Page 32 - Luce 2021

Tha nk you, Dr Powell

Upon the announcement in August 2021 of Dr Damian Powell’s planned
departure as Principal, there was an avalanche of correspondence from
Fellows, friends, parents, alumni and staff expressing heartfelt gratitude
for his two decades of outstanding service to the College. Here is just a
taste of the sentiments expressed…
Twenty years seem to have gone so
quickly. Damian, your contribution
The important attributes of to JCH has been enormous and I know
that Dieni has played a great part
today’s JCH – being small, in supporting you. Without your
focusing on academic excellence, leadership I doubt that JCH would be
pastoral care, student the small, standalone College that we
engagement, leadership and
personal development – are very all love and treasure today.
strongly associated, I believe, With Dieni and daughters Corin (top)
with your own preferences for
the College and your style of and Nieve c.2011
leadership. I want to say how
very much I have valued the
opportunity to work with you; it
has been a privilege and I thank

you for it. Fellows and Council members at dinner 2013

The news that you will be leaving
JCH is very disappointing, both
for the College and for me. I have
appreciated our occasional contact
and particularly liked the report
you wrote on your visit to overseas
colleges and the decision to keep
JCH a small college so that students
could have more personal care.
I can, however, understand and
respect the move to Shepparton in
support of your wife and believe
that city will be greatly enhanced
by your presence. Heartfelt thanks
With Sir Rupert Clarke & Ms Margie Richardson c.2016
for your years of outstanding,
With Vice-Chancellor Prof Glyn
generous service at JCH and every
best wish to you and Dieni for your
next chapter. Davis, Leadership Dinner 2018
Damian, I’d like to tell you how
much, in my probably rather
contacts with you at JCH over
I wish to say how much I distant way, I’ve enjoyed my
appreciate all you have done the years. Every time I’ve come
for JCH and for the wider JCH to College I’ve been struck by its
community. Its present state is a civilised atmosphere – a sense
tribute to you and to the team you of a happy, working community
lead so well, and it also testifies to – and I’m aware that this must
your capacity to lead and inspire come from your engagement with,
the students. The atmosphere and leadership of, the place… I
wraps itself around you when you feel sure that your light spirit
walk in the door. So I hope you can and warmth will remain in the
truly hear the message ‘well done, atmosphere of JCH for many a With Governor General,
to a good and faithful servant’. long year. Dame Quentin Bryce 2009

32 LUCE Number 20 2021