CXK is delighted to announce the new appointment of Sonette Schwartz as Chair for our Board of Trustees.
Sonette commenced her new role on 1st January, replacing Dick Fedorcio OBE who, after — 6 years’ service as Chair and previously 3 years as a Trustee, has completed his exemplary terms of office. Dick has worked hard to support the management, staff and Trustees of CXK, positioning CXK as a leading charity across the South of England.
Sonette has been appointed following a comprehensive recruitment process which included external candidates. She has already served on the CXK Board of Trustees for 6 years, and has a wealth of experience in the education sector.
Sonette was educated in South Africa and completed her education at the University of Pretoria. She spent the first ten years of her teaching career working in Africa in a variety of schools.
After immigrating to England in 1993 Sonette initially worked as an English teacher in Kent. She accepted a promotion as Head of English to Chatham Grammar School for Boys in 1997 where she remained until 2000.
In September 2000 Sonette moved to The Cornwallis School in Maidstone where she remained until 2008. In her time at Cornwallis she was Head of English, Assistant Headteacher and Head of School when the school federated with another two schools in difficulties.
In September 2008 Sonette became the Principal at Brockhill Park Performing Arts College in Hythe; she took the school through 4 successful OFSTED inspections and became Executive Principal in 2021. During her tenure she was a member of the Supervisory Directorate of the KMPF (Kent and Medway Progression Forum) and a founding member of the Ashford Teaching Alliance where she led on Initial Teacher Training. Furthermore, she served on the Senior Operational Group for the Pixl Organisation, an educational organisation interested in raising outcomes for all. Sonette retired from education in September 2022.
CXK’s CEO, Pauline Smith, says, “Our Board plays a vital role in how we operate as a Charity, ensuring clear strategy, vision and support of our extensive programmes of support to young people and adults across the region. We’re delighted to welcome Sonette as Chair and have no doubt that she will continue to champion our vision and lead our talented Board as we drive forward the next stage of the charity’s growth and development.
“We also want to thank Dick for his incredible contribution and commitment to CXK over the past six years. During his time as Chair, Dick has provided unwavering support to the CXK team. We can’t thank him enough.”
Commenting on her new role, Sonette said, “It is such an honour to have been appointed Chair of Trustees for this wonderful charity. I have known and worked alongside CXK for many years, both in a private and professional capacity. It is with pride that I have witnessed the work of colleagues to be inspirational and life-changing and I know that CXK will continue to touch the lives of many.”
