With the coming retirement of the current Head, Kim Gordon, The Bishop Strachan School announced today that BSS Vice Principal Deryn Lavell will assume the role of Head starting July 1, 2009. The decision follows a board-led search that reviewed many other candidates.

Ms. Lavell brings nearly 30 years experience - including many years with private schools - to the position. She has previously held administrative positions at Glenlyon Norfolk School and was the Junior School Director for Queen Margaret's School.

"We could not have asked for a better, more qualified candidate to take over," says Kate Stevenson, Chair of the Board of Governors of The Bishop Strachan School. "Deryn is also well known and highly respected by the BSS community for her groundbreaking work with the Reggio-inspired approach in the BSS Junior School."

Ms. Lavell and Ms. Gordon will work closely together to transition things smoothly. "I'm anxious to bring my own energy and vision to take BSS to the next level," says Ms. Lavell.

For her own part, Kim Gordon looks back with fondness on her time at BSS while also looking forward to retiring, getting married and moving to California this coming summer. She praises BSS for putting her in "the enviable position of leading an extraordinary team of professionals during a time of growth and renewal that has brought groundbreaking innovation to BSS." Gordon calls her time at BSS the "crowning achievement" of a 36 year career in private school education.

Kate Stevenson adds that Ms. Gordon's "clear vision and decisive leadership has earned BSS a place among the top independent schools in the world. Deryn, with her strategic focus, international experience, and engaging leadership style, will continue to build on that vision."

Bishop Strachan School, Canada's oldest day and boarding school for girls, is renowned for its ability to deal with the particular learning needs of girls. This well respected private girls' school offers a single-gender environment to help girls achieve their best both academically and in their life's pursuits.

Our Kids offers much more background and information on The Bishop Strachan School.