11. Sean Burke

Sean Burke

An important change in the staffing had been made in 2002, when the post of deputy rector was created.  Sean Burke was appointed, he was an experienced administrator who had held a senior post at Geelong Grammar.  It was a full-time leadership position within the College.  The deputy rector would be accountable for day to day educational, welfare and administrative matters.  Dining in college three nights a week was on the duty list.  Financial acumen and strong personal skills were essential.  The coming of Sean Burke in 2003 made an immense difference to the college.  It eased the burden on the rector, created a level of authority between dean and rector, which made disciplinary problems easier to resolve, and offered students a more visible daily presence than the rector could be.  It was important that the post went to someone who was amiable to students, as Sean Burke was, and ready to listen to them. 

Under Fr Bill Uren SJ and Sean Burke the practice of ‘initiation’ ceased.  There was training on policies and procedures on sexual harassment and bullying and the avenues for redress.  The new field of social media bullying was also addressed. 

In 2012, Fr Bill Uren SJ remained rector while Sean Burke, the vice-rector, now known as provost, became the administrative head of the college.