Our New Bursar
Introducing Jim Connelly, the new Bursar at St. Lawrence College, Ramsgate. Jim was born in Coleraine in Northern Ireland and served in the RAF for 24 years as an Engineer, joining in 1985 and only leaving in 2009. Although latterly with the Ministry of Defence in Whitehall, he has served all over the world and has spent time in Germany, the Middle East, Canada, Cyprus and the United States, to name a few of the far-flung places he knows quite well! He left the Services to take up the post at St. Lawrence College.
Jim Connelly is no stranger to Kent; his wife comes from Chestfield, so he has a long association with the county, as his family has been based here since 2006. He is no stranger to the challenge of raising children in today’s world either, as he is the father of five. Indeed his three oldest children are pupils at the College and all are delighted with their new surroundings. The College swimming pool is one of the big attractions to Felix, 9, who also swims for Herne Bay Herons.
In his own words, Jim spoke of family life: “It’s fantastic being part of a large family – though hard work. They’re a lively, noisy bunch, so I come to work for a rest!”
So why did he choose to work at St Lawrence College? Jim enjoys working as part of a smaller team and considers that he gets much more from a job in this way. “I was looking for a general management role in a smaller organisation”, he said. “I wanted to be more involved in the decision-making process and I was attracted by the idea of working for a charity; I particularly respect the values of this school and wanted to be part of it – in particular the Christian framework and moral values. I consider that teaching is a very noble profession!”
The convenience of living and working locally has been an added bonus – without a long commute he finds that he can spend more time together with his family. He is pleased to be working in Ramsgate. “The Thanet and North Kent towns have so much to offer,” he said. “ With their beautiful beaches and an improved infrastructure there is a bright future ahead for them, I am sure. Ramsgate is on the map once more and will continue to grow. We are delighted that we have chosen to settle in this area”.
Jim’s interests are wide-ranging: he is a keen DIY enthusiast and mad about renovating property – and their house in Chestfield is, in his own words, “75 % finished!” He is also a keen runner and triple eventer This job allows him a little more free time, in which to keep fit. Another hobby of his is restoring classic cars; he has brought new life to a VW Beetle, an Opal GT and other popular classics!
As for his hopes for the future, Jim’s are closely tied to his family, but also to the College. “I’d like to help SLC on to the next level in our success story,” he said. “There is a vibrancy in the school at the moment and I really want to be part of the journey! I share our Headmaster’s ambitions for SLC and would like to help him in further raising the profile of the College. “
The new Sports Hall is one aspect of that vision and an exciting venture in which he is participating.
One of his main roles as College Bursar is to show how accessible to prospective parents St. Lawrence College can be and to bring to public attention the generous bursaries and scholarships that are available. “The calibre of the teaching and learning environment at SLC is first class”, he said.
“I would like more people to know how much is on offer for talented youngsters. Private education is easier than many people might think and the longer term benefits of a well-rounded education are considerable”.
We wish Jim Connelly and his wife and children a long and happy association with the College - and the fulfilment of all his hopes for our community!
AJF
