School headmaster quits just months into job
March 3, 2010
Jesse McLean
STAFF REPORTER
It took a year of sifting through 250 applicants before Royal St. George's College selected Steven Griffin as its new headmaster.
Just seven months later, the private boys' school is again without a leader after Griffin abruptly resigned last week
Students say they were told a "personal matter" was behind Griffin's departure, but little other information has made its way outside the Annex-area school on Howland Ave. near Bloor and Bathurst Sts.
"Steve made a very personal decision that he wished to remain as a private matter between him and his family. We're respecting those wishes," said Paul O'Leary, acting headmaster.
"Obviously, you never look to have a headmaster leave in the middle of a school year ... but we respect his decision."
Griffin was hired in August 2009 to replace Hal Hannaford, an affable headmaster who had worked at the college for 12 years.
Though only 38 when he was hired, Griffin already had a long history with Toronto private schools. He spent 14 years at Upper Canada College, arriving there on a one-year contract to fill in for a computer science teacher on sabbatical and eventually becoming the head of the Upper School.
A sports enthusiast, he also coached football, basketball, track and golf.
Griffin could not be reached for comment on his resignation.
His exit means the 425-student school is back on the market for a headmaster. While a hiring committee hasn't been formed yet, the board of governors hopes to have the position filled by the end of the school year.
Toronto Star