91³Ô¹ÏÍø

In 2021 we officially welcomed our new Chair of the 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Council, Mr David Spann.

Over the break, we caught up with our new Head of College Council to learn a little about his own life and studies, and what drew him to this exciting new role. 

What can you tell us about yourself?

I was born in Beenleigh on the southern side of Brisbane, in what was then a rural community where my Dad had a milk run in town. I have never moved too far from Brisbane raising a family and pursuing my study and career all in the greater Brisbane environs, except for a short stint in Toowoomba.

My first tertiary qualification was in Chemistry, although I gained a postgraduate qualification in Health Science and for the greater part of my career worked with Workplace Health and Safety Queensland - first as an Occupational Health Advisor but then in a number of senior leadership positions. 

About four years ago, I transitioned to retirement by taking up part-time lecturing in a number of risk management undergraduate and postgraduate programs at the Australian Catholic University. I have since relinquished all paid employment but enjoy a number of voluntary roles; one of these being Chair of Grace College Council.

It sounds as if you have a fair amount of experience across leadership and voluntary roles! What do you think this brings to your new title as Chair?

I have had an extended history of involvement on committees or boards of the Lutheran Church and have previously been Chair of Redeemer College Council, Rochedale;  I approach my current role with some understanding of the complexities and nuances of governance in a large organisation like 91³Ô¹ÏÍø.

So what do you get up to when you aren't at Grace?

My wife Janet and I "retired" to Scarborough in 2017; being a nice compromise close to the bay and with reasonable proximity (Gateway Motorway permitting)  to our kids and grandkids all on the southside or Gold Coast.  

We are members of Grace Lutheran Church, Redcliffe and have established other community involvement through Meals on Wheels and being involved with a Breakfast Club at a local state school.  Between that, and nine grandkids,  I am trying my hand at watercolour painting, lawn bowls and like to get out on my kayak on the bay when weather permits.

What do you think makes a school such as Grace special, and what can we do to continue to grow the 'best of Grace'?

Lutheran schools generally have strong brand recognition and reputation in the community. This was enhanced during the COVID disrupted learning of last year. 

The most compelling task for the College Council this year will be to work through the details of a new five-year Strategic Plan. Some of the key areas we are working on are Culture, Master Planning,and Teaching and Learning.

It sounds as if you have a big responsibility, but also some big plans for the future of Grace. How do you feel about your plans moving through 2021 and into the future?

91³Ô¹ÏÍø has always exhibited the dual embrace of a foundational Christian underpinning of relationships with each other, our community and the world;  while valuing a high quality education through excellence in teaching and learning. 

As a Council we realise we have an awesome responsibility and privilege to make the right investments in these areas; growing " The Grace Way" long into the future.

To learn more about the Grace Lutheran College leadership team, visit our Leadership Team page on the 91³Ô¹ÏÍø website.