Darwin

Celebrating our Committed Darwin Vice Principals

As we have grown beyond 1,000 students and with over 200 staff in 2024, I thought it would be timely to describe the roles carried out by our three exceptional Vice Principals. It is rather special that each of these leaders has been here for several years and is committed to our future.

Felicity Pearson joined HRS at the start of 2021. Her role as Deputy Principal has developed and evolved over time with many portfolios that have drawn on the skillsets she developed from 20 years at Wesley College, Melbourne and its offshoot, Yiramalay College in the Kimberley, Western Australia. Currently Felicity oversees many areas including enrolments, marketing, Indigenous education, international relations, risk and compliance, policies and special events. Currently she is in Indonesia working for Haileybury to further relationships and develop enrolment opportunities for our international boarding school. Felicity has a passion for the Performing Arts and is again taking a lead role directing the School musical, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Dennis Nowak is our Deputy Principal of Teaching and Learning. This whole-school role focuses on what is often described as our “core business” learning. In this role, Dennis oversees all elements of teaching, learning, curriculum, assessment and reporting. He is well-supported by all our learning leaders who include Heads of Department (HoDs) in the Middle School and Senior School and our Junior School Deputy Heads, Emma McDonald and Maddie McAllister. Dennis joined HRS in 2021 as Director of Boarding but is enjoying his second year in the DP role. He is passionate about differentiation, challenge and high expectations. With two children in the Junior School, I am hoping we have him hooked at HRS for years to come.

Wendy Pickering-Tyers joined HRS before I arrived and is now our Deputy Principal of Wellbeing. Her role as Head of the Senior School has prepared her perfectly for this senior leadership role. Wendy has a focus on all things to do with health, safety and wellbeing across the entire school. She works very closely with each of the four Heads of School; Michelle Shaw (ELC), Lisa Doyle (JS), Brendan Evans (MS) and Kylie Mobilia (SS). Wendy sets and encourages high standards in all she does for staff and students. She works closely with matters of wellbeing among boarders, the Indigenous Wellbeing Hub staff and students, and guiding the school counsellors. Wendy also manages complex behavioural issues along with the Heads of School.

It is wonderful to acknowledge our three amazing Deputy Principals and celebrate all their great work and ongoing commitment to our wonderful Territory school.