Recognising Contribution: AISSA Annual Appreciation Event

The Association of Independent Schools of South Australia was delighted to host close to 100 educators, volunteers and partners at our Appreciation and Awards event on Thursday 21 November 2024.

Held every year, the event is an opportunity for the Association to thank the exceptional individuals whose commitment, passion and dedication support the AISSA’s activities, and underpin the success of our sector through their contributions to their schools, the Independent School network, and their peers.

At the event, AISSA’s Deputy Chair, Peta St Clair and Chief Executive, Anne Dunstan recognised five exceptional individuals from the sector, presenting them with the prestigious Noel Volk Award.

The Noel Volk Award recipients were:

Stephen Rosier, former Business Manager, Trinity College (now retired)
Stephen has been a member of the SA Independent Schools Block Grant Authority Committee, since 2008, and is representative on the BGA Management Group. Stephen has participated in many school visits and meetings to assist the BGA with evaluation of projects for Capital Funding which he has managed alongside his significant commitments at Trinity College. Stephen’s contribution to the review and approval processes is sincerely appreciated by the Committee both past and present.

Now retired from his full-time role, we are grateful that Stephen will continue his commitment to the Block Grant Authority.

Morag Greenwood, Director of People and Culture, Scotch College
Morag has dedicated the last eleven years of her career to providing the Scotch College with invaluable leadership and strategic direction in human resources. Through her role, Morag has implemented HR practices that foster a positive, supportive workplace culture, benefiting both faculty and staff and contributing to the holistic success of the College.

Beyond Morag’s contributions to Scotch College, she is highly regarded in the broader HR community amongst our member schools. Her generous sharing of knowledge has made her a valued resource and sounding board for all things relating to people management.

Sharon Lynch, Visual Art Coordinator, Immanuel Primary School
On top of working as Immanuel’s Visual Art Coordinator, Sharon also leads her School’s Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, engaging the community in meaningful RAP actions tailored to their school context. A standout feature of Immanuel Primary School’s RAP is the prioritisation of student involvement, building student agency and ownership of their cultural work.

Additionally, Sharon has generously supported other member schools through sharing innovative strategies to enhance their RAP implementation and documentation.

Anita Zocchi, Principal, University Senior College
Anita generously hosted the AISSA Executive Team at University Senior College for its strategy planning session, providing a tour and insights into the unique offering of the school. Anita has generously given of her time and shared her knowledge and experience of her own professional learning in a “Talking Heads” session for fellow school leaders earlier this year.

Most notably, Anita has served as Chair of the Inter-Sectoral Secondary Principals Education Consultative Committee (INTERSPECC) from 2021 to 2023. During her tenure, Anita made an outstanding contribution, playing a pivotal role in advocating for secondary school students across South Australia, working collaboratively with educational leaders to promote student success and wellbeing. Anita’s leadership helped establish INTERSPECC as a powerful voice in addressing key issues in the secondary education sector.

Angela Branford, Principal Calvary Lutheran Primary School
Angela has made a significant contribution to the AISSA over many years. She has played a key role in the AISSA Women in Leadership professional learning program, inspiring aspirant women leaders to consider furthering their careers, even when they may have questioned their readiness. Angela’s role as professional companion, where she provided individualised support and guidance to aspiring leaders, has been highly regarded.

The Calvary research team, led and supported by Angela, also made an extremely significant contribution to the AISSA ALab Project over three years. An outcome of this work was the development and success of Calvary’s REACH program which brought student agency to life in very practical and inspiring ways. Angela and her staff have generously shared this work, hosting school visits and sharing practice in workshops and professional learning sessions. Most recently, Angela has generously shared her school’s experience with other Principals, contributing to a culture of collaboration and shared learning.

Speaking at the event, AISSA Chief Executive Mrs Anne Dunstan said, “the contributions of each of our Awardees are appreciated not just by the AISSA, but by the broader Independent school sector. Each of those honoured today have made a significant contribution to the Association, the broader Independent school network, and their peers.”

Thank you to the Noel Volk Awardees, and all the individuals and organisations who have supported the AISSA’s work throughout 2024.  We particularly acknowledge our partner, NGS Super, for their ongoing support.

We appreciate the time invested, the insights and expertise shared with us and through our various committees and advisory groups, attendance at networking and mentoring events and thoughtful and considered contributions and perspectives.

We look forward to working with all our stakeholders in 2025, the Association’s 50th year, to continue to advocate and support the amazing work of our diverse member schools.