Dr Deborah Priest has recently advised the School’s Board of Directors of her intention to retire at the end of her current contract (early 2023). Dr Priest has made a significant contribution to the life of the School during what will be five years of wonderful service as Principal.

Although the Board of Directors is disappointed that Dr Priest has decided not to extend her tenure as Principal, her decision to retire has the full support and well wishes of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors understand that the last two years have been very challenging for all school Principals during COVID-19 including Ivanhoe Girls’ and it is time away from her two daughters, family, and friends that Dr Priest has missed the most. Our very best wishes go with Dr Priest as she plans to relocate back to be closer to family and friends in Queensland.

The School is very grateful that Dr Priest has shared her plans and advised the Board of Directors of her retirement in advance so that the Board can progress a comprehensive and rigorous recruitment process over the coming months.

Chair of the School Board, Mrs Karen Frost said “Deborah has shown impressive and visionary leadership during her tenure as Principal of Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School. Since her appointment in 2018, she has embraced the purpose, philosophies, values and culture of the School and has achieved significant accomplishments.”

Mrs Frost says, “Under her leadership, an enhanced executive leadership structure has supported student and staff wellbeing, academic achievement and a passionate teaching and learning environment for which Ivanhoe Girls’ is known. Significant work has been undertaken to progress a whole school Facilities Masterplan which will support innovations in teaching and learning into the future. Enrolments are on a sustained rise and the academic success of our VCE students continues to go from strength to strength, with the School holding the position of the best performing school in the north of Melbourne.”

The Board of Directors has already commenced with meeting prospective recruitment companies and is in the final stages of engaging an expert recruitment consultant to support the School Board in undertaking the search for our 13th Principal in the history of the School. We are hopeful that the new Principal will commence at the beginning of the 2023 school year. In the meantime, the School will continue to benefit from Deborah’s leadership.