Darwin

As we commence 2026, I am pleased to introduce the new members of our brilliant HRS Executive Team, whose collective expertise, commitment and care will continue to shape the educational experience of our students and the strength of our community. Our Executive Team is characterised by experienced and quality educators. The stability and longevity of this team will be enhanced by the freshness and enthusiasm of our new members. I am confident to say that HRS has the best School Executive Team in the Northern Territory.

Mr Tom Ziebell joins the Executive after relocating from Carey Grammar, Melbourne and the Carey Zero Project he established in far north Queensland. He takes up the role as Director of Boarding. Tom brings broad experience across multiple school settings and a strong commitment to student wellbeing, connection and personal growth within our boarding context. He is a calm and experienced leader who has made an early positive impact with staff, students and boarding families.

Also joining us from Carey Grammar Melbourne is Ms Katherine Ziebell, our new Head of Middle School. Katherine is an experienced and highly regarded educator who is deeply focused on student engagement, inclusive practice and supporting young adolescents through this important stage of their learning journey. Katherine has already impressed students and staff alike with her articulate and insightful thoughts on thriving in adolescence. Importantly, she is also a passionate and talented English teacher.

Dr Susannah Ritchie, a long-term and admired staff member, finally has all her children at HRS and has become full-time. As such, she steps into the Executive as our Director of Coaching. This role represents an exciting expansion of her leadership that will assist all staff and students across our school. A passionate and accomplished English teacher, who is known to regularly help our students achieve their very best, Susannah is also a brilliant team player who is always interested in improving teaching and learning. She is perfectly suited to her new coaching role.

Ms Emma McDonald, well known to many families through her previous role as Deputy Head of Junior School, has also been promoted to the Executive Team as Director of Advancement and Engagement. Emma’s deep understanding of our local community and her strong relational approach will be central to strengthening partnerships with families and stakeholders. Emma’s role will include oversight of International Relations, Marketing, Admissions, Music and Performing Arts, and Community Engagement. Her energy and dynamism will serve us well.

Mr Marc Vegter joins the Executive, having moved to our Darwin campus after 18 years in a wide range of leadership roles across a number of Haileybury Melbourne campuses. Mark is a Maths teacher and data guru and his extensive analytical experience across the Haileybury network will be invaluable as he supports strategic initiatives and our digital evolution across the School. Marc will help us continue our journey to providing innovative data-informed practice in all that we do.

Mr Brendan Evans has been promoted into the new action-packed role as our first Director of Activities. While continuing to teach his beloved Humanities subjects, Brendan will bring together the ever-expanding suite of activities that happen outside the classroom. This includes sports, House, camps, outdoor education, trips and tours, after-school activities, clubs and much more. In recent years, with the increased student demand and strong teacher support, our offerings are extensive. One of Brendan’s jobs is to bring every element together to show us exactly what all these options are.

Ms Emily Fryer has also been promoted to a new whole-school role as Director of Student Wellbeing, after several outstanding and fulfilling years as our Head of Indigenous Student Wellbeing. Emily will continue to support the Hub team but provide extensive and informed wellbeing support to boarding, and all Middle and Senior School students. She will work closely with the Deputy Principal (Wellbeing), Ms Wendy Pickering-Tyers.

At the heart of this leadership team’s work is a shared belief that every student matters every day, and that every staff member matters every day.

In summary, the HRS Executive Leadership team for 2026 is:

Andrew McGregor
Principal, Haileybury Rendall School