Published on February 5, 2025
After an incredible 20 years with HVGS, Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School, Greg Robinson, has made the decision to retire at the end of 2025. Since joining us in 2004, Greg has been an integral part of our school community. His dedication, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to our students and the School have shaped so much of what makes HVGS special today. We will be celebrating Greg and his outstanding contribution to HVGS later this year, and we’ll share details of those celebrations in due course.
We know that filling Greg’s shoes was never going to be an easy task. To ensure we found the best possible candidate, HVGS undertook a rigorous recruitment and selection process in partnership with leading educational recruitment specialists, ANZUK Executive. This process attracted an exceptionally strong field of candidates from across NSW, Australia and internationally. The final short-listed candidates were interviewed by three different panels (including a student panel) and after careful consideration, I am delighted to announce that Ms Melissa Riley has been appointed as our new Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School (photo attached).
Melissa has a wealth of experience in leading teaching and learning in Senior Schools and is a dynamic, thought leader. Her strong background in learning innovation will support the ongoing development of academic programs that are fit for purpose, engaging for young adolescents and provide a strong preparation for Year 11 and 12 studies and life beyond school. Melissa has worked in the Catholic and Anglican sectors and has experience with both the HSC and IB Diploma. Melissa’s commitment to, and alignment with, the HVGS vision, values and strategy were palpable throughout the process. It was evident that she is eager to help us realise our vision, support our students, collaborate with staff, and build strong partnerships with families. With two daughters attending school and university in Sydney, and another studying at the University of Newcastle, Melissa is excited to make the move from Geelong back to NSW. As an avid sports enthusiast, I have no doubt we’ll see Melissa at many of our sporting tournaments and events!
Melissa will commence her role at HVGS on 21 July 2025. To ensure a smooth and seamless transition, Melissa will work alongside Greg Robinson for the remainder of the year. This handover period will allow her to immerse herself in the HVGS community and prepare to fully step into the role when Greg retires in December.
Melissa has asked that we share these words with the community:
“I am absolutely delighted to be joining the HVGS community and look forward to getting to know my colleagues, the HVGS students and their families. It is rare to join a community where you have felt so warmly welcomed and comfortable at once. It will be wonderful to fully immerse myself in all that HVGS has to offer, sharing highs and lows, perseverance and growth with staff, students and parents. And I get to have this experience in the Hunter Valley no less, a place steeped in history, culture and natural beauty! I am still pinching myself.”
I look forward to introducing Melissa to you in the coming months, and I am confident you will find her warmth, experience, and commitment to excellence as inspiring as we do.
In the meantime, please join me in thanking Greg for his remarkable service to HVGS and I look forward to celebrating his service and many achievements over the coming year.
Rebecca Butterworth
HVGS Principal