Meet our Leadership Team
Rob French is an inspiring and passionate education leader who has a clear passion for delivering innovative and entrepreneurial education programs, and building capability in young students to prepare them for the 21st century.
Prior to his appointment as Principal at Kilvington Grammar School, Rob was the Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School at Camberwell Grammar School, a position he held for four years. Prior to this, he held the role of Head of Middle School for five years. Rob has also held positions as Deputy Head of Middle School with Geelong Grammar School and Head of House at Carey Baptist Grammar School.
While at Camberwell Grammar, Rob was instrumental at developing Emotional Intelligence and Respectful Relationships programs in the Senior School, as well as overseeing a major review of the Pastoral Care program. He led a cross-campus team that created a set of values for the Camberwell Grammar community and was also involved in the introduction of a continuous online reporting model.
Demonstrating his commitment to preparing young people and creating leaders for the 21st century, Rob spearheaded research into the skills most in demand by employers in the future and oversaw the introduction of new electives in the Middle School, including a STEM-based robotics unit. He also introduced an entrepreneurship program that saw Middle School students from four schools forming teams to raise funds for an international charity.
Throughout his career, Rob has developed wonderful relationships with students, staff, parents and Alumni. The breadth of this career has seen Rob develop deep experience in school leadership encompassing strategic planning, teaching and learning practice, student wellbeing, staff management and development, and community engagement.
Rob holds a Bachelor of Arts (History, Politics, Psychology and Sociology) from Monash University, a Graduate Diploma in Education from Monash University, Diploma of Business Management and Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management from the Australian Institute of Management. He also holds a Certificate III and IV in Fitness and Certificate IV in Workplace Assessment and Training.
Rob is the founder and convener of the Middle School Leaders’ Network.
Julia has taught at a number of schools including Braemar College, Geelong Grammar and Bialik College, as well as in the UK. Her leadership roles include Dean of Research and Pedagogy, Head of Middle School Curriculum and Acting Head of Middle School.
Complementing her extensive leadership experience, Julia has just completed her Masters of Instructional Leadership. For three years, Julia was involved in the University of Melbourne Network of Schools where the focus of her group was data literacy.
Julia’s strengths include her ability to relate to and lead others, manage change, her extensive knowledge of curriculum and pedagogy, and her ability to interpret data. She is passionate about ensuring pedagogical approaches are in line with current research and best practice and is keen to implement key initiatives that contribute to outstanding learning outcomes for students.
Julia has a Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Arts (Australian Catholic University), and Masters of Instructional Leadership (University of Melbourne).
Lucas has more than a decade of senior leadership experience in independent schools in Victoria and Western Australia.
He has held roles which include Assistant Dean of Junior School, Deputy Head of Campus and, most recently, Acting Head of Junior School at Caulfield Grammar School’s Wheelers Hill Campus.
Lucas has an in-depth understanding of the strategic and operational facets of educational leadership, as well as hands-on experience dealing with the practical, pedagogical, community connection and wellbeing facets of leading a Junior School.
Passionate about creating and sustaining student-centred and personalised learning experiences, as well as promoting and supporting the wellbeing and wellness of all members of the School community, Lucas values open, honest and respectful communication and strong connections between the school and each family. He also actively seeks meaningful ways for students to connect with and positively contribute to their local and broader community.
With a commitment to life-long learning, Lucas has completed a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts (Deakin University), Graduate Diploma of Educational Leadership (University of Western Australia) and a Master of Educational Leadership (University of Melbourne). He is a Member of the Australian College of Educational Leaders.
As an educator, Matt is passionate about instilling respect for self and others in the community of which acceptance, celebration and appreciation of diversity is a cornerstone.
Matt's overall goal is to help students develop a love for learning, to teach clear thinking based on research, analysis and problem-solving, and to set and achieve realistic and fulfilling goals.
Matt has completed a Bachelor of Science (Zoology, Marine Science and Geography), Graduate Diploma of Education and Master of Education (Science and Information Technology). He has taught at Deakin University, Beaconhills College, Methodist Ladies’ College, and Northcote High School. Aswell as Head of Senior School, Matt is the former Academic Dean of Science and oversees the Pastoral Care of all students Years 7-12.
Alice James was appointed to the School Executive in 2021. As the Dean of Teaching and Learning, Alice is passionate about developing a transdisciplinary, skills-based education and interrogating data to inform teaching and learning outcomes.
At Kilvington, she leads the development of professional learning teams to build reflective and collaborative teaching practice, with a focus on Hattie’s High Impact Teaching Strategies. Alice has also developed programs and curricula to excite and engage students and build their 21st century skills.
In addition to leadership and teaching roles in the UK and Australia, Alice has partnered with Independent Schools Victoria to lead professional learning on implementing STEAM projects and has recently been appointed as an ISV Teacher Fellow for 2022. She regularly contributes to the Science Teacher Association of Victoria and has facilitated professional learning for VCE Biology as part of their VCE conference series.
Alice has a Master of Teaching and Learning from the Institute of Education, London; a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Science) from the University of Oxford; and a Master of Natural Sciences (Zoology) from the University of Cambridge.
Liz joined Kilvington Grammar as Director of Admissions in 2015 bringing with her a unique combination of teaching, administration, management, and customer service experience.
She previously held the position as Registrar and Enquiry Manager with the Australian International School (AIS) in Singapore. She also held a teaching position with the AIS.
Liz has held roles with Stage and Screen Travel and Qantas. Liz is a qualified primary and secondary teacher specialising in Biology and Health Education, and holds a Bachelor of Applied Science.
Joining Kilvington in 2018, Hirian brings 20 years’ experience in strategic planning, project management, corporate governance, financial management and leadership and negotiation skills in the education and commercial sectors.
