonderful personal achievement,” Dr Burgis said.
“Ms Kelliher’s leadership has been astute and imaginative. She has brought a clear vision to the role that has enabled PLC Armidale to become the leading independent girls’ school in the New England with the strongest academic profile in rural NSW,” he said.
“One of her great strengths has been her passion for the education of girls and young women – a point recognised by Kambala in their appointment of her to her new role.”
Ms Kelliher has achieved a great deal during her time at PLC Armidale. The school has undergone significant physical transformation with the revitalisation of the gardens, the changes to the Astra Arts Centre, the renewal of the library and the addition of the Trade Training Centre.
Teachers have been involved in on-going professional development improving and evolving their practices and increased disciplined in their approach to educating students.
Senior School Co-ordinator Jo Matherson said the College’s loss was “definitely Kambala’s gain”.
“She will be deeply missed and leaves behind a wonderful legacy of inspirational leadership and passion for girls’ education, not to mention enormous shoes to fill for her successor,” she said.
The search for a new College Head will take place throughout Term 3, with the recruitment process expected to start after further consultation with the PLC Armidale community at a meeting at the College on Wednesday 7 August, from 7pm.
