Wenona Welcomes Its Ninth Principal
The Wenona community gathered at St Thomas' Church, North Sydney on Thursday 6 February for the commissioning of our ninth Principal, Ms Linda Douglas, in a ceremony that combined tradition and celebration.
The morning began with the School Hymn, O God, Our Help in Ages Past before the Chair of the Wenona Board of Governors, Ms Catherine West, presented Ms Douglas to the congregation. In her speech, Ms West highlighted our new Principal’s “demonstrated commitment to academic excellence, student wellbeing, and the development of empowered young women,” as well as her commitment to “maintaining Wenona's tradition of academic excellence and Values of Courage, Strength, Grace, Wisdom, and Kindness.”
A key moment was the presentation of a series of meaningful gifts, each representing the multifaceted responsibilities Ms Douglas will carry in her new role.
Ms West offered the Principal the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company of Wenona, symbolising Ms Douglas' role as Chief Executive Officer of the School.
Deputy Principal (Students), Ms Elizabeth Oakley, presented her with the names of all current students, while Deputy Principal (Staff), Ms Nicole Timbrell, presented the names of current staff, entrusting these members of the Wenona community to Ms Douglas' care.
The gift of a book from Deputy Principal (Academics), Ms Patricia Davis, represented academic achievement and the pursuit of knowledge. It also highlighted the importance of continuous learning and growth for both teaching and professional services staff.
Wenona Alumna and Custodian, Ms Dianna Crebbin, together with the Wenona Parents' Association President, Ms Sharmila Soorian, then presented Ms Douglas with a Bible.
The boarding community's gift of the School Values held special significance. It was presented by Head of Boarding, Ms Nonie Ayling, and Boarding Prefect, Bethany, along with a reference to the way they will “guide how Wenona students live both within the School and in the broader community”.
Wenona’s global perspective was signified by a gift from Head of Senior College, Ms Santina Restuccia, Acting Head of Upper School, Mr Ross Millar, and students, Eloise and Emma. They presented Ms Douglas with a globe representing Wenona's vision as a global learning community.
The final presentation came from the Middle and Junior Schools, with Head of Middle School, Ms Emma Poole, Junior School representative, Ms Amy Webb, and students, Ciara and Audrey, presenting a candle. “When lit, [this candle] brings light into the darkness and symbolises the strength of Wenona's motto, Ut Prosim, that I may serve," Ms Poole said.
The Wenona Combined Choir, conducted by Ms Kim Lemon and accompanied by Mr Michael Curtain, added to the occasion with a moving performance of Festival Sanctus.
In her response, Ms Douglas accepted the gifts with gratitude and humility, while pledging her commitment to the Wenona motto, Ut Prosim, that I may serve, and vowing to inspire the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. She promised to uphold the Wenona Constitution, our Values, Vision, Mission, and Purpose, and concluded with a promise to both care for the staff and students and to embrace our global community.