As we approach the end of the year, it is my honour to acknowledge the outstanding leadership of Dr Marie Leech, who concludes nine years of distinguished service as Chair of the International Grammar School Board. Marie has guided IGS through a period of evolution and achievement, strengthening our governance framework and supporting a culture of thoughtful strategy, community focus and educational excellence, all while supporting a period of growth, renewal and shared achievement, including last year’s memorable 40th Anniversary celebrations.
Dr Leech has led the School Board with care, wisdom and a calm steadiness that has been especially valued during challenging times. Her guidance during the COVID pandemic supported continuity of learning and provided reassurance for students and families when stability mattered most.
Her tenure has also seen substantial campus expansion. Over these nine years, IGS opened the Bibliothèque and Centre for the Dramatic Arts, established The Retreat at Kangaroo Valley, launched the Renaissance Centre and celebrated the opening of the new Kindergarten Centre. Each development has strengthened learning and enriched student experience.
During this period, the School also deepened its focus on real-world learning. Guided by the Board’s strategic direction, IGS expanded its engagement with the Innovation Corridor, widening pathways for cultural, academic and professional growth.
Over the past nine years, the alumni community has flourished, the Global Exchange program grew and philanthropy advanced. The launch of The IGS Foundation is a significant milestone in securing the School’s long-term future.
It was a heartfelt moment as we gathered the Board and leadership team for a special dinner last Thursday, offering our deep thanks to Marie following her final meeting. Dr Leech leaves a legacy of optimism, strength and deep commitment to the School’s mission.
Please join me in thanking Dr Leech for her dedication to our School.
A considered approach to Board succession
One of Marie’s final acts of stewardship was to lead a clear and considered succession process for the next Chair. Under her guidance, the Board reflected on the qualities needed for the School’s next phase, drawing on IGS’s strategic direction, governance priorities and the scale of projects ahead.
With this shared profile in place, the Board undertook a structured recruitment process marked by diligence, transparency and alignment with the School’s mission and values. Marie supported this work with insight and care, ensuring a smooth handover and positioning the incoming Chair for success.
This work strengthens the Board’s long-term capability, reinforcing a culture of reflection, renewal and shared responsibility. By investing time in defining future needs and supporting a comprehensive induction for the incoming Chair, Marie has helped lay the foundations for strong leadership well into the next chapter of the School’s journey.
Introducing the New Chair of the IGS Board – Emeritus Professor Shirley Alexander AM
It is therefore with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of Emeritus Professor Shirley Alexander AM as the new Chair of the International Grammar School Board. Her appointment reflects a significant moment for IGS, one that aligns closely with our commitment to progressive, world-ready learning and our belief in innovation, diversity and community.
Professor Alexander brings an exceptional record of leadership across education, innovation and public service. Her career spans decades of senior executive roles in Australian higher education, most recently as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Technology Sydney following earlier service as Dean of Education. She has shaped major institutional strategies and led transformational initiatives, including the one-billion-dollar UTS campus redevelopment that delivered collaborative, technology-rich learning environments designed to enhance teaching and student engagement.
Her interest in educational futures is widely recognised. She initiated the Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation, one of Australia’s most forward-thinking degrees, later adopted by Arizona State University. This work reflects her deep belief in interdisciplinary, creative and globally engaged learning – a philosophy that resonates strongly with the identity and aspirations of IGS.
Professor Alexander brings extensive governance experience, having served on the boards of two major NSW museums and chaired a not-for-profit focused on education. She has contributed to Audit and Risk Committees across multiple organisations and played a key role in public policy through her leadership of the Federal Government’s Digital Education Advisory Group, advising on the integration of technology in K to 12 learning.
Her connection to schooling spans many contexts, from leadership within NSW TAFE Higher Education to community governance as President of the Cheltenham Girls High School Council. She also brings insights as a grandparent with children in Sydney schools, adding a valuable relational perspective to her governance work.
Professor Alexander steps into the role of Chair with a forward-looking vision and a strong belief in the power of innovation, diversity and community partnership. Her experience and integrity will support IGS as we continue shaping bold, future-focused learning for generations to come.
Please join me in warmly welcoming Professor Alexander.
Shauna Colnan
Principal
