This summer, 2009, Steven Griffin will step in as the new headmaster at Royal St. George's College, vacating his post at Upper Canada College and taking over for the departed Hall Hannaford. Last fall, Hannaford made the decision to move to Selwyn House in Montreal.

The search for a replacement for the "legendarily charismatic" Hannaford was an exhaustive one. Ruth Woods, head of the search committee, called Hannaford "the personification of Royal St. George's."

Meanwhile, UCC' principal Jim Power says that Griffin "really understands how boys learn." In spite of the fact that he is moving to a smaller school (439 students at RSGC compared to over 1200 at UCC), the job will present some interesting challenges for Griffin. As new headmaster, he will be expected to live the school's motto that "every boy is known and loved." Griffin will be expected to spend time with boys at all levels, including the elementary grades.

In addition, he will be expected to participate in fundraising and provide community relations to the school's neighbours who have been known to challenge the school's desire to expand facilities. Says chair David Mather: "We are very, very mindful that we have to do a better job in particular in relations with the neighbours."