Reshuffle of heads for Perth boys schools

Long-serving leaders of three of Perth’s most prestigious boys schools have announced their departure during the past fortnight, marking a shake-up for the education sector.

Trinity College headmaster Ivan Banks’ resignation will be effective from the end of term two this year, while Hale School head of senior school Ross Barron will take over from Wesley College principal David Gee from the start of 2019.

Mr Gee has been at the helm of Wesley College for 15 years, making him the third longest-serving headmaster in Wesley’s history.

He will finish out the year before Mr Barron begins his five-year appointment.

Wesley council chair Jim Walker said Mr Barron’s appointment was an exciting step forward for Wesley College.

“After a complete and exhaustive national search, we are delighted to welcome Mr Barron as our next head of college,” he said.

“He is a highly effective, focused and experienced leader, providing strategic direction and overseeing day-to-day operation of the (Hale) senior school.

“His sporting achievements are significant, as a coach, athlete and official,” he said.

Mr Barron will depart Hale after a nine-year tenure.

Hale School headmaster Dean Dell’Oro said he wished Mr Baron all the best at Wesley and would begin looking to recruit his replacement in the near future.

Another long-serving school leader, Mr Banks will be leaving Trinity College after 12 years in charge.

Trinity executive director Wayne Tinsey said the college had enjoyed an enviable reputation in the broader educational community in Western Australia and this was in no small way due to Mr Banks’ leadership.

During terms three and four, Mr Banks will be undertaking a period of professional renewal, which included a period of study overseas, Mr Tinsey said, but did not comment on where Mr Banks would be moving on to.

“On behalf of all members of the Edmund Rice Education Australia community, I thank Ivan sincerely for his hard work and wish him, his wife Eileen and their family well as they begin this new phase of their lives,” he said.

Trinity College is currently in the process of recruiting Mr Banks' successor.