As Kalamunda entered its fourth year as an Independent Public School in 2014, and developed a new three year Business Plan, the School Board looked to mark the occasion by appointing a School Patron.
The Board developed a set of criteria for the Patron which included, being a former student, having made a contribution to the local and Western Australian community and upholding the school values.
There were a number of possible candidates however the Board could look no further than Dr John Owen. Dr Owen who attended Kalamunda in the 1960’s has been an exemplary Western Australian for many decades. He is a leading orthodontist and carries out amazing voluntary dental work throughout the Kimberley region. Dr Owen is recognised for his contribution to Australian society by being appointed a member of the Order of Australia in 2010. Dr Owen also keeps close contact with his old school and has for 24 years, awarded the John R Owen encouragement Award to a Year 10 student.
“Kalamunda Senior High School has a proud history of great respect between staff and students. With this respect and community support, we work as a team to uphold our school motto of “Wisdom and Courage”. Forty years later, I see in the students of today the same respect, quest for knowledge, determination to succeed and pride in their achievements. The School’s values of Community, Respect, Resilience, Pride and Love of Learning, continues the journey.” (Dr John Owen)
Dr John R. Owen AM – Inaugural School Patron (2014)
MDSc (WA), FICD, MRADCS (Orth), CPL (H)
Past Student – Kalamunda Junior High School (1967 – 1969)
