Dear Launceston Church Grammar School Community

I am writing to announce the exciting news that the Launceston Church Grammar School Board has appointed Mr Dale Bennett as our new Principal from 2023.

Mr Bennett is the current Deputy Principal of Scotch College, Adelaide.

The Board is delighted with Mr Bennett’s appointment. Dale has taught and led schools in three States and internationally in New Zealand.

In his previous roles, Mr Bennett has taught and led at some of Australasia’s most prestigious schools, including Caulfield Grammar School, Carey Baptist Grammar School, Whanganui Collegiate School, and most recently Scotch College, Adelaide, where he has held the position of Deputy Principal and Head of the Senior Campus for the past 11 years. This experience enables him to lead and continue to build upon the distinctive educational offering of Launceston Grammar.

Dale is a warm, engaging, and highly experienced educator. He and his wife, Jane, impressed everyone they met during a recent visit to Launceston with their joint commitment to education, and particularly to independent schools. 

He is a good listener and is looking forward to engaging with the Grammar community and the community of Launceston more broadly. 

Dale observed: “At the very heart of Launceston Grammar is the DNA of great schools. Simply put, it is the influence of history, our Anglican values of inclusion and care and compassion for all, the idyllic setting, grand old buildings and the inspiring educational offering that are the bedrock of success. Most importantly there is the understanding that it is the bonds of community that enable the village to raise the leaders of our future.

“The students of Launceston Grammar deserve all that their school can provide to create for them bright futures. Their families know that if together we create a culture of connected and engaged learners then we will open their minds. I am a firm believer that through great relationships comes great learning.”

This aligns with Dale’s commitment to a “One School Ethos” ensuring that all stakeholders - students and their families, teachers and leadership - are aligned when it comes to the delivery of education and the direction of the School as a whole.

Importantly, the Board and Mr Bennett are in agreement about the fundamental strategic priorities for Launceston Grammar. He will focus on the continued elevation of the capabilities and standards in teaching and learning at the School.

Dale will have carriage of delivering the School Master Plan and, importantly, will continuing to build ties within and across the Grammar Community.

This is in keeping with the key themes arising from our Community Survey earlier this year.

Mr Bennett will be heavily involved in significant decisions and attend key events at Launceston Grammar until Term 1 2023 when he will formally take up his role as Principal. 

Nick Foster and the Senior Executive Team continue to lead the school until that time ensuring the smooth roll out of our strategic plan and that the School is in good shape in readiness for the next stage of the Launceston Grammar journey.

Yours sincerely

Nigel Bailey 
Chair
Launceston Church Grammar School Board 

Dale Bennett CV

2011-present: Deputy Principal, Head of Torrens Park Campus, Scotch College, Adelaide
Key areas of responsibility and oversight: Campus leadership (inherent duties and responsibilities); significant ambassadorial and leadership role with community; oversight of reports for student wellbeing, campus operations facilities, boarding, international, First Nations and co-curriculum (CCA).

2007-2010: Director of Teaching and Learning, Whanganui Collegiate School, New Zealand
W.C.S. is an Anglican Coeducational Y9-13 seven-day boarding and day school with St George’s Preparatory school (R-8).

2000-2006: Head of Senior School Curriculum Pathways, Carey Baptist Grammar School, Melbourne
Carey is a leading co-educational, independent, Christian school for students from 3-year-old Kindergarten to Y12.

1998 -1999; Head of Year 7, Caulfield Grammar School, Melbourne
A leading Anglican coeducational day and boarding school in Australia with five campuses (local and international) and a significant student enrolment.

1990-1997: Head of English, Marist College North Shore, NSW
Marist is a Catholic boys’ school located in North Sydney on a relatively small site. The school has a current enrolment of over 850 boys. During my tenure, the role grew from 530 to 650 boys.

1987-1989: Coonabarabran High School NSW
A small rural high school located in north-western NSW with an enrolment of 450 students including a significant aboriginal student population.