Vale Dr Sylvia Walton AO 1941-2024
We pay tribute to former Principal (1982 – 2005) Dr Sylvia Walton AO at her passing on Saturday 27 January 2024.
A committed educator and visionary leader, Sylvia recognised the importance of individual student needs, a support structure and culture that continues at Tintern today.
Sylvia came to Tintern from Caulfield Grammar, Wheelers Hill, where she was Deputy Head of campus and highly regarded at the School and among the educational leadership fraternity. A committed educator and a fearless leader, Sylvia was determined that Tintern should lead the agenda for the education of girls in Australia and more broadly.
She was a true visionary in her view of the future of education and her determination in making girls education more equitable and progressive was extraordinary. During her 23 years as Principal, she grew Tintern which enabled a broader and more fulfilling program to be offered, creating the groundwork for the wonderful school we are today. She was at the forefront of curriculum and staff development, driving innovation in programs and providing the buildings and resources to support it.
Sylvia’s vision for a boys’ school was realised with the opening of Southwood Boys’ Grammar School in 1999 and she was remembered speaking of her satisfaction in ‘seeing a Tintern school for young men, joining the long-standing offering for girls’.
Sylvia’s influence on education was even broader than her chapter at Tintern. After her resignation at Tintern, she went on to enjoy a very successful tenure as Principal of St Catherine’s School, she was also Chancellor of Latrobe University and served on several independent school Boards.
Sylvia was truly a towering figure in education in Australia. The Tintern community celebrate both her influence and achievements and express sadness at her passing, truly signalling an end of an era in education in our country.
Remembering Dr Sylvia Walton AO with enormous respect and fondness for her contribution to the Tintern Grammar community. We offer our deepest condolences to her family.
Bradley Fry
Principal
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