Diocese of Melbourne

It gives me great pleasure to announce to you the name of our new principal, who will commence from the beginning of the 2010 school year. His name is Mr. Gary Underwood, and I have pasted a photo of him above. But before I type a few words about him, I would just like to give you a run-down of the selection process. In a word, it was exhaustive (and exhausting!). It was also extremely rigorous and of the highest possible standard. The selection panel comprised HG Bishop Suriel, members of the college board, clergy and a panel member with principal experience. We received international, interstate, state and local candidates. Their experience and professionalism was impressive to say the least.
Mr. Underwood is a committed Christian and a prayerful man in the Anglican tradition (what some would loosely describe as "high" Anglican, for lack of a better phrase - this means his beliefs are in line with the more traditional of Anglicans, closer to Catholics than other Anglicans) Mr. Underwood is an experienced educator in all educational sectors government, Catholic and independent. He is also an education advisor, and has written scores of educational publications, including curriculum, schooling textbooks, etc. He is a local from the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. I'm sure you'll find Gary a strong leader, while being very approachable and gentle - much needed qualities for our community. I intend to divulge more exciting information about Mr. Underwood in the near future, if the Lord wills and I live.

I thank His Grace Bishop Suriel very much for his love and support in this arduous process.

Fr. Athanasius Attia

Director

St. Anthony's Coptic Orthodox College