Professor Ros Arnold
Recently we received word that Professor Ros Arnold died, after a short illness, in London. Many will remember Ros as a past student of Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak, Chair of the Normanhurst School Council, then Chair of the Loreto Education Board and the Ward-D’Houet Board. She loved her Loreto connections and maintained contact with many.
Ros was an eminent educator having been Head of the Faculty of Education at both the University of Tasmania and the University of Sydney. She was a frequent broadcaster on issues of Education and an oft invited member of panels and committees reviewing educational issues. Passionate about the education of girls Ros’ contribution to the development of Loreto Education was enormous as she brought her considerable knowledge of teacher education, educational administration, English, changing pedagogies and a great love of literature and drama to our various committees and schools.
A gifted writer, not only of education but also of poetry and prose Ros published widely. As a warm, humorous, engaged, curious and always elegant human being it is no surprise that Ros’ more recent books were about empathy and empathetic intelligence in teaching.
Ros died with her beloved daughter Louisa Parker-Bowles by her side, having had weeks of joy with her two young granddaughters.
Ros’ life was celebrated with a concert in one of her favourite London churches on Thursday 29th September.
We have much to be grateful for Ros’ life and we pray for her, her daughter and granddaughters.
Vale Ros.