Rundle at 40: A Foundation Set by Kathleen Kenny

In 2001, Rundle acquired a Montessori school located in Cliff Bungalow to support our primary program. Two years into the acquisition of the school, teacher Pam Cook needed to take a leave of absence. During that time, a friend of Mary Baird reached out to Kathleen Kenny, an educator with over 18 years of experience in Montessori, to temporarily teach Kindergarten.

At that moment, Rundle welcomed more than a substitute teacher; it welcomed a leader whose influence would shape thousands of young learners for years to come.

(Kathleen Kenny with a primary student)

A Quick Path to Leadership

After beginning as a Kindergarten substitute, Kathleen’s tenure was carried over to the next year to teach Grade 1, allowing her to continue to lay down roots in the program. By 2003, it was clear to Dr. Conklin and Mr. Hauk that what Kathleen was contributing to the Primary division could not be a temporary cause and that her veteran leadership had the potential to shape not only the Primary program but Rundle as a whole. So, Rundle made the decision to split the College K-6 division leadership, with Marianne Johnston as the 4-6 principal, and Kathleen as the principal of the new College K-3 division, becoming the official founding principal of the standalone Rundle Primary.

(Rundle K-3 campus located on Cliff Street.)

Impacting a Community Through Care

Looking back on Kathleen’s time as Principal of the K-3 division, one word rises above all others: foundational. For the young students, Primary was not only their first experience at Rundle, but the very beginning of their educational journey. Kathleen understood the importance of those early years and intentionally shaped the program to set each child on a path toward long-term success. Through her leadership, this campus and program evolved into a vibrant K-3 division that warmly introduced students and families to the Rundle community and encouraged students to discover their confidence, curiosity, and potential, all while having lots of fun along the way. It was here where the foundation was set for students to find their own success in the many years of school ahead of them.

(Kathleen Kenny, 2023)

Even as Principal, Kathleen remained a constant and visible presence for students. She is fondly remembered for holding the door each morning and greeting children with a handshake and a smile, a daily reminder that they were known, valued, and cared for. To this day, this is a key memory many of our alumni fondly share.

Kathleen believed the Primary division should feel like a family, nurturing students while also building strong connections with parents. She became a trusted and familiar presence within the parent community, ensuring families felt confident, supported, and understood during those precious early years of education.

A Lasting Foundation

Though Kathleen Kenny retired in 2011, the spirit of Rundle Primary still reflects her vision. From its culture of warmth and belonging, to its strong parent partnerships, to its reputation as a joyful and confident launching point for future learning, her influence continues to shape each new generation of students. Under her care, thousands of children began their academic journey. She built more than a program. She built a beginning. Today, she is honoured through Kenny House, where students continue to embody the joy, care, and community spirit she embedded so deeply within Rundle.

(Students from Kenny House waving their house flag)