Headmaster Gerard L. Cramer opened the 1975 Carey Staff Conference by welcoming participants and emphasising the informal yet purposeful nature of the meeting. He acknowledged key attendees, including Dr. Ian Hansen and incoming staff member Mrs. Willis, and expressed appreciation for the extensive preparatory work undertaken by staff subcommittees.

Cramer reviewed the outcomes of the 1965 and 1969 staff conferences, highlighting significant reforms such as the expansion and reorganisation of the House system, abolition of 9th Form exams, introduction of hour-long periods, development of camping and outdoor education programs, implementation of 8th Form General Studies, integrated Junior School studies, and enhancements in Religious Education, the library, and arts and technical programs.

He encouraged staff to approach the 1975 Conference with a vision for future educational development, stressing that change should be informed and purposeful. A central theme of his address was “diversity in unity”: the importance of maintaining a range of teaching styles, educational approaches, and extra-curricular offerings within a cohesive framework of the school’s broad aims, standards, and Christian ethos. Cramer also emphasized tolerance, frank discussion, and engagement across different perspectives as essential to the Conference’s success.

Finally, he reflected on the dual role of teachers as both subject specialists and mentors to students, quoting James Darling on the importance of balancing teaching with “school mastering” and the lasting impact of a teacher on pupils’ development.