 |
|
|
|
|
Mrs Diane Nicholls (1988 - 1995) Mrs Diane Nicholls was appointed the eighth headmistress of Abbotsleigh in 1988. Before coming to Abbotsleigh she had established an impressive record in education in South Australia. She was, for a period, Professional Assistant to the Director General of Education of the South Australian Education Department and was Deputy Principal at the Heights School in Adelaide. Following the Education Act of 1990 and under Mrs Nicholls' leadership the Abbotsleigh curriculum was redeveloped to respond not only to Australian and New South Wales educational imperatives and to rapid changes in society, but also to the needs of the girls who would move into their careers in the twenty-first century. In response to the new demands of the curriculum, the Abbotsleigh Masterplan was put into place during Mrs Nicholls' headship. New facilities were built in the Junior School, in the boarding houses and in the Senior School. Believing it important for schools to have a long-term plan, Mrs Nicholls chaired the 21st Century Review in 1990. Mrs Nicholls brought to Abbotsleigh a very special management and administrative style. She was known as a warm, well-balanced, gracious woman prepared to listen to the views of girls, staff and parents. The girls appreciated her fair, consistent and sincere guidance. She was a family person who worked to model a balance between family and professional life. She had a great commitment to Abbotsleigh with time for each girl and each member of staff. Mrs Nicholls is now Head of St Peters Collegiate School in Adelaide. |
|
||||
