Letter from The Presiding Member of the Board of Governors
Posted on November 30, 2021
On behalf of The Friends’ School Board of Governors, I wish to advise that Principal Nelson File will continue in his role as Principal until the end of 2023. As the School continues its path of providing world-class education to best support our Purpose and Concerns, we are grateful that Nelson will provide continued leadership and contribute 11 years of service as Principal at Friends’. Nelson offered a one year extension to his current tenure, which was due to expire at the end of next year. The Board appreciates and has accepted Nelson’s offer to continue his strong leadership until the end of 2023.
There are a number of areas of priority and work being undertaken throughout the School to adapt to the changing world we live in, and to ensure that we provide the best learning environment for our students and staff. These priorities include the Year Group Organisation Review, Campus Redevelopment Project, our role in Climate Impact, the journey of Reconciliation, ensuring continued financial stability, maintaining a strong and safe learning and work environment, along with a range of changing regulatory and curriculum frameworks. As we work through our key areas of strategic priority, the Board is pleased that Nelson will continue to lead the School in developing and implementing these important initiatives.
Shortly, the School will undertake a recruitment process for a new Principal to commence in 2024. A world-wide search will be conducted to find a person who is a member of the Religious Society of Friends (a Quaker) and also an educator befitting the role of Principal. Our Rules of Association make this a priority for the Board as we move into the recruitment process. However, should we be unable to identify a suitably qualified Quaker candidate for the role, the Rules provide a pathway for the School to advertise the position more widely. Naturally, the Board will keep our community informed of this process as appropriate.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Nelson for his outstanding guidance to date and continued contribution and leadership over the next 2 years. The Board would also like to thank Nelson for enabling a planned and thorough recruitment process in order to facilitate a smooth transition to his successor.
Warm Regards,
Craig Stephens
Presiding Member, The Board of Governors
The Friends’ School
