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The PMSA – Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association – owns four of Queensland’s most well-known independent schools: Brisbane Boys’ College, Clayfield College, Somerville House and Sunshine Coast Grammar School. Established in 1918, the PMSA is a joint mission of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod and the Presbyterian Church of Queensland.
The PMSA’s mission is to provide outstanding teaching and learning environments for our students and staff in schools built on Christian teachings. The PMSA's vision is to build communities based on Christian foundations, by providing teaching and learning environments of excellence, permeated by Christian faith and actions.
The PMSA Board will appoint a new Somerville House School Council Chair in 2021 and we are seeking experienced candidates of exemplary standing to lead the School Council.
Established in 1899, Somerville House has graduated highly capable, confident and discerning young women of the future for more than 120 years. As a launchpad for the careers of formidable, strong women, Somerville House, academically, stands as one of Australia’s finest. With outstanding facilities for music, performing arts, cultural pursuits and sport, combined with one of Australia’s leading technology programs, students graduate with a much broader education than can be provided by an academic curriculum alone.
Somerville House provides a comprehensive, balanced educational environment that recognises the importance of academic excellence as well as psychological, physical and spiritual wellbeing. Students are given every opportunity to explore their interests, develop their talents, to strive to meet their goals honourably, and ultimately, to be the very best they can be.
As leader and member of the Somerville House School Council, the Chair has oversight of a complex, high-risk organisation with a large portfolio of assets and operations. The Chair sets the tone for the School Council and the school and displays outstanding community leadership and stewardship, acting at all times in the interest of the school community, advocating the school’s excellence and pursuing continual improvement and innovation to ensure the school continues as a leader within the community.
The Chair will maintain a public presence within the school community so as to foster enthusiastic support for the school’s ideals and goals while retaining a firm commitment to PMSA policies and values and, working closely with the Principal providing strategic advice and support to ensure metrics and indicators regarding the school’s enrolments, commercial, financial, operational and pastoral care are developed, tracked and reviewed regularly.
The Chair and School Council are also expected to provide strategic direction into the school’s annual business plan and will work collaboratively with the Principal and the school executive to ensure this occurs. At present the Board is working to create an improved framework that will lift the strategic and advisory nature of School Councils.
To be successful in this high-profile and influential role, you must be an experienced Director, preferably as Chair, with a mix of commercial and purpose-driven organisational leadership experience and capability. You will have deep knowledge of complex governance and will have led organisations through transformational change, growth and large capital programs.
An outstanding people leader, you will be visionary and inspiring, a role model to the school community with a unifying, energising and collaborative style. You will enjoy being the public face of the school and being a role model of Christian ethos and values.
For a confidential discussion, to apply or to receive an information pack/success profile, please contact Natasha Olsson-Seeto on 07 3305 5800 or email SHChair@ontalent.com.au
Your application should include your resume or board profile and a cover letter outlining the specific experience and attributes you bring to the role of Chair of the Somerville House School Council.