Dr Pauline Turner

Haileybury Committees and Subsidiaries: Haileybury International, Haileybury Rendall School, Governance

General: Dr Turner has enjoyed a long career in education and her current status is that of a retired school principal (ex-Geelong College).

Academic: Passionately committed to the study of French from her school and undergraduate years (WA), she won a three-year scholarship to Paris in 1970 where she began a doctorate in literature, later completed as a PhD (University of Sydney).

Career and professional activities: Dr Turner’s first educational appointment was as Head of Languages at Abbotsleigh Sydney (1976–1992). During this time, she established a program of professional development for independent school teachers of French and chaired a number of HSC French committees (including Examinations) for the NSW Board of Studies. Her first experience of co-education was as Head of Senior School at Pembroke Adelaide (1993–1995) following which she broke new ground by becoming the first female Principal of Geelong College in 1996 (retiring in 2012).

Board experience: During her tenure at The Geelong College, Dr Turner was invited to join Deakin University Council and served for 14 years, including two terms as Deputy Chancellor.

Awards for services to education and community: In 2010, Dr Turner received a Commonwealth Centenary Medal and in 2011, an Honorary Doctorate of the University from Deakin University.

Values: As a lifelong educator of young people, Dr Turner believes strongly in the value of individual effort and a striving for personal excellence; she supports Haileybury’s commitment to educational excellence, the holistic development of its students and the principle and practice of social justice across Australia.