When Yarra Valley Church of England Boys School commenced in 1966 with its initial 135 founding students only two Houses were needed to cater for sports and tutorials.
These first two Houses were called Kalinda and Plymouth (the names of the two roads the School fronts). With only 135 students spread from Grade 1 to Form 1 (Year 7) it wasn’t always easy to field teams to play at sports but as the School began to grow the House system became an important part of the organisation of activities.
In 1968, when the Senior School became a separate entity, it created its own two Houses Darling and Woods. The first was named after Sir James Darling who had spoken at the early fundraising dinners and the second after Sir Frank Woods, the then Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne. And in 1969 two more Senior School Houses were added in Carter and Hemphill – both named in honour of two of the School’s founders who were still members of the School Council.
In 1968 Junior School abandoned the Kalinda and Plymouth names and introduced the names, Annells, Hughes and Plummer. In 1972 a fourth House was added, Arnott – and in 1975 these four names were adopted throughout the entire School.
As we proudly celebrate the 60th anniversary of our School, we continue to honour the rich legacy of our past and present, as well as the strength of our broader Yarra Community culture.
On Monday June 22, 2026, we came together as a School to recognise a significant element of school life: our House system. This occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on the contributions and achievements of Annells, Arnott, Hughes and Plummer, while also marking an important moment of growth for our School.
Annells House
Donald G. Annells
Don was a member of the 1963 Formative Committee and became Honorary Treasurer of the Provisional Committee, as well as Honorary Treasurer of the First School Council. Don was also Treasurer of the 1964 Building Fund Appeal and right up until 1970, in an honorary capacity, he did the tasks normally done by a School Bursar.
Arnott House
Bishop Felix R. Arnott Co Adjustor Bishop of Melbourne
Bishop Felix was nominated to the 1964 council by the Archbishop and became a member of the First School Council. With Messrs Harper, Dunshea and Plummer he was part of the committee designated in August 1964 to appoint a Headmaster. His time at Yarra Valley Grammar ended in 1970 when he left to take up an appointment as Archbishop of Brisbane.
Hughes House
Robert F. Hughes
Bob Hughes was a chartered accountant and partner in Buckley & Hughes (later Coopers & Lybrand and later still Price-Waterhouse-Coopers).
In 1963 he was a member of the Provisional Committee and Chairman of its Finance sub-committee. He was a founding Member of the First Council (School Board) and was Chairman of its Finance Committee and of the 1964 Building Fund Committee. The first independent meeting of the Provisional Committee was held
in his offices, 360 Collins St. Melbourne in October 1963 and he was instrumental in negotiating the capital loan from Colonial Mutual Life society in 1963.
Plummer House
Thomas W. Plummer
Previously Principal of Wadhurst, Melbourne Grammar, Tom became a member of our Formative Committee and then the Provisional Committee in 1963. His advice on educational matters was important and he served as Chairman of the Educational Committee on the first School Council in which role he advised on administrative procedures, school uniform and the selection of a Headmaster. He also assisted Don Annells with advice on the role of a Bursar and personally did the enrolling of students until the new Headmaster, J R Pascoe undertook that role in September 1965.
It is with pride that we announce the introduction of four new Houses from the beginning of 2027 from ELC to Year 12. These Houses will join our existing Houses, contributing their own traditions, spirit and competitive culture to our already proud and storied history and they will play an integral role in shaping our future.
Students, staff and special guests shared in this significant occasion, as we expanded our House system to honour the contributions of four prominent members of the Yarra community. The new Houses will formally commence their participation in House events, activities and competitions in 2027.
They are as follows:
Vick House
Gary Vick
Gary Vick’s connection to Yarra Valley Grammar began as a parent, choosing the School for his sons, Damian and Stephen, and quickly deepening his involvement. Joining the Board in 1996, he served for sixteen years, including as Chair (2008–2011), providing steady leadership during challenging times of transition, financial pressure and declining enrolments. He played a key role in appointing Principal Dr Mark Merry and co-founded Yarra Sport. Gary also encouraged future leaders and strengthened community culture. Supported by his family, his legacy includes governance, philanthropy and inspiration. Vick House honours his commitment, courage and enduring impact on the School’s stability and future direction.
Tipping House
Sarah Tipping
Sarah Tipping joined Yarra Valley Grammar’s Board in 2001 and she served eighteen years, including nine as its first female Chair. Sarah provided strategic leadership, notably guiding the School through the 2012 fire and subsequent redevelopment. Balancing career and parenthood shaped her resilience and empathy. She is a distinguished leader whose career spans real estate, finance, governance and education. A pioneer in Victoria’s real estate industry, she became one of its first female auctioneers and directors, earning recognition as Victorian Telstra Business Woman of the Year. Tipping House honours her enduring legacy of courage, service, thoughtful leadership and commitment to community and future generations.
Hirst House
Andrew Hirst
Andrew Hirst is a lifelong member of the Yarra Valley Grammar community, with a connection spanning generations. Beginning as a student in 1977 alongside his brothers, he later returned as a parent, with his children and extended family attending the School. Despite early academic challenges, he developed resilience through sport and strong support. Andrew joined the Board in 2012, serving twelve years, including five as Chair. He guided the School through COVID-19 and major developments, strengthening its future. His legacy reflects deep commitment, perseverance and community spirit. Hirst House honours his enduring service, leadership and belief in contribution and belonging.
Edwards house
Carrie Edwards-Britt
Carrie Edwards‑Britt has a deep and enduring connection to Yarra Valley Grammar, beginning as a student in the Class of 1999, where she excelled in leadership, sport and creative writing. Her strong sense of belonging continued beyond school through friendships, community involvement and reconnecting at her reunion, where she met her husband. Carrie’s service grew through the Old Grammarians Committee, and she later joined the School and Foundation Boards. Now Chair of the School Board, she brings entrepreneurial skill, strong leadership and passion for community. Edwards House honours her lifelong commitment, reflecting belonging, service and the lasting value of connection.
The School extends its sincere gratitude to all who have contributed to their Houses over the past 60 years and we eagerly anticipate our first House event in 2027 featuring all eight Houses.
