Michaelhouse-Impact Report-2023 (for Jan-Dec 2022)

Welcoming Frances Fleming Bolttler Head of Development

Frances in her own words... Born and bred in KwaZulu-Natal, I am an old girl of St Marys DSG in Kloof. As the youngest of four children, I have many happy memories of early departures up to Balgowan to watch the various sporting and other exploits of my brothers Robert (West, 1984) and James (West, 1989). This is where my association with, and love for, Michaelhouse began. After matriculating in 1992, I spent three years in Grahamstown at Rhodes University and after graduating in 1996, headed for London where I spent a few years working for a Southern African owned sports marketing agency, where part of my portfolio was organising large sporting events in which sponsorship relations and funding were an integral part. I was also fortunate enough to work for a large multinational financial services company where I worked in a dynamic team involved in designing and rolling out their unified client relationship management (CRM) system, which gave me valuable insight into the importance of effective, accurate and consistent customer engagement. After ten years, I was able to return to South Africa whilst in this role, and lived in Johannesburg for 15 years. The decision to send our son (George, now in A Block) was the opportunity for me to rekindle my association with Michaelhouse. As a mother, the drop off day in January 2019 was bittersweet; selfishly a terrifying prospect of letting your little boy wander off into the many quads, but also comforting at the same time, knowing what an incredible and privileged journey he was about to start. I have enjoyed the most wonderful five years as a Michaelhouse parent, and I am not ready to say farewell just yet. I buy into thinking big and long term and it is my wish that many more boys and their families are able to live the Michaelhouse experience. With this in mind, and drawing on my experience gained in both my working life and my time as a Michaelhouse sibling, parent and supporter, I’m thrilled by the opportunity to contribute to the sustainability and growth of Michaelhouse for generations to come. I am really looking forward to continuing the Michaelhouse journey as part of the team. Frances will lead the Development Office in delivering short, medium and long term funding requirements to ensure that Michaelhouse continues to stand as a preeminent educational institution that offers a rounded education that is consistently relevant to South Africa and the world. The appointment of Frances as the first full-time Head of Development for Michaelhouse is a significant moment as we move into a new era of big thinking around our school’s future. The launch of the Generational Plan in early 2024 will set out the long-term vision for Michaelhouse as we look towards 2046 and our 150 th anniversary.

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