Leading Rostrevor into centenary year
Schools
Students at Rostrevor College were encouraged to ‘be courageous, be genuine and be community minded’ when principal Shana Bennett was officially commissioned into the leadership role this month.
At a colourful ceremony held on June 6, Mrs Bennett said she was committed to driving exceptional and contemporary learning, tailored to each student, and would make the wellbeing of every boy her highest priority.
“I look forward to working with students and families across all year levels and taking Rostrevor into the future, honouring the traditions of the past while building our own legacy,” she said.
The commissioning ceremony was led by the executive director of Edmund Rice Education Australia, Dr Craig Wattam, the chair of the College Board, Dr Vin Thomas, and Christian Brother John Ahern.
Year 12 students formed a guard of honour for Mrs Bennett’s entrance procession, which featured a bagpipe player and flag bearers. The assembly also served to welcome the college’s youngest Reception students into the Rostrevor community.
While addressing students and staff, Mrs Bennett encouraged them to “be courageous and say yes, be genuine and be community”.
“Throughout my time as a teacher and a leader in Catholic schools, one thing that I have continued to do is say yes. If I hadn’t said yes to the invitation to be put out of my comfort zone, I don’t think I’d be standing in front of you today,” she said.
“I encourage each of you to think about the impact you make on others, not only during your hours in school, but in life. Choose to be the one who makes a difference and strive to serve those in our community and those outside of it.”
Mrs Bennett, who has been an educator and school leader for more than 25 years, makes history as the first female principal of an all-boys school in South Australia.
Dr Wattam said Ms Bennett’s depth of experience in both primary and secondary education was especially valuable in the school’s Junior Years where enrolments were rising rapidly.
“We are very excited to usher in the next century of Catholic education at Rostrevor College with such a dynamic, experienced and well-respected principal,” he said.
Rostrevor, which has seen numbers rise from 750 students in 2018 to 925 students this year, will celebrate its centenary in 2023.
Principal Shana Bennett at the commissioning ceremony.
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