DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE COLLEGE BOARD

At the recent Annual General Meeting, we acknowledged an important moment in the life of our College, with Mr David Finnigan stepping away from his role as Chairperson and Board Director following 13 years of dedicated service to the College Board and its sub-committees, including the past four years as Chairperson.

David has given countless hours of his time to the College, consistently demonstrating a deep commitment to its ongoing success and sustainability. His contribution has been both significant and enduring, assisting the College to navigate a number of important and often complex moments as a Board Director, including the development and implementation of SOC2035, the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and the careful stewardship of the College through its fee restructure in 2019.

As Chairperson, David has provided steady, thoughtful leadership across a period of considerable growth and change. In particular, he has overseen the development of the Lachie Wright Centre, a transformative addition to our Elphin Campus that will benefit generations of students. He has also championed and strengthened the College’s commitment to a truly holistic education, ensuring that academic, co-curricular and wellbeing priorities remain deeply interconnected in our approach. Importantly, David has guided the Board and College through a period of financial and operational complexities with care, diligence and foresight, positioning the College with confidence for the future.

On behalf of our entire community, I extend my sincere thanks to David for his outstanding service, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the College. We are deeply grateful for the legacy he leaves.

I am also pleased to share that the Board has appointed Ms Rebecca Cuthill as Chairperson and Mr Paul Veerhuis as Deputy Chairperson. Rebecca brings considerable governance experience, a strong understanding of the College, and a deep commitment to our strategic direction and community. Paul likewise offers thoughtful leadership and valuable perspective in his role as Deputy Chairperson, together with an active contribution to the work of the Finance Committee.

We are fortunate to have such capable leaders stepping into these roles, and I am confident that, together with the Board, they will continue to guide Scotch Oakburn College with clarity, purpose and care.

Please join me in thanking David for his exceptional contribution, and in warmly welcoming Rebecca and Paul to their new leadership roles.

Ross Patterson
Principal