On Friday 10 March Dr Deborah Netolicky was commissioned as the ninth Principal of Walford Anglican School for Girls. The week of International Women’s Day was a meaningful time for the induction into the leadership role as for 130 years Walford has supported students to become formidable, principled and compassionate women of determination, achievement and action.

The Service for the Commissioning was conducted by Bishop Denise Ferguson, with participation by the Chair of Council of Governors, Peter Hastings, the Chaplain, Reverend Gary Hillman, the Deputy Principal, Mandy Hore, School Captains and students. The Parent-Teacher Association and the Old Scholars’ Association were also represented.

Elaine Magias, also in the official party, delivered the Welcome to Country and Junior School student, Zara, gave the Acknowledgement of Country. Chica Vocé, an auditioned choir, performed a delightful rendition of You are the Sunshine of My Life and Year 10 student Annabelle received a round of enthusiastic applause for her solo performance of Count on Me.

In her address to the Walford Community, Dr Netolicky expressed her joy and excitement in leading the School into the future. She described her vision for Walford girls: I continue to encourage all our young people to shine, to grow, to take up space, and to be un apologetic in their desire to learn, live, and contribute positively to the world. A woman’s place, after all, is in. the history books, at the top of her field, our in front of an audience, and in any place she dreams of being, in any role she dreams of doing, achieving anything she aims to accomplish.

Welcome to Dr Netolicky, we all look forward to sharing the years ahead with you. Walford is in very capable and creative hands and has a flourishing future.