The President of School Council’s Message to Michele Marquet

May I start by thanking you for the invitation to speak on behalf of the School Council at this very special and moving occasion.

The last time I addressed you here was in March 2024, when I had the solemn duty to communicate the resignation of the Headmaster and to convey the happier news that Mrs Marquet had so generously agreed to become the Acting Head of School in our hour of need. That day, Mrs Marquet made the journey up from the Junior School to the Senior School, the same progression made by some 2,000 young boys with her assistance over three decades of service in the Junior School. Yet unlike each of those boys, many of whom are here today, who later spread their wings beyond Cranbrook, Mrs Marquet will shortly walk back down the hill to the Junior School where I know she will be welcomed with open arms.

Before thanking Mrs Marquet specifically, I would like to acknowledge that the end of her time as Acting Head of School marks the end of a challenging period for Cranbrook. The plain fact is that during these past 13 months, the School has not only carried on delivering a top-class education, but it has become an even better school. Significant credit for this must go to the amazing students and staff here at Cranbrook, and the School Council is deeply grateful to each of you for that. As we forge ahead, our ongoing pursuit of improvement and the highest standards must never cease, for we live in an ever changing and complex world where each student and each staff member profoundly matters.

And so, to Mrs Marquet. It was a true blessing that Mrs Marquet so willingly stepped up into the role of Acting Head of School last March. It reflected her love for Cranbrook and her commitment to each and every one of you. Since then, she has worked tirelessly for this School. (Although, she has found time to become a grandmother, and it is lovely to have young Heidi with us this morning.)

The first time I came to visit Mrs Marquet in her new role, as I do each week on a Thursday morning, I was greeted by her at the front gate, with the same smiling face she offers each student arriving for a new day in this special place. Each of you know what a special gift that is.

Mrs Marquet is the fourth in line of outstanding female educators who have led primary and early education at Cranbrook, each of whom has served the School for more than 25 years. These four leaders’ collective efforts go back to the 1930s, and Mrs Marquet is the first to transfer her skills to the whole of the School.

I would characterise Mrs Marquet as follows: she is hardworking; she is strong and resilient; and she is completely trustworthy. At one level it appears that what she does is effortless, but you know from spending time with her that she applies all her effort to this School and its community. In return, she is loved and respected by all, and Cranbrook prospers. Let us acknowledge too that Mrs Marquet is a leader who takes inspiration from another leader, being the one whose ultimate sacrifice, made for all, we will celebrate at the end of next week.

Although Mrs Marquet’s work at Cranbrook is not yet done – Michele, you do have two weeks to go here and then back to leading the Junior School – I have no doubt that she will sit firmly in the pantheon of Cranbrook’s finest educators for decades to come.

May we all carry forward, and pass on to others, Mrs Marquet’s superb example of servant leadership, her commitment to the flourishing of others, and her embodiment of the School’s motto: Esse Quam Videri.
I now present this gift to Mrs Michele Marquet with profound gratitude, hopefully a lasting memento of her exceptional service as Acting Head of Cranbrook School.

Geoff Lovell
President, Cranbrook School Council