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.

To support a smooth transition, our Deputy Principals will formally lead the School in the first half of 2026: Mr Andrew Hocking (Interim Principal, Term 1) and Mrs Julie Hall (Interim Principal, Term 2).

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