At Yarra Valley Grammar, teaching and learning is our core purpose. From Early Learning through to Year 12, we focus on developing confident, independent learners equipped with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
I am delighted to share an important and exciting update with our community: Dr Amy Van Arkkels has been appointed as the next Principal of Yarra Valley Grammar, commencing Term 3, 2026.
Following a genuinely far-reaching search with ANZUK, the Board was encouraged by the strength of the field and grateful for the level of interest in leading Yarra. Throughout the process, we kept coming back to what matters most: protecting the Yarra spirit, delivering academic excellence, and ensuring every student feels safe, known and supported.
Dr Van Arkkels joins us from Newington College, where she has served as Deputy, Academic (K–12) for the past four years. She brings a strong track record in teaching and learning, evidence-informed practice, and building great teams through meaningful professional development.
Beyond her leadership experience across several prominent Sydney independent schools, Dr Van Arkkels has recently completed her PhD, researching teacher self-efficacy and resilience and what best supports early career teachers a focus that speaks to her care for both students and staff.
We can’t wait to welcome Dr Van Arkkels to Yarra and we look forward to what’s ahead.
Mrs Carrie Edwards-Britt
Chair of the Board, Yarra Valley Grammar
