Published on June 17, 2021
On behalf of the School Board, it is my great pleasure to announce that Rebecca Butterworth has been appointed as the fifth Principal of Hunter Valley Grammar School.
Rebecca’s appointment followed an extensive selection process conducted in partnership with leading educational recruitment specialists, anzuk executive. This decision was preceded by a best practice recruitment process which drew an exceptionally strong field of candidates from across Australia and internationally. Beginning in February the process concluded this week, and we could not be more pleased with the outcome of Rebecca’s appointment.
Rebecca is an experienced educator with a proven leadership record in diverse schools in Europe, Asia and Australia. She graduated from the University of Tasmania, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours and a double major in English, with minors in History and Psychology. More recently Rebecca completed her master’s dissertation “Analysis of the IB’s commitment to altruistic education”. Her commitment to lifelong study, values-based leadership, service to education and pathways for all students is richly entrenched in her DNA.
With over 20 years’ experience, Rebecca has taught in Australia, Singapore, China and Switzerland. She is currently the High School Principal for 1300 students and 140 staff at the United World College of South East Asia, Singapore. Prior to her appointment in Singapore, Rebecca was the Principal of Inter-Community School in Zurich, Switzerland. Rebecca has additionally held significant leadership roles such as Assistant Principal and MYP Coordinator at Western Academy of Beijing.
Having taught overseas since 2003, Rebecca returns to Australia with a wealth of knowledge and understands a global perspective on education that will further enhance our community and the aspirations of our students and their families. She is a vibrant and passionate Principal who is collaborative in approach, with high regard for integrity, humility and building capacity.
Having been Principal in her last two appointments, Rebecca has a strong understanding of strategy, governance, and practice. She ensures a deep sense of listening and understanding of key stakeholders to support data driven practice to improve outcomes.
I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to Fiona Devlin for her support in generously agreeing to lead the School during this transition period and acknowledge her contribution to the role and our community over this time. Fiona will continue to steward the School until Rebecca assumes the Principal role in Term 1, 2022. Fiona will then return to her role as Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School.
Thank you also to the Executive Leadership Team comprising of Nick Jolliffe (Dean of Academics), Xanthe Fallins (Chief Financial Officer) and Daniel McClintock (Head of Junior School) for their support to the Board and Fiona in managing School operations over the last six months. We look forward to Rebecca, Fiona and the Leadership Team working together to lead our School and community into the future.
On behalf of our community, we once again congratulate Rebecca on her appointment. We very much look forward to welcoming Rebecca, and her family, to Hunter Valley Grammar School.
Yours Sincerely
Kris Littlewood
Chairman of the School Board
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Hunter Valley Grammar School; Dr Ken Dobler; Mr Tony Dockrill; Mrs Heather McLaren OAM; Mrs Michelle McPherson; Rev Dr George Garnsey; Ms Jodi Stapleton; and Ms Gillian Geraghty.