Hunt for new leader at top Brisbane private school

One of Brisbane’s top private colleges is advertising for a new leader of its Junior School, hot on the heels of its deputy announcing his resignation. But insiders say the school is back on track after a rocky year in 2021.

Top westside school Brisbane Boys’ College has begun a wide-ranging search for a new leader of its Junior School after current Head, Louise Morris, announced her resignation.

Ms Morris will leave on the last day of term 4.

The news comes after Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School, Damon Emtage, announced last month that he would step down in October.

The highly-respected second-in-charge to Headmaster Andre Casson accepted an offer as principal of a leading private school in New Zealand, after deciding he wanted to return to his home country.

“Mrs Morris informed me that she will be leaving the college at the end of the year,’’ Mr Casson said.

BBC Head of Junior School Louise Morris.

“She has decided to take the opportunity presented by recent family events — and the veil of Covid-19 finally lifting — to explore employment opportunities overseas and to travel.

“We will find opportunities to celebrate her immense contribution to our school closer to her departure.

“During her three years at BBC, Louise has displayed an immense capacity for hard work and a quest for excellence in teaching and learning.

“During her tenure she has significantly moved the quality of teaching and learning in the Junior School forward.

“These endeavours have seen our enrolments in the Junior School increase over the past two years.’’

BBC Headmaster Andre Casson. Insiders say he is doing a good job rebuilding the school after recent turmoil.

It was reported last year that morale among some staff in the Junior School had significantly declined.

At the time about three teachers were on extended mental health leave and there was reported to be significant stress among some teachers.

The school was rocked by internal tensions and resignations in 2020 and 2021, but since Mr Casson took over as Headmaster in January the school has come together again.

The Harvard Business School graduate, who previously headed the Australian International School in Singapore, was widely seen in the BBC community as a healing influence who has put the college back on track as one of the state’s best secondary schools.

Damon Emtage.

Mr Emtage’s last day is on October 21, although he will return in November for valedictory celebrations at the school.

His wife, a senior employee at Somerville House girls’ school in South Brisbane, will return to New Zealand with him.