37 KIM COHEN

HIGHLY respected educator Kim Cohen has successfully written a new chapter in the 110-year history of The Glennie School - to widespread acclaim.

Appointed to the role in January 2017 after an intensive recruitment process, Mrs Cohen’s educational vision enshrines Glennie’s mission to make each girl “All She Can Be’’.

But her commitment to students extends beyond the chalkboards and curriculum, instead instilling a caring and encouraging sense of self in each of the 790 pupils in the P-12 girls’ school.

To that end, and with a modicum of hesitation, Mrs Cohen and her school community welcomed the first trans-gender student at the prestigious institution, writing to inform parents of the enrolment.

Expecting a backlash from the wider Toowoomba community, Mrs Cohen explained she had “thought long and hard” about the letter, and was buoyed by the social acceptance of her decision and the groundswell of support from parents, and students both past and present.

Mrs Cohen’s education credentials include a Bachelor of Science and a Higher Diploma in Education, and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the Australian Catholic University.

She has held executive roles in girls’ schools across Australia including Lourdes Hill College, Brisbane Girls Grammar, and St Margaret’s AGS.

Mrs Cohen this year joined girls’ education advocates from across the globe in Washington, US, for the National Coalition of Girls Schools Global Forum, to exchange best practices and innovative approaches for academic excellence.

She lives in Toowoomba with husband Jim and three girls.