I am pleased to announce the appointment of two new appointments to the Senior Leadership Team.

Assistant Principal - Primary (Kalkallo campus)

This is a new role to lead the Primary school at the new Kalkallo campus. Mrs Kristen Smith is currently the Head of Junior School at Beaconhills College (Pakenham), a role she has held these last 4 years. She is responsible for 420 students from Prep to Year 4 and has in her charge some 40 teaching and non-teaching staff. From 2004 to 2017 Kristen taught and led at Wesley College where she held a number of leadership roles. She commenced as a classroom teacher, then advanced to the Head of Learning - Mathematics for 7 years, whilst also for 4 years teaching gifted education. Kristen was then appointed as IB PYP Curriculum Coordinator a position she held for 5 years at the Glen Waverly campus, and in her final 3 years was the Wesley College Head of Primary Years Program leading the IB PYP across all three campuses. Prior experience includes teaching at Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Independent Schools Eastern Suburbs, Manchester Primary School and Bayside Christian College.

With extensive educational background and leadership experience, Kristen brings a wealth of knowledge to this very important role in leading the new Primary school at the soon to be constructed third campus for Hume Anglican Grammar. Kristen is committed to holistic education, a strategic leader who inspires trust and engages all stakeholders in a school community. She has operated extensively advancing the professional growth of teachers, skilled at very effectively dealing with students and parents and working collaboratively with colleagues.

Kristen completed her Master of Education (Gifted Education) in 2011, a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (Gifted Education) in 2002 and her Bachelor of Education, all at Monash University. She completed her Diploma of Teaching (Primary) at Victoria College.

Kristen will commence next year and be stationed at the Donnybrook campus along with her 5 classes of Kalkallo students. During the year the first stage of their campus will be built, and they will then relocate in 2023 along with additional classes commencing in that year.

Assistant Principal - Secondary (Mt Ridley campus)

This is to replace Ms Penelope Monger who was appointed Deputy Principal mid-July. Mr Jeremy Martin comes to us from Overnewton Anglican Community College where he has since 2018 served as the Head of Senior School (10-12). Prior he was the Head of Middle School (7-9) for three years at Brighton Grammar School. Jeremy was the Assistant Principal – Co-curricular and Operations and Director of Music at Surbiton High School, London UK from 2002-2004. He has a performing arts background and previously taught music and held leadership roles as Head of Accompaniment at Beaconhills College, Head of Keyboard and Accompaniment at Mentone Girls’ Grammar School, and Choral Director at Blackburn High School.

In these roles, Jeremy has effectively created and implemented a vibrant and compelling vision for the future through a consultative and collaborative approach. His leadership has led to significant changes including: improved academic outcomes; increased enrolments; streamlined operations; investment in upgraded facilities; the creation of additional roles of responsibility; and a positive shift in culture, expectation and morale.

Jeremy has a Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) from Monash University, Master of Music Performance and Bachelor of Music Performance both from the Victorian College of the Arts, Melbourne University.

I am confident these appointments will further enhance the capacity of senior leadership and add greater strength to the school as it continues to grow. I look forward to introducing Kristen and Jeremy, and also the other 2022 appointments to the School community in Term 4.

On behalf of the Hume community, I extend the warmest of welcomes to all new staff and look forward to them joining us next year.

Bill Sweeney - Principal