AHISA welcomes the appointment of Dr Michele Bruniges AM as AITSL Chair

AHISA MEDIA RELEASE

6 June 2023

The Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA) welcomes the announcement by Minister for Education, the Hon Jason Clare, that Dr Michele Bruniges AM has been appointed Chair of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL), commencing 1 July 2023.

“AITSL has earned the respect of the profession for its careful interweaving of government policy with the profession’s values and aspirations to achieve practical outcomes,” said AHISA CEO, Dr Chris Duncan. “AITSL’s quality resources for initial teacher education students, graduate and experienced teachers and school leaders are also highly valued.”

Dr Duncan said the influence of AITSL in Australian school education meant the role of its Chair was a uniquely important one.

“Teaching and learning – and the provision of education itself – are facing accelerated transformation from technological disruption and social change,” said Dr Duncan. “The traditional boundaries between education sectors and between education and training are becoming more fluid.”

Dr Duncan said Dr Bruniges is well placed to help steer the transformation of Australian education.

“Dr Bruniges’ experience in the classroom, allied with experience managing large school systems and coupled with her oversight of national policy implementation in both the school and tertiary education sectors as former Secretary of the Australian Department of Education, will be invaluable in her new role,” said Dr Duncan. “We commend Minister Clare’s decision to appoint Dr Bruniges as AITSL’s next Chair.”

Dr Duncan said AHISA also acknowledged the contribution of departing AITSL Chair, Professor John Hattie.

“Professor Hattie’s contribution to education in Australia and globally has been profound,” said Dr Duncan. “As Chair of AITSL, his driving curiosity about every aspect of teaching and learning and his passionate support for the teaching profession have been inspirational. We sincerely thank him for his outstanding work.” 

ENDS

AHISA is a professional association of 460 Heads of independent schools. Its members lead schools that collectively account for over 11 per cent of total Australian school enrolments, 70 per cent of independent sector enrolments and 20 per cent of total Australian Year 12 enrolments.

AHISA National Office: Unit 123, 20 Anzac Park, Campbell ACT 2612; ABN 99 006 107 124; telephone (02) 6247 7300; email enquiries@ahisa.edu.au; www.ahisa.edu.au.

Dr Chris Duncan, AHISA CEO, mobile 0408 890 885