Thursday 22 October the Board held its last full day meeting for 2020. It was a momentous day as we had our first meeting without our long standing Chair of 15 years, Ms Karen Blanchfield. As a Life Member of the Northern Territory Principal’s Association, Karen has been a nominated representative for fifteen years. This year she decided not to re-nominate after almost three years of being retired from her career as an educator and long term Principal. We have valued Karen’s wisdom and guidance, demonstrated by the Board members nominating her as Chair during that time. Thank you Karen!
We welcomed a new Board Chair, Lorraine Hodgson, Principal of Nemarluk School and representing the Professional Teachers’ Associations of the NT, voted in by her peers on the Board. Susanne Fisher, Principal of Humpty Doo Primary School, was elected as Deputy Chair. Susanne was nominated by the Northern Territory Principal’s Association.
We recently farewelled Elsabe Bott, a long term member of the Board, representing the Independent Union and welcomed Louise Lenzo as her replacement. We thank Elsabe for all that she offered the Board over many years. We are looking forward to working with Louise.
Sadly there was a condolence motion for our Board member Bernadette Morriss, nominated by Catholic Education NT, who passed away last Sunday. Bernadette was a highly valued member of the Board, friend to some and colleague to all, whose wisdom and guidance on all Board matters was greatly appreciated. She will be missed. Our heartfelt condolences go to her family and Catholic Education.
We were pleased to welcome the Minister for Education Lauren Moss to meet the Board.
Maree Garrigan
Director