Page 18 - Luce 2016

Council News

From the Chair of Council

2015 saw two very different projects come to fruition. The
opening of Margaret Henderson House in June provided the
opportunity to honour an outstanding alumna, Dr Margaret
Henderson. Tucked discreetly between Scantlebury Wing
and the tennis court, its flexible spaces have successfully
been used for a variety of functions – notably Margaret
Henderson’s own 100th birthday party, as well as regular
tutorials, the shooting of a student video, and the Fellows’
Lunch. Sun streaming through its north-facing windows and
views to Ormond College and the JCH tennis court make it an Margie Richardson presenting College Scholarships at
attractive, welcoming and versatile space. Council’s strategic Commencement Dinner
emphasis on Janet Clarke Hall remaining a small College, with
a strong sense of community as well as academic excellence, particularly valued. Professor Ruth Fincher AM – both she
has been assisted by the increased facilities provided by and her daughter alumnae of the College – was an ex-officio
Margaret Henderson House, after the College’s extensive appointment of the Academic Board of the University from
tutorial programme had begun to spill over into any spare 1999, and brought insights of the University from her varied
corners available in recent years. roles there as Professor, Faculty Dean and President of the
Academic Board. She chaired Council from 2008 to 2011 at a
Then in December, just before time when the College was strengthening its strategic ties with
the College closed down for the University. Jane Tribe’s period on Council was shorter but
the Christmas break, a new deeply valued for her legal expertise and attention to issues of
Constitution was adopted, governance as well as her brief role as Acting Vice-Principal
replacing the 1961 Articles of during the Principal’s sabbatical.
Association that had defined
JCH’s legal separation from We are delighted with two Council appointments made at
Trinity College. In line with the end of the year. Professor Julie Willis, Pro-Vice Chancellor
modern governance practice, a
smaller Council of between eight
and twelve members replaces
the previous seventeen-member
Council. The number of Council
meetings will increase. Terms
Fiona Cadorel, Barry of office for Council members
O’Connor, Doreen are more clearly defined –
Rosenthal, Jenny Ross, three-year terms, with the
Margaret Henderson at the possibility of reappointment
Henderson House ‘drop in’ for two further terms, though
with some flexibility. Whilst Anglican representation reduces
proportionally with the smaller Council, Janet Clarke Hall’s
identity as an Anglican College is affirmed.
Paul Turner, Elizabeth Broderick, David Rosenthal, Doreen
In 2015 Council farewelled with regret two members Rosenthal, Donna Davies, Margie Richardson
who had served the College faithfully for far longer than
the new regulations will permit! Tim Thwaites, a Council (Research) and Professor of Architecture at the University of
member for over 28 years, was Deputy Chair for his last Melbourne, moves from being an ordinary Council member
nine years. Amongst the first intake of male students in to become an appointment of the Academic Board of the
1973, Tim provided a strong tie with alumni and past University. Stephen Higgs, recently retired as Headmaster
Principals. His expertise as a writer and communicator was of Ballarat Grammar, will join Council as an appointment of
the Archbishop of Melbourne. Stephen is an old friend of the
College, having attended Leadership Dinners with his students
over many years.

Council, always a lively and thoughtful body, is delighted
that the College continues to thrive and attract outstanding
students under Dr Powell’s leadership.

Margie Richardson
Chair of Council

Tony Wood, Jenny Smith, Pera Wells

18 LUCE Number 14 2015