Chair of Board of Governors Regeneration    

Speech night last Thursday was a wonderful occasion, celebrating the richness of the Oxley Community and the engagement of students throughout the year.

For those of you unable to attend, it was also a chance for me to say farewell to the College as Chair of the Board of Governors. I spoke about one of my heroes, The Doctor from Dr Who and how, at the end of each series, he regenerates into a new Doctor. In more recent times, he has regenerated into the first female Doctor in the series (after 60 years of television!). The Board of Governors is thrilled that in this handover, we welcome our first female Chair of Oxley (after only 40 years!), Mrs Jane Crowley.

The Oxley College Board has always had a maximum term. Whether serving as Governor or Chair, the total maximum term has been 12 years. With a recent update of the Constitution, the maximum term is now 9 years.

I joined the Oxley College Board of Governors in 2012 when the Primary school opened. Our 3 children joined the school and we have enjoyed 30 years of wonderful education for our children at the school. As well as being an Oxley parent, I have seen Oxley as a student, attending a young Oxley in the late 80s. In addition, I have been a Governor for 12 years with 4 of those as Chair.

While Boards have important roles such as managing risk, ensuring stable finances, and overseeing the school strategy, the most important I have come to realise, is safeguarding, and remembering, the soul of the school. People all come and go – students, parents, Boards and staff, but the important thing is that we remember why Oxley is here, what it is doing, and how it does it. I am thrilled that as a former student, a current parent and Chair, that from all I can see, the soul, the spirit, the essential, special character of Oxley remains true to its roots and we work hard to ensure that it continues to do so.

Having already served 2 years as a Board member, Jane will be a wonderful new Chair. It has been a privilege to work with Jane, and for me to share in Oxley’s story over the last 12 years. I look forward to seeing Oxley continue to thrive – welcome Jane!

“Jane Crowley is known to many of you as one of the founders of Dirty Janes, where she is currently Managing Director. Jane is an also an author and the mother of three children – all of whom have gone through Oxley – Evie is now in Year 12 – with  Jane’s association with the school beginning in 2012, when the junior school opened.

Many of you will also know Jane through her involvement in local politics – which has now given way to focus on all things Oxley.

Jane is an active member of the Oxley building committee, and is a driving force at Oxley.  For example her first major role was in the school’s first Pin Oak Fair.

Jane has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Canberra University where she majored in Organisational Communication and her many strengths include organisational management, charitable activities and community engagement work. “

Dr Stephen Barnett