His 11 years’ experience in the education sector includes senior management roles with Fintona Girls’ School and St Margaret’s, Berwick, Grammar School.
Hirian has a double degree in Accounting and Computing, is a past President of the Australian School Business Administrators (Vic), and currently is a Fellow of the Australian Certified Practising Accountants (CPA).
Camilla has more than 30 years marketing, communications and PR experience in senior management, consulting and startup roles in Melbourne and Sydney.
A strategic thinker, her experience includes general management and business development, stakeholder management and community engagement, brand development, public relations, campaign development, and digital media strategy and implementation.
Prior to Kilvington, Camilla held marketing and communications roles with the Australian Childhood Foundation, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute and the Australian Scholarships Group.
Camilla has worked as a freelance journalist with The Age, BRW, and marketing magazine, B&T.
Alex was appointed to the role of Dean of Operations in 2019 and joined the School Executive at the end of 2019. Alex has since been appointed to the role of Director of Human Resources and Operations where she oversees Human Resources and Operations across the whole School.
She has extensive experience in managing the day-to-day operations in an education setting including time-tabling and daily organising. Alex has successfully introduced new programs to streamline business processes increasing efficiencies and staff morale. Alex completed her Masters of Business Administration specialising in Strategic Human Resource Management in 2019 and has since been a Professional Member of AHRI (Australian HR Institute) and has completed further training in this area.
Alex also has a teaching background specialising in Performing Arts.
In addition to her MBA, Alex has a Postgraduate Certificate of Education and BA honours in Popular Music and Recording.
Expand below to learn more about Kilvington's current Directors.
Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering with Honours, MBA, MAICD
Sarah joined the Board in 2017 and was appointed as Chair in 2022. Sarah also attended Kilvington from Prep to Year 12 graduating in 1999.
She is the Senior Manager of Engineering Strategy and Operations for Boeing Defence Australia. Prior to this Sarah held various engineering and management roles over the past 17 years at Boeing, most recently as the Composites Technology Manager at Boeing Research and Technology Australia, leading a team in resin infusion material and process development and helping guide the Enterprise Resin Infusion Roadmap. Sarah previously led the liaison engineering team across all programs at Boeing Aerostructures Australia, and prior to that she worked as a design engineer and an liaison Engineer both in Melbourne and Seattle.
A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company directors, Sarah is also the Chair of industry body Aviation/Aerospace Australia and is on the industry advisory boards for Aerospace Engineering at Monash University and Chairs the Sir Lawrence Wackett Defence and Aerospace Centre industry advisory board at RMIT University. Sarah holds an Executive MBA from Monash University and a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering (Hons) from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.
Sarah is passionate about gender equality and encouraging more young women into STEM careers.
Master of Arts with Honours (Economics), Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland
Richard was appointed to the Board in 2019 and has more than 25 years corporate experience, with expertise in the fields of finance, governance, commerce and strategy. Richard is currently on a career break, having previously been the Chief Financial Officer of ASX-listed PEXA (Property Exchange Australia), responsible for all aspects of finance, compliance and risk management.
During his career, Richard has held senior finance leadership roles in multiple industries, including CFO of ASX-listed MYOB, CFO of Jetstar Airways and CFO of Bankwest’s Business Bank.
Bachelor of Communications, Bachelor of Economics, Bachelor of Business with Honours, CPM
Jeremy was appointed to the Board in 2020 to provide strategic expertise in marketing, communications, customer experience, innovation and digital technologies.
During his career, Jeremy has held marketing and sales leaderships roles in fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), automotive, construction and technology sectors leading teams in some of Australia’s most respected organisations such as Foster’s Group, Ford Motor Company and Henley Properties. He brings strong commercial acumen together with expertise in brand strategy, digital marketing and customer-centricity.
Master of Marketing, Bachelor of Journalism
Everard was appointed to the Board in 2020. He brings expertise in the fields of marketing, customer experience and reputation management. Over his career, Everard has held marketing leadership roles with Monash IVF Group, Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Spotless Group Limited, Genetic Technologies Limited and CSIRO.
Everard also worked as a media advisor to the former Victorian Education and Training Minister Lynne Kosky. In 2018, Everard was recognised as one of the top 50 Marketers in Australia as judged by CMO Magazine Australia (IDG).
Bachelor of Arts (Economics), Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia, FGIA
Sheri was appointed to the Board in 2019 and has over 30 years of professional experience within the areas of governance, change management, leadership, financial management, risk management, process improvement and compliance. Sheri is currently Deputy CEO at Unison Housing Limited.
Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), Bachelor of Science (Statistics), CPA, FGIA, FFIN, GAICD
Rodney was to appointed to the Board in 2023. Rodney is currently the Director of Operations at Crossway. Prior to this appointment, Rodney was the CFO for Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL).
Rodney has over twenty years of diverse experience in the education sector, from financial management and accounting & reporting, to in-house software development and corporate governance.
Bachelor of Science (Biomedical) with Honours, MBA
Sarah was appointed to the Board in 2022. She is a former Kilvington student and graduated in 2003.
Over her career, Sarah has gained experience in a range of sectors including medical research, finance and local and state government. She is currently the Senior Policy Advisor in Government Land Advice and Assessment with the Victorian State Government, providing strategic advice on land use strategy and selection of sites for community and other government infrastructure, including education precincts.
Sarah is President of the Kilvington Alumni Committee and is passionate in building a strong thriving school community.
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws with Honours, CGP
Miranda was appointed to the Board in 2023, and is a former student, attending from 1987-1999.
Miranda is a Senior Legal Counsel at Peninsula Health and has over 15 years legal experience in the private and public sectors. Miranda obtained the Certificate in Governance Practice from the Governance Institute of Australia in 2023.