Scotch announces new Headmaster

Scotch College Council has announced the appointment of Dr Alec O'Connell as the seventh Headmaster of the independent boys' school.

Current Headmaster of 13 years, Revd Andrew Syme, announced in June of this year that he would be accepting an offer to head one of Australia's leading co-educational schools in Melbourne, Caulfield Grammar School, in 2011.

Chair of Scotch College Council, Mr Richard Goyder, said the Council was intent on finding a replacement to build on the outstanding work of Revd Syme, who received the 2009 Australian Award for Teaching Excellence by a Principal. "The Council is confident we have found the right person to build on the changes the school has experienced over the past decade," Mr Goyder said. "Dr O'Connell's experience will be invaluable in charting an exciting path for the future."

Dr O'Connell has an impressive background in education. He has taught at both primary and secondary levels and held the position of Deputy Principal at Ursula Frayne College. He was Executive Director at the University of Notre Dame, Head and Chief Executive of Trinity College at UWA and is currently the Assistant Director of the Catholic Education Office in Western Australia.

Dr O'Connell's academic background is equally diverse and impressive. He holds a Doctor of Business Administration from UWA, a Bachelor and Master of Education from Curtin University, Diploma (T.E.S.L.) from the Royal Society of Arts in London and a Graduate Diploma of Language Studies (T.E.S.L.) from Edith Cowan University.

Mr Goyder said Dr O'Connell's breadth of academic and professional experience as well as his values and beliefs will enable a seamless transition for the College.

"During the selection process it was clearly evident that Dr O'Connell is passionate about education, and the role of a community like Scotch in developing our future leaders," Mr Goyder said.

Dr O'Connell and his family are well known to the community, being active members of the North Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club for many years. His appointment at Scotch College will begin in mid 2011.