Welcome ‘special’ for new school head

Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School formally commissioned its new head of school, Matthew O’Brien, at a ceremony last Thursday.

The ceremony was attended by all staff and students, as well as representatives from the school’s board of governors and the Anglican Diocese of Bunbury, including Bishop Ian Coutts.

Mr O’Brien was presented symbols of the school community by students and staff, including a candle, a cross, text books, a guitar and a basketball.

“It is absolutely wonderful to be able to celebrate,” he said.

“This is the first time I have addressed the whole school since being announced and we are two months in so being able to do a special event like this where we have Year 3 through to Year 12 and I was able to speak to the entire school body was really special.”

Kathy Chiera was also sworn in to replace Mr O’Brien as the school’s head of secondary, becoming the first female to hold the position.

“It is a pivotal moment and really important moment for us as a school, we are a co-ed school and we are modelling that in our leadership,” Mr O’Brien said.

“She has enthusiasm, drive and expertise.”